October 28, 2013 -
Green Buildings
According to Magnusson Architecture and Planning (MAP), its latest workforce housing project, 22 Tarrytown Rd. has opened.
Westhab, one of the largest providers of affordable and workforce housing in Westchester County, commissioned the project.
The new structure replaces a distressed motel that had been used as a homeless shelter. Its design is comparable to market-rate housing, and it beautifies the surrounding neighborhood. Despite initial community resistance to the project, demand for its units far exceeded supply: 450 applications were filed for 28 available units, which range from studios to two-bedrooms for low-income individuals and families.
"The popularity of these new workforce apartments demonstrates the severity of the housing shortage in Westchester County," said Bob Miller, president and CEO of Westhab. "We are pleased to have responded to that need together with MAP, whose innovative housing design has helped alleviate community concerns about how affordable housing will fit in their neighborhood. The design has substantially improved the look of the neighborhood.
The building is on track to receive LEED for Homes Silver Certification. Its façade is composed of alternating vertical volumes, balconies, shutters, awnings, and unique treatment of siding materials to give the large building a domestic scale. Generous windows allow the maximum amount of natural daylight to enter the apartments. The building has a vegetated green roof for storm-water mitigation and is surrounded by vibrant native plantings.
"MAP is committed to creating housing for individuals and families of all income levels," said MAP principal Magnus Magnusson, AIA, LEED AP. "We are thrilled to have designed a building that contributes to Westhab's mission of closing the housing gap in Westchester County and improves the quality of life for everyone in Greenburgh."
The transit-oriented development is within walking distance to shopping and public transportation, including buses and Metro North trains. The building is part of a growing trend in Westchester County for increased development, including housing and commercial centers, near mass transit.