Melrose Bronx Nears Completion of 129 Affordable Homes as New Charter School Takes Shape
Melrose, Bronx, New York | September 28, 2026: Two affordable housing buildings with 129 homes are nearing completion in Melrose, the Bronx, including 78 supportive housing units for formerly homeless families and veterans. A separate charter school development nearby is also taking shape, adding to the neighbourhood’s ongoing construction activity.
The residential projects at 409 and 450 East 158th Street, developed in partnership with The Jericho Project, are designed to expand affordable housing in the South Bronx. Meanwhile, construction is underway on a five-story AECI Charter School at 2970 3rd Avenue, with completion targeted for winter 2028.
129 Affordable Homes Near Completion in Melrose
The two residential buildings span approximately 80,000 square feet and provide 129 affordable homes, including 78 permanent supportive housing units. The apartments include studio and one-bedroom layouts and are intended to serve local homeless families and veterans.
The development involves Barone Management, Azimuth Development Group and The Jericho Project, with Aufgang Architects responsible for the design.
The project adds affordable housing to a neighbourhood with access to public transportation and nearby community facilities.
450 East 158th Street Has Completed Construction
The larger building at 450 East 158th Street has completed construction and has reportedly operated under a temporary certificate of occupancy since July 2026.
The property occupies a site formerly used by La Ressurreccion United Methodist Church. Its exterior features orange and charcoal-coloured panels alongside red brick. The building also has an accessible entrance and an ADA-compliant ramp.
The neighbouring building at 409 East 158th Street has completed exterior work, while interior finishing and other final construction activities are underway. Developers are working to secure a temporary certificate of occupancy.
Affordable Housing Lottery Offered Studios at $910
The development has also featured in an affordable housing lottery. According to a previous report by PIX11, the lottery included 15 studio apartments with monthly rents starting at $910 and 10 one-bedroom apartments priced at $1,147 per month.
Reported amenities include 24-hour security, high-speed internet and on-site laundry facilities.
The rents provide an indication of the affordability offered through the lottery. However, the previously advertised apartments should not be assumed to be currently available.
Project Figures Differ Across Earlier Reports
The development’s specifications have been described differently across project sources. Azimuth Development Group identifies the larger building as having 84 sleeping rooms, with the second building containing 45 residences. Together, the two properties account for 129 residences and approximately 78,931 square feet.
Earlier reporting and permit filings have also used different descriptions of the buildings, including variations in addresses and building configurations. The overall unit count and approximate combined floor area are consistent across the more recent project descriptions, but some individual building details differ.
AECI Charter School Adds a Major Development Nearby
At 2970 3rd Avenue, a five-story AECI Charter School is under construction at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and East 153rd Street.
The 77,957-square-foot project is being developed by Shimon Kleinman and designed by Loci Architecture PLLC. Of the total floor area, 59,133 square feet is allocated to the school, while 18,824 square feet is planned for ground-floor retail.
Construction crews are working on the foundations, with excavation continuing at the site. The planned facilities include a gymnasium with two full-size basketball courts and a rooftop play area. Completion is targeted for winter 2028.
Transit Access Connects the New Developments
The housing buildings and nearby school are within walking distance of the 3rd Avenue–149th Street subway station, served by the 2 and 5 trains.
For residents, access to public transportation can make commuting and reaching neighbourhood services more convenient. The combination of affordable housing and a new educational facility also adds to the area’s residential and community infrastructure.
What the Projects Mean for Melrose
The near-completion of the housing buildings marks a significant step for the neighbourhood’s affordable housing supply. The 78 supportive units are intended for residents who need more than housing alone, while the affordable lottery has previously offered apartments at rents below $1,200 per month.
The charter school, meanwhile, is a separate development with a longer construction timeline. Its planned school facilities and ground-floor retail will add new uses to the surrounding area.
The next milestones are the completion and occupancy of the remaining residential building and continued construction of the charter school, which is targeting winter 2028.