Owner's Representative PQL - HPD

Housing Preservation & Development


Owners' Representative PQL


Owners' Representative PQL

This Pre-Qualified List (PQL) of Owner’s Representatives is intended to serve as a resource for mission-driven owners seeking to procure an Owner’s Representative for real estate consulting services. These NYC-based firms have been evaluated for their technical expertise, experience, and capacity required to represent owners in the project management, planning, developing, financing, and managing of multifamily affordable housing in New York City. All firms have previous experience on HPD/HDC-financed projects. In many cases, the firm listed is the lead of a multi-disciplinary team of sub-consultants.

HPD will not be involved in advising, providing further references, interviewing, selecting, procuring, or paying for Owner’s Representative Services. The scope of work, fee, schedule and other terms for Owners’ Representative Services will be determined directly between the owner and the consultant. Some Owner's Representatives may express interest in co-developing a site, while others are solely interested in providing consulting services. An owner’s engagement of any Owner’s Representatives on the list is at the owner’s own risk. This RFQ does not represent any obligation or agreement whatsoever on the part of the City or HPD.

The PQL lists firms in alphabetical order, and includes areas of specialization that were identified by the qualified firms, geographies served, languages offered, and firm biography. The areas of specialization pertain to the lead respondent, as do the M/WBE and nonprofit status identified; however, lead applicants may engage subcontractors with complementary specialties.

This PQL will be updated in 2019 with additional firms selected from the Planning and Development Resources RFQ.

Download the PQL here (in Excel). Download detailed descriptions here (in Excel).

Owner's Representatives

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Banana Kelly Community Improvement Association, Inc

Contact: Harold DeRienzo
Email: hderienzo@bkcianyc.org
Phone: (718) 328-1064
Specializations: development program, project management, feasibility and financing, property management

Banana Kelly Community Improvement Association, Inc. is a not-for-profit community development corporation located in the South Bronx. Annually, we provide direct services to approximately 5,000 residents and support services to the community at large. We empower residents through supportive services and vocational, educational, and cultural programs that assist in the retention of affordable housing accommodations and foster self-sufficiency and collective capacity through self-help, mutual aid and cooperation. Historically, our primary catchment area has been the Hunts Point/Longwood neighborhood but we have had and continue to have substantial presence in the Mott Haven, West Concourse, and Morrisania neighborhoods. Since our inception in 1977 (incorporated in 1978) we have renovated and preserved over 2,400 units of housing, some 1,240 of which are still under our administration. But we have not focused solely on housing. Over the past 38 years we have weatherized over 8,000 housing units; established programs to assist small businesses; operated construction training programs for youth; developed the first urban dormitory for homeless high school students, operate ESL programs and much more.

In terms of the housing we have developed from “soup to nuts,” we have utilized many of the finance programs available from the city, state and federal government, including, but not limited to:

9% LIHTC Funding (Preservation): In this program, we developed approximately 400 units through the city’s Neighborhood Redevelopment Program. Currently, we are completing our most recent 9% deal for two buildings that came through the city’s Third Party Transfer Program.

4% HDC Bond Deal (New Construction): Developed in partnership with CPC Resources this 58-unit 4% LIHTC project (through what was HDCs LAMP program).

DAMP CMP/SIP/PLP (Preservation): About 589 low income units in our portfolio were developed through numerous HPD programs – initially through the city’s Community Management Program, the Strategic Initiatives Program, and later through the Participation Program.

HTF (Gut Rehab): About 50 units along Fox Street were redeveloped and converted to low income cooperatives through the NYS Housing Trust Fund Program.

Overleveraged/Predatory Equity Projects (Preservation): Over 100 units in two separate projects were refinanced and redeveloped. On Kelly Street, working with WFH Advisors and Monodnock Construction, Banana Kelly took over five (5) distressed buildings through the 7A program, while working with our partners on foreclosure and refinancing, which was obtained through the 9% LIHTC program. On College Avenue, working with FC Equities and Wavecrest Management, we purchased three (3) buildings 2 from a bad landlord (identified as “worst” on then Public Advocate’s list), and redeveloped the buildings through the PLP program.

What follows is a brief review of non housing, but related, services we provide to our residents and the community at large:

For the past 18 years we have administered a Supportive Housing Rental Assistance Program funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. The program, which targets homeless and disabled individuals and families, has both a rental subsidy and a supportive services component. Among other things, we are responsible for ensuring that all units meet housing quality standards.

