FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 26, 2025
CONTACT: media@nycha.nyc.gov | (212) 306-3322

 New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust Announces Design-Build Team for $93 Million Modernization of Apartments at Bronx River Addition

Following the Trust Board approval this summer, a contract has now been executed with Fifth Avenue Builders to renovate 226 apartments at the Soundview development   

Contract execution with the design-build team is another key step forward in delivering much-needed renovations to the second NYCHA development to vote for the Trust

NEW YORK – The New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust (the Trust) today announced that a contract has been executed with the design-build team, Fifth Avenue Builders (FAB), that will perform over $93 million of renovation work in apartments and shared spaces at Bronx River Addition in the borough’s Soundview neighborhood. Following the Trust Board's approval on July 8, 2025, and the selection of the design-build team, the contract execution marks a major milestone for the project, which encompasses 226 apartments across two buildings. This project will deliver holistic repairs to the second NYCHA development to vote for the Trust, with that vote taking place in April 2024. Residents of Bronx River Addition have been involved in robust engagement efforts since August 2024 and will provide valuable input to the selected design-build team to inform the design process, including finishes, colors, and other design elements. 

“Congratulations to the NYCHA and Trust teams and the residents at Bronx River Addition for getting to this important step in the Trust process,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Adolfo Carrión, Jr. “I look forward to seeing this team deliver comprehensive renovations that will make the lives of residents significantly better.” 

“I am excited to see that a team was selected – informed by resident input on priorities and scope – that will deliver comprehensive improvements across all 226 apartments through the Public Housing Preservation Trust,” said Executive Director for Housing Leila Bozorg. “Today's announcement comes after extensive work and engagement with residents, and the design-build process should help ensure that the work will be completed expeditiously and efficiently. I look forward to seeing residents enjoy these improvements in the coming years as the teams hit important milestones towards closing and completion.” 

“The selection of the design-build team for Bronx River Addition represents a significant milestone for the second NYCHA development that voted to receive comprehensive renovations through the Public Housing Preservation Trust,” said NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “It's incredibly rewarding to see the vision for the development, driven by over a year of resident input, beginning to take shape, and we look forward to delivering these much-needed, holistic renovations for all of the residents who will benefit from modernized and healthier homes.” 

“Partnering with Fifth Avenue Builders at Bronx River Addition is the next step in turning resident priorities into reality,” said New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust President Vlada Kenniff. “This design-build team will work hand in hand with residents to deliver modern, safe, and resilient homes while preserving the mission of public housing. Together, we are creating spaces where seniors and families can live with dignity, stability, and pride for years to come.” 

“Our residents deserve a safe and comfortable place to live after spending their lives working hard and helping to build this community,” said Bronx River and Bronx River Addition Resident Association President Norma Saunders. “We are excited about the Trust renovations and confident that the selected design-build team will carry out the work diligently and in true collaboration with residents. These improvements are not just about fixing buildings, they are about restoring dignity and ensuring that residents can live in comfort and peace.” 

“I applaud the Trust’s leadership team for organizing a fair and transparent process resulting in the selection of the design-build team,” said New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust Board Member John Dionisio Jr. “The Fifth Avenue Builders team members have delivered successful affordable housing modernizations in New York City, which provides confidence in the team’s ability to deliver at Bronx River Addition.”   

“We are thrilled to be working with the Trust on the Bronx River Addition,” said Camber Property Group Founding Principal Rick Gropper. “This project is an ideal opportunity for the FAB team to preserve the Bronx River community and ensure long-term stability and opportunity for generations of New Yorkers.” 

“Bronx River Addition represents more than a capital project,” said Urban Atelier Group President and Chief Executive Officer Andrew D’Amico. “It is a vital investment in the well-being of senior residents and a flagship example of the impact the Public Housing Preservation Trust can achieve through strong public-private collaboration.” 

