Park 79 Hotel at 117 West 79th Street Set For Senior Affordable Housing Conversion, on Upper West Side

Existing conditions at 117 West 79th Street - Courtesy of FairsteadPrevious conditions at 117 West 79th Street - Courtesy of Fairstead

The historic Park 79 Hotel on Manhattan’s Upper West Side will soon be home to a new deeply affordable senior housing property following the successful acquisition of construction financing to complete the project. Located at 117 West 79th Street near Columbus Avenue, the seven-story building will eventually comprise 77 housing units with on-site supportive and social services administered by Project FIND. The property will remain affordable for seniors for at least 60 years through a regulatory agreement with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development.

Fairstead purchased the hotel in 2016 for $22.5 million and has partnered with Project FIND to redevelop the property.

“At a moment when the need for high-quality affordable housing for New York’s seniors couldn’t be more urgent, we are beyond proud to break ground on creating 77 deeply affordable residences for seniors right in the heart of the Upper West Side,” said Will Blodgett, founding partner of Fairstead. “We pride ourselves in creating and preserving high-quality affordable housing in high-opportunity areas, and it’s so gratifying to provide these homes for seniors just steps from Central Park, the Museum of Natural History, and the JCC.”

The project is funded through a $51 million construction loan from Merchants Capital and a $28.4 million permanent financing commitment from Freddie Mac originated by Merchants Capital, as well as a nine-percent Low Income Housing Tax Credit equity investment from Boston Financial.

Construction is expected to begin in the coming weeks.

“Obtaining financing is a step forward in the planned conversion of the Park 79 Hotel into senior affordable housing,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. “I look forward to the day when Project FIND can welcome scores of older adults into a beautifully restored facility.”

The original structure debuted as ‘The Indiana’ around 1899 and was designed by New York architect Neville & Bagge. As a Renaissance Revival, the understated façade is comprised of light brown brick and stone masonry, ornamental window casings and lintels, and an elegant front entrance along West 79th Street.

Fairstead has selected CTA Architects to oversee gut renovation of the property, to deliver a fully electric building that does not rely on the use of fossil fuels to heat or power the property. Other sustainable retrofits include energy-efficient lighting and kitchen appliances and high-quality ventilation. The renovation will also include the addition of meeting rooms, a communal kitchen, and a community space with indoor and outdoor areas.

No construction timetables have been announced.

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21 Comments on "Park 79 Hotel at 117 West 79th Street Set For Senior Affordable Housing Conversion, on Upper West Side"

  1. Spence Halperin | October 20, 2020 at 9:14 am | Reply

    I have lived on this block for nearly 40 years and am very happy to see this.

  2. It is a real shame they couldn’t have found a way to add some additional floors on top; this is one of the shorter buildings along the block.

  3. This is like the reverse of what happened to the senior living building on Prospect Park.

  4. Mrs lorraine givens | October 20, 2020 at 4:29 pm | Reply

    Lorraine/G how can i get an applacation for this appartment

  5. Lance Barbarino | October 20, 2020 at 9:24 pm | Reply

    This is just what this 69 year old semi retired man so desperately needs. A lifetime New Yorker who wishes to remain so as time passes. How does one apply for residency ?

  6. How can I get application

  7. Lorraine D Frieson | October 23, 2020 at 10:08 pm | Reply

    I would like to receive an application for this building I ha e a disabled adult and I’m 53 yes old I believe you building will suit our needs Thank You

  8. DO YOU ACCEPT CITY PHEPS VOUCHOR ??

  9. How can I get an application for an apartment and found eligible if I want to sell my home.

  10. Milagros Morales | November 5, 2020 at 6:36 pm | Reply

    How do I get an application

  11. How can I apply for an apartment?

  12. How could I get an application for this building? I’m an upper westside resident 68 and on social security

  13. Michael D. Skelly | November 25, 2020 at 1:14 pm | Reply

    All applications for apts. in this building must go thru PROJECT FIND 141 WEST73 ST> suite 10 NYC NY 10023 this is all based on your income and age, wish all good luck…

  14. Blessings to all- am highly interested & l need more information in up training an application. A Bless & Glorious Christmas to all.

  15. Dear Mr. Skelley,
    Hope all is well.
    Can you please let me know if the application is obtainable online? If so, what is the name of the website.
    Thank you.

  16. I would love to have apartment down the street from the Museum,I am a 69 years old Senior looking for a great place to live. I will see how to obtain a appplicaton. I salute the Divinity in all of you.

  17. Anthony Evangelista | January 28, 2021 at 8:43 pm | Reply

    I’m truly interested I’m also a new Yorker 62 years of age it will be a wish come true

  18. Look for affordable Senior subsidized housing in Manhattan. Disabled. Please notify for available applications and all similar opportunities. Thank you for your time and notification.

  19. Veronica Bhulai | June 7, 2022 at 12:16 pm | Reply

    We like to find out a little bit about senior affordable housing

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