Located in Flatbush at the corner of Cortelyou Road and Ocean Avenue, a progressive development has been completed in partnership between MHANY Management Inc. and the Baptist Church of the Redeemer. The new nine-story building includes both a new 14,700sf church and 76 units of supportive, Seniors, and affordable housing.

The Baptist Church of the Redeemer’s original building dated back to the 1920s and had fallen into disrepair; not able to be used for many years. The new development provides new church space to the congregation as well as much-needed supportive and affordable housing to seniors, formerly homeless singles, and to families. The two uses are separate with autonomous entries and building systems.

Although “land-locked” within the interior of the first floor, the sanctuary is washed in daylight through clerestories and skylights by use of curved ceiling structures. Additional church spaces include classrooms, offices and a large dining room with cooking kitchen in the basement. To incorporate the rich history of the Church, reclaimed elements, such as stained glass windows, have been included in the new design.

The housing portion of the building has support and activity spaces on the lower levels and a laundry room and two roof terraces on the upper levels. This project combines housing for Seniors, low-income, and supportive housing in one development. The highly energy-efficient building design complies with Enterprise Green Communities. Supportive housing services are provided by Turning Point and Brooklyn Community Services, which facilitate educational, career training, and physical activities for the multi-generational residents.

Client: MHANY Management Inc. and Baptist Church of the Redeemer

Agency: NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD)

Structural: Silman

MEP: Loring Consulting Engineers

Civil: Leonard J. Strandberg and Associates

Energy: AEA

Lighting: Jim Conti Lighting Design

Kitchen: Culinary Depot

Photo credit: ESKW/Architects and Peter Kubilus

Interior photo styling: Heidi Beute Design

General Contractor: Mega Contracting Group