Our Medicaid Services Coordination Program typically serves between 125 and 130 consumers who have family members with developmental disabilities. Many of our consumers live in our buildings. Every resident of Banana Kelly buildings has access to our case management services, where we work with each to ensure receipt of all available services and provide linkages to other supportive programs. The goal of this program is to provide stability and preservation of tenancy by preventing homelessness or rapid re-housing of families experiencing homelessness. Our staff assists these families with entitlement screening, securing the services needed to remain in their apartments, be that by re-applying for Section 8 assistance or accessing available entitlement programs.

Our Green Infrastructure Program serves both environmental needs, as well as promotes our community building agenda through the establishment of shared space and gardening activities. We are in the process of launching our Healthy Community program, which we are developing in partnership with the New York Common Pantry and will be fully operational in 2017. We have a very active organizing department focused on resident engagement and leadership development.

During the 2015-2016 year we are engaging a combined 95 or so area children in our Summer Camp and After School program. During the Summer of 2015 we had 65 children attending our Camp. Our After School program is serving close to 30 children this academic year. Most of these children are from families who live in our buildings.

Becker and Becker Associates, Inc

Contact: Kirsten Springer
Email: Kspringer@beckerandbecker.com
Phone: (203) 292-4930
Specializations: development program, project management, feasibility and financing, planning and design
Geographies served: 5 boroughs
Prior experience: mission-based partners, faith-based partners, historic properties, supportive housing, 80/20s, LEED Platinum, child care centers, charter school

Founded in 1950, Becker + Becker is a full service sustainable architecture, planning, historic preservation and real estate development firm providing integrated services to non-profit, private, and government clients. The firm also develops affordable housing, mixed-income multifamily and mixed-use projects for its own account.

Becker + Becker seeks projects that have a social and environmental value, restoring underutilized historic buildings and redeveloping urban sites to provide housing, education, retail and child care facilities. The firm prides itself on developing creative solutions to complex challenges in land use planning, finance, and architecture to create sustainable places.

Over the past 67 years, Becker + Becker has participated in the planning, design and development of master planned developments with more than 3,000 dwellings including 1,200 affordable housing units. B+B has designed and developed 8 apartment communities with Low Income Housing Tax Credits ranging in size from 30 units to 652 units (many of which were supportive housing), and three mixed-income apartment communities, totaling 1,285 units of housing. The firm has also completed six certified historic rehabilitations.

The firm prides itself on its successful architecture, development and planning experience. Becker + Becker focuses on understanding and addressing distinct community needs to plan buildings that are financially innovative, socially interactive, community-focused, physically secure and architecturally attractive. Our mission-based work involves extensive collaboration with community and non-profit organizations. Beyond, planning, design, finance, and construction administration, B+B remains involved as requested while the new apartment communities flourish and uphold their own mission. A list of awards earned by developments designed and developed by B+B is shown below.

AWARDS | Becker + Becker

2016 Vanguard Award from the National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA)s for 777 Main for Major Rehab of a Non-housing Structure into Affordable Rental Housing

2016 Crew CT Blue Ribbon Award for Best Overall Project for 777 Main Street

2011 –Special Chapter Award Connecticut Chapter of the American Planning Association for 360 State Street and The Wauregan Hotel

2011 Award of Honor presented by the U.S. Green Building Council, Connecticut Chapter for 360 State Street, Multi-Use Building category

2010 Connecticut Fund for the Environment Annual Meeting Award "for incorporating innovative sustainable green design into your mixed use urban development project at 360 State Street and for advocating for policy solutions that support green sustainability"

2008 Engineering Excellence Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Connecticut for the Wauregan Hotel Restoration

2008 1000 Friends of Connecticut ""Smart Growth"" Endorsement for 360 State Street. Becker + Becker's plan for 360 State Street was one of only two projects statewide to be recognized by Connecticut's leading smart growth advocacy organization as a model for sustainable, livable and productive community development.

