First RFP requiring modular construction on New York City housing project issued

The New York City Department of Preservation and Housing recently issued its first request for proposals under its Housing 2.0 modular construction initiative.

The RFP is for a new mixed-use affordable housing project on city-owned 49,397 sf site in Brooklyn. Using modular construction will allow the department to reduce construction costs, get housing built faster, and respond more quickly to demographic shifts, officials contend.

The use of modular construction for affordable housing initiatives has gained support in recent years, despite a lack of modular manufacturers in the New York metro area and logistical challenges that come with delivering and storing large modular pieces.

Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen said the goal of the program was to master mid-rise, modular multifamily development to help meet the city’s increased affordable housing goals, according to a report in The Real Deal. The city aims to create or preserve 300,000 residential units by 2026.

Effective January 1, 2022, New York City requires garage owners to retain a specially designated professional engineer to conduct an assessment and file a report at least once every six years. Hoffmann Architects + Engineers offers tips and best practices on how to comply with NYC Local Law 126 parking garage inspection rules.

Mixed-Use | Oct 20, 2022

ROI on resilient multifamily construction can be as high as 72%

A new study that measured the economic value of using FORTIFIED Multifamily, a voluntary beyond-code construction and re-roofing method developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), found the return can be as high as 72%.

Building Team | Oct 18, 2022

Brasfield & Gorrie chairman’s home vandalized by anti-development activists

Activists vandalized the home and vehicles of Miller Gorrie, chairman of Birmingham-based Brasfield & Gorrie, in protest of a planned $90 million, 85-acre police, fire and public safety training center in Atlanta.

Codes and Standards | Oct 17, 2022

Ambitious state EV adoption goals put pressure on multifamily owners to provide chargers

California’s recently announced ban on the sale of new gas-powered vehicles starting in 2035—and New York’s recent decision to follow suit—are putting pressure on multifamily property owners to install charging stations for tenants.

| Oct 13, 2022

Boston’s proposed net-zero emissions code has developers concerned

Developers have raised serious concerns over a proposed new energy code by the City of Boston that would require newly constructed buildings over 20,000 sf to immediately hit net-zero emissions goals.