New York Construction Report staff writer
Construction is underway on QWest Towers, a $160 million affordable housing development that will create 229 homes across two newly constructed residential buildings in the city of Mount Vernon, Westchester County.
Located adjacent to the Mount Vernon West Metro-North station, the transit-oriented development replaces vacant, dilapidated buildings with high-quality, energy-efficient affordable homes while supporting the continued revitalization of downtown Mount Vernon.
“To combat the housing shortage impacting all New Yorkers, we need to build more housing, full stop,” Governor Hochul said in a statement. “We continue to work closely with developers and municipalities to identify opportunities to bring modern, affordable homes to places like Mount Vernon.
“Our investment in QWest Towers will offer the development’s residents the benefit of modern apartments in a transit-oriented neighborhood while also supporting the ongoing revitalization of the city.”
QWest Towers includes two mixed-use buildings with 229 apartments affordable to households earning up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income. The development will also include approximately 3,300 square feet of ground-floor commercial space.
Located within the Mount Vernon West Transit-Oriented Development Zone, the plan also includes rooftop recreation areas and community rooms. The development will also include two structured parking garages providing a combined 170 parking spaces for residents and commercial tenants.
QWest Towers is designed as an all-electric development and will meet Energy Star Multifamily New Construction and Enterprise Green Communities standards. Sustainability features include landscaped roofs, electric vehicle charging, Energy Star appliances, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and low-emitting construction materials that improve indoor air quality while reducing energy consumption.
QWest Towers is being developed in partnership between Stagg Group, Simone Development Companies and Rev. Dr. L’Judie Matt-Simmons.
“QWest Towers turns vacant, underutilized land next to Metro-North into nearly 230 new affordable homes,” said Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight. “With new commercial space and direct transit access, this project will connect more people to jobs, bring new activity to the surrounding neighborhood and advance Mount Vernon’s long-term revitalization. ESD is proud to support this transformation through our Mid-Hudson Momentum Fund, helping build a downtown ready for growth.”