2008 The Connecticut Main Street Center Awards of Excellence to The Wauregan project for adaptive re-use of a building.

2007 Harlan Griswold award from The Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation for redevelopment of The Wauregan

2006 Excellence in Construction Award from Associated Builders and Contractors for the Historic Restoration of the Wauregan Hotel

2006 Lucy Moses award from The New York Landmarks Conservancy for redevelopment of The Octagon, NYC

2006 ""Restore America"" award from HGTV and the National Trust for Historic Preservation for the adaptive re-use and preservation of the former Wauregan Hotel in Norwich, Connecticut

2004 ""Green Apple Award"" from the EPA and NYC Department of Environmental Protection for leadership in applying sustainable design principles to residential development for Octagon Park Apartments

2001 AIA Connecticut Design Award for The Crescent Building

2000 HUD Secretary/American Planning Association Award, Urban Horizons, Bronx NY

1998 Gold Medal Winner, Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence for The Times Square, NY, NY

1998 Maxwell Award of Excellence from the Fannie Mae Foundation for Urban Horizons, Bronx, NY

1998 Maxwell Award of Excellence finalist from the Fannie Mae Foundation for The Crescent Building

1998 Excellence Award for Best Mid-rise/High-Rise from the National Association of Home Builders for Avalon Grove

1996 Excellence Award for Best Zoning/Urban Land Plan Award from the Home Builders of Connecticut for Avalon Grove

1996 Best Affordable Urban Apartment Project in the United States from the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition for the Times Square

1996 Municipal Arts Society Special Citation for the Urban Horizons/Morrisania Hospital Redevelopment

1995 American Institute of Architects, New York City Chapter Special Citation for the Times Square Hotel

1995 Bard Award for Excellence in Architecture and Urban Design from the City Club of New York for The Times Square Hotel

1994 New York State Historic Preservation Award for the Times Square Hotel

1993 New York Preservation League Affordable Housing Award for the Times Square Hotel

Brisa Builders Corporation (M/WBE)

Contact: Ericka Keller-Wala
Email: erickakeller-wala@brisabuilders.com
Phone: (718) 774-6103
Specializations: development program, project management, planning and design, construction
Geographies served: 5 boroughs
Prior experience: mission-based partners, faith-based partners, HUD 202s, low-income housing

Brisa Builders Corporation is a family owned development, construction management and general construction contracting firm specializing in general contracting, construction management, real estate development consultation and property management. For both faith based and community based organizations, as well as New York City agencies they served as liaisons between architects, lawyers, and owners and other general contractors in the building of housing for senior citizens, handicapped people, homeless persons, low and moderate income persons and people with AIDS. They distinguished themselves as human resource engines in the minority community, employing numerous sub-contractors and providing invaluable training in the construction and real estate management industries. From the development of the project with the sponsor/ owner to the permanent Certificate of Occupancy the company has completed over 400 million dollars in combined budgets of current and completed construction projects for local sponsors, as well as a variety of project consultant projects and property management.

Bronx Pro Group LLC

Contact: Samantha Magistro
Email: smagistro@bronxprogroup.com
Phone: (718)294-5840
Specializations: development program, feasibility and financing, construction, property management

Bronx Pro Group LLC is a neighborhood-based firm which since 1988 has been dedicated to community development through affordable housing investments. Bronx Pro’s mission is to develop quality housing that is both affordable and ecologically viable with an increasing focus towards community building. The company and affiliates employ 98 full time professionals and support staff engaged in Real Estate Development, Construction, Building Management, and Residential Services. Since 1998, Bronx Pro completed the development of over 2,000 affordable housing units with 35 commercial and community spaces. These projects have a total development cost of $286 million. Currently, the company has $129 million of development under construction and approximately $72 million in predevelopment. The Bronx Pro portfolio is primarily owned by the Magistro family who is proud to build quality housing as well as permanent jobs through their participation in New York City affordable housing programs.

CB-Emmanuel Realty LLC (M/WBE)

Contact: R. Christopher Bramwell
Email: chris.bramwell@cbemmanuel.com
Phone: (347) 534-3214
Specializations: development program, project management, construction, property management

CB-Emmanuel Realty, LLC (CB) is a Queens Village-based, New York City Department of Small Business Services certified Minority-owned Business Enterprise that specializes in the development of affordable housing. Founded in August 2005, CB’s mission is to provide affordable housing opportunities in economically-distressed communities in a meaningful way that promotes the advancement of the building residents and community at large. The principals have been involved in the development, ownership, and management of approximately 4,000 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and HOME funded apartments within the communities of East New York, Brownsville, Crown Heights and Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn and Morris Heights, Bronx.

Bed Stuy Restoration Corporation Portfolio
The principals of CB were actively involved in acquiring and redeveloping over 800 apartments with Total Development Costs in excess of $100 Million from the historic Brooklyn not-for-profit Bed Stuy Restoration Corporation. In conjunction with development partners Phoenix Realty Group and Shinda Management Corporation, the team was able to preserve this sizeable portfolio as well as provide meaningful participation of a new not-for-profit partner – New Era Development. These transactions involved the use of 4% tax credits and subsidized mortgages from HPD and tax-exempt bonds issued by the New York City Development Corp. All sites are located in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.

