Eagle Gardens nestles into the steep hillside at the intersection of E161st Street and Eagle Avenue, with the street running across the lower edge of the site and the avenue soaring over 30 feet above. At eleven stories tall, this new building balances its mass with respect for the lower heights of surrounding buildings – due to the hillside the eleventh floor sits only eight stories above ground on the northern side of the property. Comprising 83 apartments including studios, one and two-bedrooms, the building provides a mix of supportive and affordable housing to residents. The reddish brick façade takes its cue from the neighborhood context, and the design blends in glass fiber reinforced concrete panels at the upper levels in similarly warm colors.

Integrated into the eastern edge of the property are new exterior public stairs that will make it easier for area residents to get from Eagle Avenue to Third Avenue, the neighborhood’s main commercial street. As seen throughout the hilly areas of the Bronx, these stairs will provide connections to the community and foster neighborhood spirit. This improvement will be well lit and landscaped, and monitored via camera by the building’s 24-hr security desk staff.

Building amenities for Eagle Gardens include a recreational courtyard, a multi-purpose room, a fitness room, and laundry room as well as bike storage. To support residents, there will also be counseling offices and support staff in the building daily. UAI is designing a healthy living environment for residents using natural materials that do not give off fumes and that have low carbon content. All heating and cooking equipment will be electric, lowering carbon emissions. Additionally, the building will conserve energy using a highly-insulated exterior envelope including high-performance fiberglass windows, and energy-efficient mechanical systems including packaged terminal heat pumps (PTHPs) and a rooftop energy recovery ventilators (ERVs). A ballasted solar panel array and green roofs complement these sustainability measures.

  • Location

    581 East 161st Street
    Bronx, NY

  • Client

    HOGAR

  • Agency

    HPD
    HCR

  • Year Completed

    2028

  • Cost

    $34 million

  • Team

    Community Revival
    LMW Engineering Group, LLC
    HRM Engineering Services, PC
    Krypton Engineering
    BMB Building Consulting Inc.
    Liz Farrell Landscape Architect PLLC
    Bright Power

team