The Peninsula in the Bronx, N.Y., a mixed-use affordable housing campus, just opened its first phase. The development has a comprehensive plan to reduce waste, separate recyclable materials, and make it easy for residents to collect compostable materials.
The development, which will provide 740 residential units when completed, includes a recently completed commercial structure housing a food incubator and related businesses. This structure contains refrigerated storage and shelf capacity for surplus edible food to preserve it for donations to local partner organizations.
Food waste will be collected and put to good use. “Food waste will be separated by the food businesses, and processed into fertilizer within a dry aerobic bio-digester,” says Miflin, who with partner WXY has created a related new initiative called PutWasteToWork. The bio-digester has a capacity of 0.55 tons of food waste a day, and processes it with microbes and heat to create a fertilizer. The bio-digester reduces weight by up to 90% and eliminates pests and odors.
Infrastructure will be built into residential areas to encourage collection of food waste for composting. Every unit will have undercounter bins for recycling and a caddy for food waste," “They will take these to the refuse rooms on each floor, which also host collections of small items like sharps and batteries,” says Claire Weisz, FAIA, founding principal of WXY.
According to the project team, consultants will help train staff, and provide software for tracking all waste types and measuring progress towards zero-waste operations. This is a radically new idea for an affordable community, according to a news release.
Owner and/or developer: Hudson Companies, Gilbane Development Co., and MHANY Management Inc. (part of the Mutual Housing Association of New York).
Design architect: WXY architecture + urban design and Body Lawson Associates Architects and Planners
Architect of record: WXY architecture + urban design and Body Lawson Associates Architects and Planners
MEP engineer: Skyline Engineering
Structural engineer: Gedeon GRC Consulting and Christie Engineering
General contractor/construction manager: Broadway Builders and Gilbane
Related Stories
Transit Facilities | Dec 4, 2023
6 guideposts for cities to create equitable transit-oriented developments
Austin, Texas, has developed an ETOD Policy Toolkit Study to make transit-oriented developments more equitable for current and future residents and businesses.
Multifamily Housing | Nov 30, 2023
A lasting housing impact: Gen-Z redefines multifamily living
Nathan Casteel, Design Leader, DLR Group, details what sets an apartment community apart for younger generations.
Products and Materials | Nov 30, 2023
Top building products for November 2023
BD+C Editors break down 15 of the top building products this month, from horizontal sliding windows to discreet indoor air infusers.
Engineers | Nov 27, 2023
Kimley-Horn eliminates the guesswork of electric vehicle charger site selection
Private businesses and governments can now choose their new electric vehicle (EV) charger locations with data-driven precision. Kimley-Horn, the national engineering, planning, and design consulting firm, today launched TREDLite EV, a cloud-based tool that helps organizations develop and optimize their EV charger deployment strategies based on the organization’s unique priorities.
MFPRO+ Blog | Nov 27, 2023
7 ways multifamily designers can promote wellness in urban communities
Shepley Bulfinch's Natalie Shutt-Banks, AIA, identifies design elements that multifamily developers can use to maximize space while creating a positive impact on residents and the planet
MFPRO+ New Projects | Nov 21, 2023
An 'eco-obsessed' multifamily housing project takes advantage of downtown Austin’s small lots
In downtown Austin, Tex., architecture firm McKinney York says it built Capitol Quarters to be “eco-obsessed, not just eco-minded.” With airtight walls, better insulation, and super-efficient VRF (variable refrigerant flow) systems, Capitol Quarters uses 30% less energy than other living spaces in Austin, according to a statement from McKinney York.
MFPRO+ News | Nov 21, 2023
California building electrification laws could prompt more evictions and rent increases
California laws requiring apartment owners to ditch appliances that use fossil fuels could prompt more evictions and rent increases in the state, according to a report from the nonprofit Strategic Actions for a Just Economy. The law could spur more evictions if landlords undertake major renovations to comply with the electrification rule.
MFPRO+ News | Nov 21, 2023
Underused strip malls offer great potential for conversions to residential use
Replacing moribund strip malls with multifamily housing could make a notable dent in the housing shortage and revitalize under-used properties across the country, according to a report from housing nonprofit Enterprise Community Partners.
MFPRO+ News | Nov 21, 2023
Renters value amenities that support a mobile, connected lifestyle
Multifamily renters prioritize features and amenities that reflect a mobile, connected lifestyle, according to the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) and Grace Hill 2024 Renter Preferences Survey.
Sustainability | Nov 20, 2023
8 strategies for multifamily passive house design projects
Stantec's Brett Lambert, Principal of Architecture and Passive House Certified Consultant, uses the Northland Newton Development project to guide designers with eight tips for designing multifamily passive house projects.
