Fort Greene now has a new 11-story transitional housing facility aimed at helping some of New York City's most vulnerable families.
The Fort Greene Family Center, developed by Westhab in partnership with Slate Property Group and NYC Department of Homeless Services, offers 105 units for families with children, along with on-site services and amenities designed to support long-term stability.
The $73 million development, designed by Aufgang Architects, is built on the site of the long-abandoned St. Michael-St. Edward Church. The building includes a children’s playground, community space and energy-efficient, all-electric systems that meet Enterprise Green Communities standards.
"This beautiful new residence exemplifies our commitment to providing not just shelter, but a thoughtful, service-rich environment where families can rebuild their lives with dignity," said Richard Nightingale, chief executive officer of Westhab.
The center will provide families with access to case management, employment and job training, youth services, healthcare support, financial literacy programs and more. Westhab says the goal is to move families from transitional housing into permanent homes while helping them regain independence.
The Fort Greene Family Center is part of Westhab’s larger portfolio, which has helped place more than 12,000 households in permanent housing across New York City and Westchester County since 1981.
Its location was chosen for easy access to public transportation, schools, and community resources, reflecting a push to distribute transitional housing equitably across neighborhoods.
“At Slate, we are working to change the way people think about transitional housing, and the Fort Greene Family Center is proof of that,” said David Schwartz, co-founder and principal at Slate Property Group.
The building’s design emphasizes sustainability, operating without fossil fuels and supporting the city’s carbon-reduction goals.
