Grace’s Place, new 82-unit affordable housing space for seniors, opens in Far Rockaway
Local leaders and development partners marked the opening of Grace’s Place with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Photo credit: Devon Tayman
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Thursday, May 7, to mark the opening of Grace’s Place Senior Apartments, a new 82-unit affordable housing building for seniors at 13-04 Nameoke Ave. in the Edgemere section of Far Rockaway.
Intended for low-income and formerly homeless seniors at least 62 years of age, Grace’s Place grants them the opportunity to age in place. The development features on-site solar installation that will power essential building systems.
Grace’s Place. Photo Credit: Brett Steinberg, King Contracting
Grace’s Place serves residents earning no more than 50% of the area median income, with 30% of the units meant for formerly homeless seniors, providing them with much-needed stable housing and on-site support services.
The building is within walking distance of the Long Island Rail Road, the Far Rockaway Public Library and a variety of local small businesses.
Born from a collaborative mission to address a critical need for dignified and sustainable senior living, Grace’s Place was financed through the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s Senior Affordable Rental Apartments (SARA) program. The building was designed by Paul Castrucci Architects and developed by Brisa Builders Development LLC and Sydney Capital Group LLC,with Mega Contracting Group serving as the general contractor.
Photo Credit: Brett Steinberg, King Contracting
“Grace’s Place represents more than a new building; it represents stability, dignity and opportunity for older adults who deserve safe and affordable homes,” Brisa Builders Development LLC Chief Housing Development Officer Nathaniel Montgomery said. “We are proud to celebrate this milestone with the Far Rockaway community and are grateful to the many partners whose support made this development possible.”
The interior of one of the units at Grace’s Place. Photo credit: Devon Tayman
Multiple elected and community leaders joined members of the design and development teams during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. This included Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, New York State Senator James Sanders Jr. and Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers.
Grace’s Place was built to meet 2020 Enterprise Green Communities standards. Among its sustainable design practices is an 18.06kW, 42-module hybrid solar canopy system designed and installed by Brooklyn SolarWorks. All workable roof space is covered by a solar energy system, which addresses compliance requirements under Local Laws 92 and 94 while significantly improving energy efficiency. The installation is a foundation for the building’s energy sustainability by offsetting the power needed for common areas and essential building systems, thus contributing to healthier indoor living conditions for residents and long-term operational cost savings.
“Solar is more than an environmental choice; it is a foundational investment in the long-term resiliency of our urban infrastructure,” Brooklyn SolarWorks Senior Project Manager Cait Eggers said. “By utilizing every workable inch of roof space at Grace’s Place, we are ensuring that clean energy supports the building’s operations from day one, creating a sustainable model for affordable senior living in New York City.”
“Our city’s climate goals have paved the way for equitable access to clean energy solutions,” Eggers continued. “Local Laws 92 and 94 require new buildings to have sustainable roofing areas, which is commonly accomplished by adding solar. These codes offer both a vehicle for reaching our city’s decarbonization goals, as well as an opportunity for the collaboration between developers like Brisa Builders and architects like Paul Castrucci Architects to expand clean energy accessibility to multi-family and affordable housing communities. Grace’s Place exemplifies this opportunity. Our collective success achieving these efficiencies sets a precedent for affordable, sustainable living in our city. Sustainable living isn’t a luxury, it’s something that should be foundationally built into our communities. This project shows that it’s possible.”
On-site service coordination will be provided by RiseWell, helping to ensure long-term wellness for residents. The 15/15 supportive housing initiative provides residents with direct access to case management, benefits counseling and health resources meant to promote independence and quality of life.
“The project is named after my grandmother Gracie (Grace) Mae, who worked as a housekeeper and then tirelessly as a home attendant for senior citizens,” Brisa Builders Development Managing Member Erika Keller said. “She was a humble, kind and gentle soul, who I believe, from above, is honored to know that her kindness and service to so many seniors is being recognized in such a grand way.”
Grace’s Place is meant to be a centerpiece of public and private investment in Edgemere, helping to ensure that longtime residents are empowered to age within the community.