November 20, 2025

Settlement Housing Fund and Kalel Companies to redevelop The New York Public Library’s Grand Concourse branch with a brand-new library and 100% affordable housing above.

NEW YORK – As part of New York City’s Living Libraries program, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and The New York Public Library (NYPL) are proud to announce that Settlement Housing Fund (SHF) and Kalel Companies (Kalel) will reimagine Grand Concourse Library into The Heartwood – a new community hub that includes approximately 113 affordable, rent stabilized homes atop a new, state-of-the-art public library.

In addition to the crucially needed affordable housing The Heartwood will provide, the 17,500 square foot library will house transformational spaces for children, teens, and families in the community. The new library, with double-height adult reading space, updated technology, and a variety of multipurpose meeting rooms and study areas, will be an important asset for the West Bronx for years to come. 

Additionally, the design of the library, which includes a brick lattice facade and a second-floor skylight, will flood the space with natural light and warmly welcome residents into the space. As well, the development team will preserve the historic Lorrie Goulet sculpture on the facade of the existing Grand Concourse Library and reinstall the sculpture above the entrance of the new branch.

“The Grand Concourse project reflects the ingenuity of this administration in responding to the city’s housing crisis while reimagining our libraries as state-of-the-art community hubs,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Adolfo Carrión Jr. “By combining 113 affordable homes with a modern library designed for learning, technology, and connection, this project brings critical resources to my home borough of the Bronx. I congratulate NYPL, HPD, Settlement Housing Fund, and Kalel Companies for advancing such an exciting and community-driven vision.”

"In continuing the amazing work done by the Living Libraries program, the Grand Concourse Library will take on a brand-new look with 113 affordable, rent-stabilized homes atop a new state of the art facility. Building on this initiative’s previous successes, including the new Inwood Library which opened in 2024, Grand Concourse will combine housing stability with much-needed access to technology, education, and experiential learning," said Acting HPD Commissioner Ahmed Tigani. “I want to thank Settlement Housing Fund and Kalel Companies for leading this development, the New York Public Library for continuing to recognize the benefit of pairing housing with vital community resources, and the New Yorkers who submitted over 270 questionnaire responses during our community visioning phase. With this level of expertise and the community voice at the center, we are building a project that truly reflects what this neighborhood wants and deserves." 

"The new Grand Concourse branch will provide patrons with a state-of-the-art library and the Bronx with more housing options amid a city-wide shortage," said Anthony W. Marx, President and CEO of The New York Public Library. "This corner of the Bronx is full of dedicated library patrons and the new branch will offer greater access to books, technology, and programs that help this neighborhood thrive. We are happy to continue our productive partnership with the City to improve branches and add to the city’s housing supply."

"Settlement Housing Fund is thrilled to partner with HPD, the New York Public Library, and our talented project partners to build 113 units of critically-needed affordable housing and an upgraded, vibrant public library that will serve generations to come," said Judy Herbstman, President of Settlement Housing Fund. “We are proud to build on our deep roots in the Bronx and deliver this stunning Passive House development for our neighbors. From healthy building materials to community-centered amenity spaces, The Heartwood embodies our commitment to providing high-quality housing for low-income and formerly homeless New Yorkers and a supportive environment where they can flourish.”

“Kalel Companies is honored to be selected alongside Settlement Housing Fund to reimagine the Grand Concourse Library and deliver new affordable housing to the Bronx,” said Amy Stokes, Principal at Kalel Companies. “As an MBE developer, we believe our mission extends beyond physical development to fostering vibrant, connected communities through projects like The Heartwood. Partnering with HPD and The New York Public Library, we are excited to deliver a space where residents and neighbors feel supported and can succeed.”

“New Settlement is excited to join this transformative project alongside our close partner and affiliate organization, Settlement Housing Fund,” said Rigaud Noel, Executive Director of New Settlement. “Our comprehensive education, workforce development, organizing, and wellness programming will complement these new homes and the Grand Concourse Library, ensuring families have not only a place to live but opportunities to thrive.”

Settlement Housing Fund (SHF), founded in 1969, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving quality of life in New York City’s lower-income neighborhoods by creating and sustaining high-quality affordable housing. SHF has extensive experience and presence in the Mount Eden neighborhood of the Bronx. In addition to operating 1,500 units of affordable housing in the immediate vicinity, SHF is a community service provider through their New Settlement affiliate. New Settlement operates the New Settlement Community Center that provides fitness, arts, STEM and wellness resources. Read more about SHF here. 

Kalel Companies (Kalel) is an MBE real estate development firm founded in 2012. Their mission is to thoughtfully preserve and create well-designed affordable housing in the New York metropolitan area with the goal of creating connected communities. Kalel has led the redevelopment and preservation of over 4,000 affordable units. Read more about Kalel here. 

Bernheimer Architecture is a Brooklyn-based architectural firm that has strong commitments to sustainable design and innovative solutions. Read more about Bernheimer Architecture here. 

Levenbetts Architects is a New York City based architecture office focusing on innovative approaches to sustainable housing since 1997. Read more about Levenbetts Architects here.

Small Footprint, Big (and Sustainable!) Impact: 

The plan for 155 E. 173rd Street, which will replace the existing Grand Concourse Library, was informed by the Grand Concourse Library and Affordable Housing Community Visioning Report and the goals outlined in the Request for Proposals (RFP), as well as with input from over 270 community members, local elected leaders, and community organizations.

Community members emphasized the need to ensure the housing is truly affordable and reflects incomes in the community, especially for low-income families with children, seniors, and individuals receiving public assistance in the Mt. Eden area. At least 15% of the new homes will be reserved for formerly homeless families and individuals. The remaining homes will serve a range of incomes and be available through the NYC Housing Lottery. 

For the new library, community members emphasized the need for more accessible spaces, diverse and multilingual programming, dedicated spaces for children and teens, additional quiet and study areas, and the need for temporary space and services during the library’s redevelopment. The NYPL is committed to identifying funding to provide a temporary library space during construction to ensure continuity of library programming and services.

The library is anticipated to be NYPL’s first Passive House certified library and will build on the City’s efforts to develop environmentally sustainable and energy efficient buildings that enrich and protect communities. The building will be designed with an emergency generator that will provide backup power to the community room and several amenity spaces to serve as a Cooling Center during heat events and power outages.

Top Notch Amenities for Building Residents:

In addition to new housing, the building will also include: 

• Three outdoor terraces
• Community rooms
• A teaching kitchen with programming for tenants
• A fitness room
• Bike storage
• In-building laundry facilities for tenants

What Comes Next:  

The development team will work with HPD to: 

• Communicate project updates to community stakeholders, including Community Board 4 and library patrons, throughout the predevelopment process and during construction. 
• Obtain necessary public approvals for the project, including for a rezoning and the transfer of City-owned property to the development team. 
• Secure financing for the project and a temporary library space in the neighborhood before construction begins. 

Photos can be attributed to: Secchi Smith

###