The grounds at St. Nicholas Houses in Manhattan are slated for a major renovation under a $2,215,510 contract recently awarded by the Board of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA).

Various pavements, benches, footings and plant material will be torn out and replaced with new pavement, benches, fencing, handrails, tables, lighting, recycling containers and lawns and plants.

This is an improvement that will benefit the entire neighborhood by upgrading its appearance and making the grounds a place where the residents can better enjoy their leisure time,” NYCHA Chairman Tino Hernandez said.

Constructamax Inc. was awarded the contract that is expected to take about nine months to complete, once work begins.

St. Nicholas Houses consists of thirteen 14-story buildings with 1,523 apartments housing an estimated 3,521 residents. The 15.63-acre complex was completed September 30, 1954 and is between West 127th and West 131st Streets, Douglass and Powell Boulevards.