16 Story, 200 Unit Senior Affordable Housing Building Coming to Sotomayor Houses

More development on NYCHA land is coming to The Bronx in Soundview over at Sotomayor Houses.

Yesterday, NYCHA and HPD announced that a 16 story, 200 unit building called Casa Celina will be constructed at the corner of Watson and Thieriot Avenues on what is currently a parking lot.

The building will have 3,350 square feet of community space that will not only be available to the new senior residents but will also be open to NYCHA residents as well.

Casa Celina will rise 16 stories at Sotomayor Houses at the corner of Watson and Thieriot Avenues.

It will also feature a landscaped rooftop terrace, lounges on each floor, fitness room, as well as a laundry room.

Named after Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s mother, Celina, the press release states:

“Raised at the NYCHA complex that now bears her name, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor has credited her mother, Celina Baez, with being her ‘life inspiration.’ The Development Team is pleased to honor that inspiration with the residences at Casa Celina. Designed by Magnusson Architecture and Planning, the building will feature generous shared spaces, innovative features and gracious apartments and will connect physically, visually and socially to the surrounding campus. JASA will keep seniors living safely in their own homes with independence, dignity, and joy through case management, in-home care and community-wide programming,” said Xenolith Partners Principal Andrea Kretchmer. “Casa Celina will bring healing, home, and what Justice Sotomayor called ‘magic’ to the community’s seniors. Our team, a true joint venture among pre-qualified developers, a WBE developer and a non-profit, is excited to work with and for the residents of Soundview, the Bronx, and the City of New York.” 

Casa Celina will be available for residents 62 and older and 25% of the units will be set aside for current NYCHA residents. In addition to this set aside, 30% of the apartments will be for homeless seniors.

No timeline has been given for construction or completion of the development.

Ed García Conde

Ed García Conde is a life-long Bronxite who spends his time documenting the people, places, and things that make the borough a special place in the hopes of dispelling the negative stereotypes associated with The Bronx. His writings are often cited by mainstream media and is often consulted for his expertise on the borough's rich history.