It’s been several months since we checked in on this project: a 78-unit condo tower at 327-331 East Houston St. Next month, Community Board 3 will be asked to consider a tax abatement for the rental complex, which is being built by Halpern Real Estate Ventures.
The development parcels were sold by the estate of William Gottlieb in 2012 for $12.4 million. Halpern then acquired a $26 million construction loan. Last year, CB3 supported the developer’s bid to join the city’s inclusionary housing program, which permits larger buildings in exchange for commitments to build affordable housing. 16 affordable units are planned. The tax abatement process is a separate application.
The architect, the Stephen B. Jacobs Group, has published a few more details on its website, as well as renderings we have not seen before:
This 78-apartment rental project is located on a L-shaped site fronting Houston and Ridge Streets in the Lower East Side. The ground floor includes the residential lobby, a lounge, and apartments in the rear of the building which have access to outdoor space. A large skylight brings natural light to the gym in the cellar, and stairs provide access to recreational outdoor space in the rear yard. A mix of studios, one, and two-bedroom apartments make up the bulk of the building. The top floor includes a three-bedroom apartment with a balcony. The rooftop is designed as an amenity space for the building, complete with deck seating, projector screen, bar, and outdoor shower. The interior design was inspired by the raw nature of materials in the Lower East Side, such as exposed concrete and blackened steel, and includes touches of color such as the graffiti tiled accent wall in the lobby.