The selection of the design-build team followed a two-step procurement process. The first step was a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), which invited design-build teams to submit their qualifications. This was followed by the issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) in January 2025, which targeted a short list of firms with an invitation to submit detailed proposals outlining their approach to the project, including the scope of work, quality of the design, impact on residents, project duration, and cost. The selection committee, including a resident representative, property management, and capital projects professionals, evaluated these proposals to determine which one offered the best value to the respective sites.   

The project will undertake renovations through a single, integrated team, allowing developments to be renovated more quickly, at a better quality, and with better value for money spent. The Trust is utilizing design-build project delivery, which improves coordination, shortens the procurement process, and ultimately saves money by awarding contracts to single entities for both design and construction work.  

Beginning in the months immediately following the vote, efforts have been guided by a robust stakeholder engagement process to identify resident priorities and implement input at the development, ensure that the final scope will address all pillar areas identified in the 2019 Agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and support continued communication during renovation through a dedicated community liaison. In August and September 2024, the Trust organized two community visioning workshops with residents of Bronx River Addition to tailor the scope of work based on feedback from resident leadership and property management. Insight gained through these workshops directly informed the RFP issued to the short list of design and construction firms, which ultimately led to the selection of Fifth Avenue Builders. Since then, the Trust held or attended 20 community meetings, distributed more than 1,880 flyers, and engaged directly with nearly 350 residents. In addition, a dedicated liaison serves as the main point of contact for residents, regularly attending tenant association meetings and staffing the Engagement Office. 

The Fifth Avenue Builders (FAB) team, formed as a joint venture between Urban Atelier Group and Camber Property Group, leverages decades of experience delivering large-scale rehabilitation projects through public-private partnerships, representing more than $1 billion in development. The FAB design team brings extensive expertise in managing complex projects with a focus on collaboration and creative problem-solving. Collectively, the team is dedicated to creating and preserving communities that are healthy, safe, accessible, and dynamic. 

Bronx River Addition contains 226 apartments across two buildings. In 2022, one building's population had to be relocated due to severe issues affecting the aging and deteriorating heating distribution system, leaving that one building vacant. The projected scope of improvements involves complete window replacements; full kitchen and bathroom upgrades, including floor replacements; and comprehensive electric heating, plumbing, electrical, and ventilation system updates. Additional work involves elevator replacements, structural repairs, hazardous material abatement, as well as the incorporation of “aging in place” design features in the units. 

The removal of environmental hazards, such as lead-based materials and mold, will necessitate the brief, phased temporary relocation of residents both onsite and to neighboring developments at the Trust’s expense. Once this work is fully completed, residents will be able to return to their apartments within nine months of their temporary relocation.   

As part of the modernization of Bronx River Addition, the Trust will oversee design and construction. Under the Trust, the development is kept 100 percent public and converted to the more stable, federally funded Project-Based Section 8 program, while residents maintain their rights, including permanently affordable rent. The design, financing, and construction process for this property is expected to be completed by mid-2028. 

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About the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)       

The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), the largest public housing authority in North America, was created in 1934 to provide decent, affordable housing for low- and moderate-income New Yorkers. NYCHA is home to 1 in 17 New Yorkers, providing affordable housing to 520,808 authorized residents through public housing and Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) programs as well as Section 8 housing. NYCHA has 177,569 apartments in 2,411 buildings across 335 conventional public housing and PACT developments. In addition, NYCHA connects residents to critical programs and services from external and internal partners, with a focus on economic opportunity, youth, seniors, and social services. With a housing stock that spans all five boroughs, NYCHA is a city within a city. 

About the New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust 

The New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust (the Trust) is dedicated to safeguarding public housing as a sustainable foundation for community and opportunity. By empowering residents and modernizing our buildings, the Trust secures a vibrant future for generations of New Yorkers. The Trust is a government agency that repairs, renovates, and modernizes public housing for residents in partnership with the New York City Housing Authority. The Trust will comprehensively renovate and improve operations of public housing through the resident-centric Modernization and Preservation (Trust Mod) Program