Located in the Mount Eden neighborhood of the Bronx, 1545 Jerome Avenue is a 167,800 SF, 12-story mixed-use building co-developed by Services for the Underserved (S:US), Joy Construction, and Blue Sky Development. Envisioned as an inclusive, multigenerational housing community with rich amenities for all, the building provides 223 (studio, 2BR and 3BR) units of affordable and supportive housing alongside commercial spaces that will bring amenities to the neighborhood. In response to the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity (COYHO), the design was updated to include additional height and units.

The building massing is broken into three volumes to create a stepped landscape from the higher volume along the elevated train down to the traditional apartment building scale along Inwood Avenue. A warm grey brick clads the tallest volume, a neutral tone defines the central portion, and red brick marks the 6-story volume. The thoughtful massing, paired with segmented and day-lit corridors, establishes smaller, more intimate residential communities.

Located across Goble Place from a public Pre-K – 12th grade school, the residential entry is located along Jerome Avenue to minimize pedestrian congestion at the school entry. The residential entry is recessed from the street to provide a welcoming, covered alcove with built-in seating. Inside, the security desk near the vestibule provides clear views of the sidewalk, elevators, and a gracious corridor leading to the mailboxes and he Community Room. Accessible from both the ground-floor lobby and residential wing, the upper yard features a soft play and exercise area, walking path, tables, benches, and planters for horticultural programs. The lower yard includes a trellis for climbing plants and an open stair to the upper yard. All amenities are accessible off the main lobby, and down an open stair to the cellar.

Robust amenities enhance residents’ quality of life and offer spaces outside of their apartment to enjoy. At the cellar level, there is a fitness room, a purpose-built children’s playroom adjacent to the laundry room, and a computer room for digital literacy programs. This floor also houses a 2,600 SF social services suite for S:US to serve all residents. The cellar spaces receive diffused northern daylight through a recessed lower yard and areaways.

Residential corridors throughout the building are double loaded but punctuated by windows at each end and midpoint to introduce daylight and views. The building is designed to meet Enterprise Green Community standards and the 2020 energy code. A 50/50 split of green roof and solar panels supports sustainability goals, with PV panels helping offset energy use in shared spaces.