New York Construction Report staff writer
A $50 million housing development has opened in Brownsville, with 71 affordable apartments, including 47 supportive units for formerly incarcerated individuals and their families. Known as The Rise, the seven-story complex is part of the state’s Vital Brooklyn Initiative, which targets social, economic, and health disparities in Central Brooklyn.
The contractor for the development is Xenolith Partners LLC. This Women-owned Business Enterprise (WBE) led the development in partnership with the Women’s Prison Association (WPA) and the Brownsville Partnership. The project was designed by Magnusson Architecture & Planning PC .
The Rise features a mix of studio to three-bedroom apartments for households earning up to 60 percent of the area median income. In addition to housing, the development offers on-site services such as trauma-informed case management, substance use support, and employment training, as well as a community hub for workshops in health, conflict resolution, and women’s empowerment.
The building also includes a rooftop farm operated by Project Eats, offering urban agriculture programs and workforce development opportunities. Additional programming is open to the surrounding community.
Developed by Xenolith Partners, the project emphasizes sustainability, earning a Buildings of Excellence Award from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. It features energy-efficient systems including solar panels, electric appliances, and heat recovery ventilation.
Funding for the project was secured through multiple state programs including the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program, the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, and the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative. Community Preservation Corporation provided financial support and permanent financing.
Commissioners and elected officials praised The Rise as a model for supportive housing and community development. Local Assemblymember Latrice Walker called the initiative a “blueprint” for addressing affordable housing and reentry services citywide.
