Robert A.M. Stern Architects designed an affordable housing building for Brownsville

Influential architect to the upper crust Robert A.M. Stern Architects’ next New York City building most likely won’t be on the Upper East Side, or even in Manhattan. The architecture firm has designed a supportive and affordable housing complex that, with an approval from the City Planning Commission, is one step closer to rising in Brownsville, Brooklyn. The City Council still needs to sign off on the development, but with the backing of City Planning, Brooklyn Community Board 16, and Borough President Eric Adams, the project is a shoo in.

The development at 3 Livonia Avenue at East 98th Street will go by the name Edwin’s Place, and will provide 125 new apartments for homeless and low-income families. The eight-story building will have 69 one-, two-, and three-bedroom units as well as 56 studios.

An additional 47 units will be set aside for low-income residents. Rents on these will start at $462/month for a studio, $590/month for a one-bedroom, $718/month for a two-bedroom, and $821/month for a three-bedroom.

The project is a collaboration between Breaking Ground and the African American Planning Commission, Inc. Breaking Ground has been known to work with some high-profile architects: The group tapped COOKFOX for its Bronx affordable housing development Park House, that opened its doors today. They’ve also worked with Alexander Gorlin Architects on Boston Road in the South Bronx, and Ennead Architects on The Schermerhorn in Downtown Brooklyn.

In fact, Edwin’s Place isn’t even the first building RAMSA and Breaking Ground (formerly Common Ground) have collaborated on. The groups teamed up for Cedarwoods, an affordable housing project in Willimantic, Connecticut. Grant F. Marani, AIA, is the RAMSA partner in charge for both Breaking Ground projects.

• How Common Ground Builds Small To House NYC's Homeless [Curbed]