New York Construction Report staff writer
Construction is underway on the first phase of a major redevelopment project in Central Brooklyn that will deliver new supportive housing, infrastructure and community assets on the former Kingsboro Psychiatric Center campus.
Phase I of the Kingsboro project includes a new access street, 262 units of permanent supportive housing and a bed-for-bed replacement of existing shelter facilities on the western edge of the site.
Work is being led by Douglaston Development and Breaking Ground, as part of a broader development consortium that also includes Brooklyn Community Services, Jobe Development, Almat Urban and Velez Organization. The team was selected by Empire State Development following a request for proposals issued in 2020.
The redevelopment covers approximately 7.2 acres of the Kingsboro campus in East Flatbush and is one of the largest urban renewal efforts in Central Brooklyn. It’s part of the State’s Vital Brooklyn Initiative, which aims to address longstanding social, economic and health disparities through coordinated investments in housing, health care, open space and economic development.
Future phases of the Kingsboro redevelopment are expected to include additional affordable housing, health-focused community space, new open areas and modern shelter facilities to replace aging buildings currently on site.
The New York State Homes and Community Renewal is partnering on the project, supporting the delivery of affordable and supportive housing. The Vital Brooklyn Initiative targets eight areas of investment, including affordable housing, community-based health care, education, economic empowerment, healthy food access, open space and recreation, violence prevention and resiliency.
Once complete, the Kingsboro redevelopment is expected to significantly expand housing options and community infrastructure in one of Brooklyn’s most underserved neighbourhoods.
