New Morris Heights project will deliver 95 affordable homes for older adults, supporting ageing in place through accessible design and on-site services.

Permits have been approved for a new ten-storey affordable senior housing development at 105 West Tremont Avenue in Morris Heights. The milestone marks an important step in addressing New York City’s growing need for affordable housing for older adults.

Developed by Crown Holdings in partnership with The Community Builders, one of the nation’s largest affordable housing organisations, the project will provide 95 Affordable Independent Residences for Seniors (AIRS) and form part of a broader neighbourhood regeneration initiative in Morris Heights.

Designed by Crown Architecture - our global design partner - the approximately 55,000-square-foot, 100-foot-tall building will bring much-needed housing and support services to a borough where demand for affordable homes continues to outpace supply.

Located at the corner of West Tremont Avenue and Grand Avenue, the development has been designed to help residents age in place. Apartments will be fully adaptable to changing mobility needs, while building-wide features will include integrated corridor handrails, enhanced lighting and colour-coded wayfinding systems to support accessibility and independence.

The project will also provide more than the required number of fully accessible residences, including units designed for residents with hearing and vision impairments.

Alongside housing, residents will have access to a range of on-site amenities and services, including community and recreational spaces, an outdoor patio and garden, consultation rooms, laundry facilities, bicycle storage and a 24-hour attended reception.

The project incorporates a strong sustainability agenda through its Passive House design standards, which prioritise energy efficiency, indoor comfort and reduced carbon emissions. The all-electric building will also feature an approximately 1,800-square-foot rooftop solar array, supporting New York City’s broader climate goals while helping to reduce operational energy demand.

Architecturally, the building draws inspiration from the historic Art Deco character of the nearby Grand Concourse, while presenting a contemporary identity through clean geometric forms and a façade of durable porcelain and metal materials.

Its most visible feature – a large-scale mural spanning the eastern elevation – will transform the building into a neighbourhood landmark, bringing public art to one of Morris Heights’ key gateways.

The combination of affordable housing, sustainable design and community-focused placemaking underscores the project’s broader role in the area’s revitalisation.