On September 26, 2024, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) announced renovations will be conducted at the Frederick Samuel Apartments through the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) project. Since, 1994 the New York City Housing Authority has managed the Frederick Samuel Apartments, which were constructed between 1910 and 1928. The renovations will cost $383.6 million and involve 660 apartments for roughly 1,200 New Yorkers living in the 40 residential buildings in Harlem. The upgrades focus on improving building infrastructure and improving residents’ quality of life.
The co-developers of this project are Genesis Companies and Lemor Development Group which are both Harlem-based Minority-owned Business Enterprises. The general contractor is Monadnock Construction, and VPH Management Services LLC is the property manager.
The buildings repairs include: adding a new heating system, plumbing repairs, new energy-efficient hot water heaters, building envelope and roof repairs, ventilation improvements, improved insulation, facade repairs. There will be new security cameras added in all common areas and free broadband internet made available to residents.
The apartments repairs include: new lighting, flooring, windows, closets window air conditioners, renovations to bathrooms and kitchens (new appliances, fixtures, countertops, cabinets, tubs, and showers). The common areas including entrances, lobbies, mail areas, and hallways will also be renovated.
The existing outdoor open spaces will be upgraded to provide passive park spaces, space for urban farms and community gardens from Harlem Grown, and a refurbished playground. More information on the improvements can be found here Frederick Samuel Apartments Community Plan. The renovations are expected to be completed in three years.
In addition to these renovations there will be two social services staff members on-site to assess residents’ needs, connect them with resources and services, and provide community programming.
Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer said, “This important milestone for the transformation of Frederick Samuel Apartments is a testament to the resiliency and strength of NYCHA residents. Residents of Frederick Samuel Apartments have partnered with two MBE developers based in Harlem to create a plan to correct decades of systemic disinvestment. Together, residents and their PACT partners will renovate and rejuvenate over 600 homes in their community.”
New York City Executive Director for Housing Leila Bozorg said, “Our administration’s commitment to delivering long overdue investment for NYCHA tenants is reflected in the Frederick Samuel Apartments PACT closing. Tenants, their partners in Genesis and Lemor, and NYCHA have guaranteed that future generations will live in healthy apartments, with beautiful shared spaces and services. Thank you to the Frederick Samuel residents and PACT partners for their work.”\
By: Chelsea Ramjeawan (Chelsea is the CityLaw intern and a New York Law School student, Class of 2025.)