Roosevelt Gardens
CASE STUDY — BRONX
A deep energy retrofit of fourteen contiguous 1923 buildings on the Grand Concourse. New roof, heating plant, solar array and 14 modernized elevators, delivered with all 291 households living in place.
- Location
- 1455–1499 Grand Concourse, Bronx
- Program
- Section 8 preservation
- Units
- 291
- Area
- 290,000 sf
- Budget
- $12M
- Schedule
- 2022–2025
- Role
- Construction Manager
- Contracting entity
- Atlas Supreme
The Building
Roosevelt Gardens is a notable example of Pre-War affordable housing. It was built in 1923 as fourteen separate but contiguous multifamily buildings for low- to moderate-income families, and it still houses 291 households today.
The work transformed an aging property through energy efficiency and renewable energy measures: better operating performance, lower costs, lower carbon emissions, and healthier homes for the people who live there.
The Challenge
The last major heating retrofit happened thirty years earlier. Energy use and operating costs were climbing, and the owner needed to cut carbon emissions to comply with Local Law 97. Underground steam heat pipes were also feeding pest infestations.
We replaced the outdated heating system, eliminated the underground steam lines, and tightened the whole building so the new plant could perform: a new insulated, watertight roof, air-sealed entry and exit vestibules, and a large rooftop solar array. The new high-efficiency gas condensing hydronic system also sets the property up for an easy transition to all-electric.
Scope
Roof assembly with R-35 insulation and a reflective cool-roof membrane
410 kW rooftop solar electric array
High-efficiency gas condensing boiler system and domestic hot water
14 elevators modernized with VFD motors and controls
LED lighting in common areas; in-unit low-flow aerators and LED lamps
Plumbing fixture upgrades
Compliance with NYC Local Laws 11, 87 and 97
Quality of Life
Elevator modernization
All 14 elevators modernized for reliability and lower energy use.
Security
New cameras and security systems, along with IT and AV upgrades.
Façade
Waterproofing, restoration and painting in compliance with Local Law 11.
Waste and grounds
14 trash compactors replaced, plus courtyard landscaping and hardscaping.
Outcomes
808,000
kWh of electricity saved per year
2,350
MMBtu of gas saved per year
$185K
estimated annual utility savings
$1.76M
in avoided penalties
For tenants. better control over indoor comfort, cleaner indoor air, less exposure to pollutants, and lower heating and electricity bills that leave more money for essentials.
For the neighborhood. lower building emissions and better air quality, and lower living costs that let low- to moderate-income families stay in the community. The project also created demand for local businesses and trades.
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