About the Project

SSFM developed the concept for a 19-Story, 266,000 sq.ft. mixed-use development that addresses both the need for affordable rental housing, and a facility for juvenile services and shelter for children at-risk. The opportunity was instigated by the deteriorating conditions and the need to accommodate new programs at the existing Juvenile Detention Facility. The property’s location offers the feasibility for the Judiciary to partner with HHFDC, the State affordable housing agency, to create facilities that can serve the needs of both.

This is the first mixed-use project on state owned lands. It combines affordable rental residences with a new juvenile service/shelter center within the same development. While the County’s draft Transit Oriented Development guidelines are prohibitively restrictive and inflexible, the State has opted to proceed with this project under the 201(h) affordable housing exemptions. SSFM developed the concept, provided intra-agency facilitation, environmental documentation and community outreach.

Our involvement creates significant value for two State agencies and demonstrates an urban high-density solution that epitomizes how development can support TOD initiatives and transform underutilized State land assets into a vibrant, much needed community development.