Gran Kriegel Associates designs two new residential buildings

Gran Kriegel Associates has designed two new residential buildings sponsored by not-for-profit organizations which receive funding from a combination of sources, including public agencies and tax credits. When completed, the projects will offer long-term housing with onsite services to support more independent living for a range of populations. Urban Pathways is developing a 50-unit building on 2nd S. in Astoria, Queens, which will be fully built by September and is funded by the New York State Office of Mental Health. Comunilife is developing the El Rio Residence on Boston Rd. in the Bronx with support from New York City's Department of Housing, Preservation and Development. It will be completed by the end of 2013. In Astoria, the new building features 50 studios on day-lit corridors with communal lounge space on each of six floors. A multipurpose room can accommodate informal gatherings, meetings, and other communal activities while primarily used for dining with a kitchen permitting residents to prepare shared meals. Kitchenettes are provided in each 320 s/f unit. The El Rio Residence in the West Farms area of the Bronx (2064 Boston Rd. at 179th St.) is a green residence with 65 studio units. The 8-story residence will include a cellar and stands on a minimal footprint of 4,965 s/f to allow the preservation of landscaped areas. The project intends to enroll in NYSERDA's Multifamily Performance Program New Construction (MPP) with ENERGY STAR. The project's energy-efficient elements are designed to exceed the minimum 15% cost savings over ASHRAE 90.1-2007 and to be in compliance with Enterprise Green Communities standards.