Meltzer/Mandl Architects completes 105-unit development

Meltzer/Mandl Architects has completed the Sister Thomas Apartments, a seven-story affordable housing development offering 105 homes in the Hunts Point section of the South Bronx. Occupancy of the Sister Thomas Apartments, at 870 Southern Blvd., marks the conclusion of a 40-year neighborhood revitalization effort spearheaded by the South East Bronx Community Organization (SEBCO) under the leadership of community leader Father Louis Gigante. Father Gigante founded SEBCO in 1968 to bring affordable buildings, private homes, condos and coops, trees and neighborhood parks to the once deteriorated area. Built on the last city-owned vacant parcel in Hunts Point, the 114,000 s/f Sister Thomas Apartments offers residents affordable two-bedroom homes with hardwood floors. "Being involved in this important piece of the Hunts Point revitalization was an honor for our team," said David Carpenter, RA, senior associate and director of development at Meltzer/Mandl. "Father Gigante and the entire SEBCO Development team had an excellent vision for this once troubled neighborhood and we are gratified to have been a part of the transformation. With the Sister Thomas Apartments, the residents of Hunts Point have a new, highly appealing affordable housing option." The project team also included: Wexler & Associates as the structural engineer; Glickman Engineering as the mechanical/electrical and plumbing engineer; and Galaxy Contracting as the general contractor.