Construction management firm Urban Atelier Group (UAG) is pleased to announce that they have broken ground on 13-12 Beach Channel Drive in Far Rockaway, Queens. Urban Atelier Group leads preconstruction and construction management services alongside Camber Property Group and BRC, with design led by Urban Architecture Initiative. The development will consist of an eight-story building with 146 affordable and supportive apartments, social service programming, and a community facility with various tenant amenities.

“We are thrilled to be working on this affordable-housing development in Far Rockaway,” says President and CEO Andy D’Amico. “In an effort to create a more inclusive New York, we are compassionate and intentional with how we give back. We continuously push ourselves to enact change in new ways, and 13-12 Beach Channel Drive is a great example of a project that addresses homelessness, mental health, and supportive transitional housing for women.”

13-12 Beach Channel Drive will be developed in accordance with the Housing Prevention and Development’s Supportive Housing Loan Program (SHLP) and Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH). 60% of the units (88 units) will be set-aside as supportive, and the remaining 58 units will be available for low-income individuals and families earning up to 60% AMI.  Additionally, 14 of those 58 units will be designated as Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH).

The shelter will serve as a 200-bed facility dedicated to single adult women. Tenants will have access to a range of person-centered therapy services to stabilize individuals and move each woman into her highest level of independent housing. The clinically based model will provide services specifically targeted toward the needs of this population, with an overarching focus on recovery and community reintegration goals. 13-12 Beach Channel is expected to be completed by February 2025.

Beyond 13-12 Beach Channel, UAG is at the forefront of the affordable housing conversation in New York City as they work on some of the most ambitious affordable and market-rate housing projects. Their portfolio includes Bronx Point, Victory Plaza, and 241 West 28th Street.  Additionally, Andy recently joined the Breaking Ground Board of Directors to work alongside key stakeholders towards delivering over 1,200 new supportive and affordable apartments across New York City in the next five years. Andy will help ensure that Breaking Ground remains at the forefront of nonprofit real estate development in NYC.

UAG’s recent projects highlight the firm’s commitment to creating exceptional housing for the most vulnerable residents of New York City. With the goal of addressing larger issues such as homelessness, the housing crisis, and the health and wellbeing of the community, the firm has many affordable projects in the pipeline.

About UAG

Urban Atelier Group (UAG) is a boutique construction management firm based in New York City. UAG’s culture is rooted in the ethos of an atelier—the team views itself as a creative workshop where each team member has a voice and the ability to elicit change. Founding President and CEO Andy D’Amico and Co-Founding Executive Vice President and Operation Manager James Palace, champion creativity and collaboration to fuel the evolution of our built environment. UAG cares deeply about the people and communities with which they interact—they are intentional and compassionate in how they give back to create a more inclusive New York. Inspired to build beyond construction drawings, UAG showcases the art of construction management to realize their client’s visions and help shape the fabric of NYC. The team strives for excellence and, most recently, was named Crain’s New York Business’ Fast 50 for 2022.

*Featured Image courtesy: Urban Atelier Group (UAG)