Construction has topped out on QWest Towers, a pair of 12- and 15-story affordable housing projects located at 1 and 25 North MacQuesten Parkway in Mount Vernon, Westchester County. The $158 million two-phase master plan is being developed under the QWest Towers LLC, a joint venture between Simone Development Companies and Stagg Group, in collaboration with the Rev. Dr. L’Judie Matt-Simmons. Designed by Embarc Design, the mixed-use buildings will yield a total of 228 affordable rental units for households earning 40 to 80 percent of the area median income (AMI), as well as nearly 3,300 square feet of ground-floor commercial space. Both properties are located on the same city block between Oak Street to the north and Mount Vernon Aveune to the south, separated by a surface-level parking lot.
The above main rendering depicts an aerial perspective looking west at both towers that will utilize an identical set of exterior façade panels.
A topping out ceremony was attended by officials from the State, County, and City.
From left, Mount Vernon Corporation Counsel Brian Johnson; Mount Vernon Commissioner of Planning & Community Development James Rausse; Mount Vernon First Deputy Buildings Department Commissioner Hediye Mamak; Simone Development Director of Strategic Initiatives Kevin Plunkett; Rev. Dr. L’ Judie Matt-Simmons; Simone Development President Joe Simone; Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard; Council President Derrick Thompson; Stagg Group President Mark Stagg; Executive Director Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council Linda Malave; Downstate Development Director Russ Karp; Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins; Deputy County Executive Joan McDonald; Westchester County Planning Commissioner Bianca Lopez; Council Member Cynthia Turnquest-Jones; Mount Vernon Building Department Commissioner Patrick Holder; and Mount Vernon Comptroller Dr. Darren Morton.
The 228 affordable units will be comprised of 58 studios, 91 one-bedroom units, 78 two-bedroom units and one three-bedroom unit. In addition, the building will include a separate unit for the superintendent. Of the 228 units, 12 will accommodate residents with mobility disabilities, and seven will accommodate residents with sensory disabilities. Amenities will include laundry rooms, recreation space, electric vehicle charging, and a green roof.
Construction financing includes $32.5 million in subsidy loans from the New York State Housing and Community Renewal (HCR), more than $19 million from Westchester County’s New Homes Land Acquisition (NHLA) program, the Mount Vernon Industrial Development Agency (IDA), and Westchester County’s Housing Flex Fund. Another $5 million is coming from Empire State Development’s Mid-Hudson Momentum Fund. The all-electric development is designed to meet Energy Star Multifamily New Construction and Enterprise Green Communities standards.
The ground-up development is situated within the Mount Vernon West Transit-Oriented Development Zone and is conveniently located by the Mount Vernon train station for service along the Metro-North Railroad. The Bronx River Parkway runs along Oak Street to the west.
QWest Towers’ first building will be completed later this year, with the second tower to follow within a few months. Construction is expected to create roughly 250 construction jobs and 20 permanent jobs.
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