Sendero Verde

Jonathan Rose Companies, L+M Development Partners and Acacia Network have joined forces to transform a city block in New York City’s East Harlem into a vibrant, green mix of affordable housing, community services, a large plaza and community gardens. The project, currently in construction, will serve 700+ families with incomes ranging from formerly homeless to 120 % of the area median.

Sendero Verde’s rich mix of social, health and educational programs are designed to increase its residents’ and neighbors’ health and wellbeing and will provide over 90,000 GSF of community facility space to the neighborhood. In addition to a wide variety of community facility users, each residential building has a full suite of amenities including health and social service rooms, a fitness center, computer and study lounge, community room, and outdoor terraces. Taken together, these elements create a Community of Opportunity.

In tandem with the physical Community of Opportunity amenity spaces, the project has received a 15/15 grant that will provide a robust social services program. The grant will pay for a Resident Social Services director, occupational therapists, art and dance classes, housing specialists, and 24-hour security.

The heart of the project is the publicly accessible courtyard, sheltered between the three buildings and raised one level above the street. The courtyard was designed as a series of pods that include intimate spaces for conversation and reflection, active spaces for exercise and play, and a large open space for community social events. The courtyard is further activated by a variety of community facility spaces that open directly onto the courtyard – creating synergy between the indoor and outdoor activities. 

Sendero Verde will be the largest Passive House development in the United States certified by both Passive House Institute and Enterprise Green Communities, ensuring superior levels of energy efficiency, indoor air quality, occupant comfort, and resiliency.