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7 Shocking Facts About The Massive Transformation At 160 Van Cortlandt Park South

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The landscape of the Kingsbridge neighborhood in The Bronx is undergoing a monumental change, with the address 160 Van Cortlandt Park South at the epicenter of one of New York City’s most significant recent affordable housing projects. As of December 23, 2025, construction on this massive development is well underway, promising to deliver hundreds of much-needed, high-quality residential units to the borough. This project, spearheaded by a major real estate player, is not just another building; it represents a profound shift in land use, community planning, and sustainable urban living, directly across from one of New York City's largest green spaces, Van Cortlandt Park.

The sheer scale and complexity of the development at 160 Van Cortlandt Park South—from its financing and its former life as a religious institution to its ambitious sustainability goals—have made it a focal point for real estate analysts and Bronx residents alike. Below, we break down the most compelling and surprising facts about this transformative, eight-story structure.

The Kingsbridge Affordable Housing Powerhouse: Key Project Details

The development at 160 Van Cortlandt Park South is a flagship project for Tishman Speyer’s dedicated affordable housing division, TS Communities. It is set to redefine a full city block in the Kingsbridge area, bringing a substantial number of new homes to a dynamic part of the borough.

  • Location: 160 Van Cortlandt Park South, Kingsbridge, The Bronx, New York City.
  • Developer: Tishman Speyer’s TS Communities.
  • Architect: Aufgang Architects.
  • Building Height: Eight stories.
  • Total Units: 339 affordable housing apartments, including a super's unit.
  • Unit Mix: Ranging from studios to three-bedrooms.
  • Building Size: Approximately 279,000 gross square feet.
  • Project Status (Current Date: December 23, 2025): Construction is actively rising and has reportedly passed the halfway mark.

1. The Staggering $222 Million Financial Backing

One of the most remarkable aspects of this project is its robust financial foundation. Tishman Speyer successfully secured a total of $222 million in financing for the development. This massive investment underscores the seriousness of the commitment to affordable housing in The Bronx and the confidence of financial partners in the area's growth.

The closing of the financing deal, which occurred in December 2024, involved a partnership between Tishman Speyer, Hudson Housing Capital, and LIHTC investor HSBC. This collaboration between a major global real estate firm, a dedicated housing capital provider, and a multinational bank highlights the complex and large-scale nature of modern affordable residential development.

2. It Replaced a Beloved Church and School

The site of the new affordable housing community was not vacant land. The property at 160 Van Cortlandt Park South was previously home to the Visitation Church and School. Tishman Speyer acquired the development site from the Roman Catholic Church. This transition from a long-standing religious and educational institution to a residential complex is a significant land-use change for the Kingsbridge neighborhood.

The sale and subsequent development reflect a broader trend in New York City real estate, where underutilized institutional properties are being repurposed to address the critical need for housing, especially in areas with high demand.

Commitment to Sustainability and Accessibility

Beyond the sheer number of units, the 160 Van Cortlandt Park South project is setting a high bar for modern, sustainable, and accessible design in affordable housing.

3. Targeting ENERGY STAR for 15% Energy Savings

The development is not merely meeting baseline building codes; it is on track to certify with the rigorous ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Program. This commitment to energy efficiency is a major win for future residents and the environment.

Whole-house building simulation models project that the new structure will achieve a 15% reduction in energy costs compared to a standard new building. This focus on sustainable engineering ensures lower utility bills for tenants, a crucial factor in maintaining affordability, and reduces the building's overall carbon footprint.

4. Designed for Full Accessibility Needs

In a move to ensure true inclusion, the 339-unit complex has dedicated units specifically tailored for residents with special needs. The plans call for 17 units to be mobility impaired units and seven units to be hearing or vision impaired units. This level of dedicated accessibility planning is a key feature that elevates the quality of the affordable housing community.

5. Direct Proximity to NYC's Third-Largest Park

The building's name is highly descriptive of its prime location. The development is situated directly across from Van Cortlandt Park, which is the third-largest park in New York City. This adjacency provides residents with unparalleled access to vast green spaces, recreational facilities, and nature trails—a significant amenity often lacking in dense urban affordable housing projects.

The Impact on The Bronx Real Estate Landscape

The project at 160 Van Cortlandt Park South is a major indicator of where development in The Bronx is heading: large-scale, high-quality, and community-focused.

6. A Tishman Speyer Affordable Housing Showcase

For Tishman Speyer, a firm traditionally known for high-profile, market-rate commercial and residential towers like Rockefeller Center, this project is a showcase for its TS Communities division. It signifies a serious, long-term venture into the affordable housing sector, bringing their institutional-grade development expertise to this critical area of the market. The involvement of such a major player lends significant credibility and attention to the quality of affordable housing being built in the outer boroughs of New York City.

7. A Full-Block Transformation in Kingsbridge

The development spans an entire city block, making its physical and visual impact on the Kingsbridge streetscape substantial. Its eight-story presence will become a new landmark across from the park. The project’s size and scale are a clear signal of the ongoing revitalization and densification of the Kingsbridge neighborhood, transforming a formerly institutional site into a vibrant, modern residential community.

As construction continues rapidly, 160 Van Cortlandt Park South is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about residential developments in The Bronx. Its combination of large-scale affordable units, prime location, and ambitious sustainability goals sets a new standard for urban housing in New York City.

7 Shocking Facts About the Massive Transformation at 160 Van Cortlandt Park South
160 van cortlandt park south
160 van cortlandt park south

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