Construction is officially underway for Fischer Senior Apartments, a significant affordable housing project located at 97 West 169th Street in the Highbridge neighborhood of The Bronx. This development is poised to bring 105 much-needed homes for seniors to the area, addressing a critical need for affordable senior living options in New York City. Spearheaded by the West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing (WSFSSH) and designed by Shakespeare Gordon Vlado Architects, the building promises to be a valuable addition to the community.
The development at 169th Street is specifically designed to cater to low-income seniors. All 105 units are designated for households where the head of household is 55 years or older and earning less than 50 percent of the area median income. Critically, over half of these units, 54 in total, are set aside for individuals who have previously experienced homelessness, offering a stable and supportive environment for vulnerable seniors in the Bronx. This initiative directly responds to the pressing housing crisis and aims to provide dignity and security for elderly residents.
To ensure long-term affordability, Fischer Senior Apartments will operate under the project-based Section 8 program through NYCHA. This commitment means that residents will never pay more than 30 percent of their income towards rent, providing financial stability and preventing displacement due to rising housing costs. This level of affordability is crucial in allowing seniors on fixed incomes to remain in their communities.
Groundbreaking ceremony at Fischer Senior Apartments on 169th Street in the Bronx, marking the start of construction for affordable senior housing.
Beyond just housing, the 169th Street project will pioneer a new model of supportive senior living. WSFSSH is implementing enhanced care floors within the building. These dedicated floors will feature studio apartments clustered around communal lounges and terraces. On-site caregivers will provide essential services such as supervision, medication reminders, daily living assistance, organized activities, and meal preparation. Furthermore, building staff will connect residents with crucial medical and mental healthcare services, financial management assistance, and rent payment support. Shared laundry facilities, elevators, and indoor common areas will further enhance the living experience for residents.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “The Fischer Senior Apartments will ensure that our seniors, formerly unhoused residents, and other vulnerable New Yorkers receive the affordable, quality, and safe housing needed to age in place and with dignity in our communities.” This sentiment underscores the broader community benefit of the 169th Street development.
The architectural design of the building at 97 West 169th Street is contextually sensitive, drawing inspiration from the Art Deco heritage of the Highbridge neighborhood. The brick façade, setback levels with landscaped terraces, and large windows at the ground floor are all designed to enhance both the building’s aesthetic appeal and the pedestrian experience. Sustainable building practices are also integrated into the project, including solar shading, energy-efficient windows and lighting, and rooftop solar panels, aiming for the 2020 Enterprise Green Communities standards.
The total construction cost for Fischer Senior Apartments is approximately $69 million, demonstrating a significant investment in the 169th Street corridor. Funding for the project comes from a variety of sources, including Capital One, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s SARA program, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, and additional support from local and state programs. This collaborative funding approach highlights the widespread commitment to creating affordable and supportive senior housing in The Bronx and specifically on 169th Street.
