On January 31, 2025, the New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust, in collaboration with the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), launched a new Request for Proposal (RFP) aimed at delivering major capital renovations to 226 apartments at Bronx River Addition, a senior-only public housing development located in Soundview, Bronx. This crucial step in the capital procurement process is designed to find modernization and preservation partners to carry out comprehensive repairs, with a focus on addressing all HUD pillar areas outlined in the 2019 Agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Bronx River Addition, which was the second NYCHA development to join the Trust, is now moving forward with the release of a design-build procurement solicitation. Through this process, shortlisted firms—including Community Modernization Group, Revamp Housing Group, and Fifth Avenue Builders, LLC—will submit detailed proposals, including 30 percent design documents, to inform the final financial closing package, projected for mid-2026.
“Today is a major milestone for the residents at Bronx River Addition who deserve safer, more modern, and accessible homes,” said First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer. “Through the Preservation Trust, this predominantly senior community will receive transformative, resident-centered improvements ranging from heating and plumbing repairs all the way to accessibility upgrades, ensuring their comfort and safety for years to come.”
“This is the critical next step in ensuring the residents of Bronx River Addition receive necessary repairs to their homes,” said Executive Director for Housing Leila Bozorg. “Through this Request for Proposal for major capital renovations, Bronx River will begin its journey to transition from Section 9 to the Trust, ultimately receiving comprehensive improvements, such as new kitchens and bathrooms, heating, plumbing, and electrical systems, that will set the Bronx River community up for longer-term stability, affordability, and health.”
“This RFP is an exciting benchmark in our efforts to transform Bronx River Addition for the senior New Yorkers who live there,” said NYCHA Chief Executive Officer and Trust Board Chair Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “This project demonstrates the benefits of leveraging the Trust’s unique capabilities to deliver meaningful, resident-centered renovations that preserve and improve the quality of NYCHA’s communities. We're very excited to see this project take another step forward."
"Today's announcement is a key step toward transforming Bronx River Addition into safer, more modern, and sustainable homes,” said NYC Public Housing Preservation Trust President Vlada Kenniff. “By prioritizing full electrification and aging-in-place design, we’re ensuring seniors benefit from accessible, energy-efficient, and resident-centered renovations."
“For the residents of Bronx River Addition, this moment is a long time coming,” said Bronx River and Bronx River Addition Resident Association President Norma Saunders. “We have fought for the attention and resources our community deserves, and now we have the power to shape our future. I look forward to working with the Trust to build a process that is inclusive, transparent, and driven by the voice of the seniors who call Bronx River Addition home.”
“This RFP reflects a significant commitment to the residents of Bronx River Addition, bringing much-needed improvements that can positively impact their daily lives,” said Trust Board Member Pamela Campbell. “With nearly three decades of experience in public housing communities, I’m proud to be part of a process that prioritizes resident needs and works toward creating long-term stability and comfort for both current and senior residents.”
The $93 million design-build contract represents a key component in the Trust’s ongoing work to transition Bronx River Addition from Section 9 to Section 8, effectively doubling the development’s current federal subsidy. This large-scale renovation will include major upgrades such as new kitchens and bathrooms, full electrification, plumbing and HVAC improvements, elevator replacements, and structural repairs, all aimed at improving the quality of life for the development’s senior residents. The project will also prioritize accessibility and aging-in-place design to meet the specific needs of the community.
Residents have played a key role in shaping the renovation process, with a robust partnership beginning in April 2024. Their input has been essential in developing a Bronx River Addition Resident Priorities Report, which guided the RFP issued to design and construction firms.
The renovation process is being conducted through a lump-sum design-build framework, offering a single contract for both design and construction. This approach streamlines procurement and ensures firms with the best value and resident-centered design proposals are selected.
This step is part of the ongoing effort by the Trust to revitalize public housing in New York City and create long-term, sustainable communities for residents.