Atlantic Commons I and II and University Avenue Consolidation (UAC)
Mr. Upshaw and Mr. Bramwell as members of Arista Real Estate Developers, LLC have developed various projects in Brooklyn and the Bronx, NY at a total development cost of $82 million. This entity was honored as the recipient of the New York City Citizens Housing and Planning Council Award for Outstanding Development (April 2013) for the Arista UAC project in Bronx, NY.

As part of a joint venture, CB was selected to develop several sites in Brownsville, Brooklyn in HPD’s 2005 Cornerstone RFP. Atlantic Commons I, the new construction of 48 LIHTC apartments over two sites, was completed November 2011 at a cost of over $16 Million. Atlantic Commons II, the new construction of 44 LIHTC apartments, is 100% complete and cost over $16 million. During both projects, the principals of CB were involved in meeting community organizations and governmental officials in Brownsville throughout the ULURP process. These transactions also involved utilizing 4% + 9% tax credits, respectively and subsidized mortgages issued from HPD, tax-exempt bonds issued by the New York City HDC as well as securing a Homes for Working Families mortgage from the NYS Homes and Community Renewal.

NYC HPD Projects
In addition to the above development experience, principals of the applicant have been involved in the development of $38 million of projects via the HPD Third Party Transfer Program. Lenders for these various projects include the Low Income Investment Fund, Community Preservation Corporation and Banco Popular providing construction and permanent mortgages under the Participating Loan Program (PLP). Projects include: 215 Properties, Bed Stuy Heights, Emmanuel 203k, SFIVE Properties and PASS Properties. All the projects were substantial rehabs and completed with tenants in place.

NOT-FOR-PROFIT DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE

Housing 2000 HDFC
CB served as development consultant to Housing 2000 and Housing 2000 II HDFC (now Housing 2012) during their Year 15 Application process and successfully brought the project to construction closing. CB underwrote the project, completed disclosure submission, bid the construction, organized and guided the owner through pre closing weekly calls and coordinated with their legal team. This portfolio is located in Central Harlem and is owned by faith-based not-for-profit organization.

Livonia Terrace
CB also co-developed a project known as Livonia Terrace which is located in Brownsville, Brooklyn. The project represented the redevelopment of 171 units at a cost of $25 million. The project has the distinction of being the first Brooklyn project, and one of the first developments in the nation, to receive Stimulus Funding from the Obama Administration. New York City Housing Development Corporation issued tax-exempt bonds and 4% tax credits in the financing of this project. Livonia Terrace HDFC participated as the not-for-profit partner on this deal.

Stuypark House
CB has recently completed the construction at a project in Crown Heights: Stuypark. The development has secured Resolution A financing and the support of Councilman Robert Cornegy and is working with HPD’s 8A program to formally acquire this loan. This project preserved a 103 unit, state-sponsored Mitchell Lama senior complex at a total development cost of over $27 Million. Tax-exempt bonds and 4% LIHTC financing were issued by the New York State Housing Finance Agency. HUD provided RAD (Rental Assistance Demonstration) rental payment assistance to insure affordability and feasibility of the project. Principals of CB are the sole developer and guarantors of record for this project and were involved in all aspects of the transaction from negotiating with the Not-for-profit owner, to predevelopment and project feasibility, bidding and construction supervision upon closing. Construction is 100% complete and the project is in pre-conversion.

Parkway Stuyvesant Community & Housing Renewal Inc is a local nonprofit with which CB partnered to redevelop the property. It was founded in February 1960. Their mission is “to initiate and promote programs of action to improve the physical and social well being of the community in areas of better housing, better city services and better inter-group/racial relations”. The board members are all active and vocal participants of the board and community. This experience helped to further prime CB in the communication skills and interactions that are specific to not-for-profit partners who are also novice developers.

CSH Portfolio
This 33 building cluster represents the acquisition and moderate rehabilitation of 359 units of former LIHTC apartments located in scattered sites in Brooklyn. The portfolio was a challenging one to get to a closing as CB served as advocate for the current not-for-profit owner to remain as a minority partner in the ownership structure. Total development costs inclusive of acquisition costs exceed $28 million. CB took the lead and greatly assisted the not-for-profit partner complete all phases of predevelopment including formal application submission to HPD Year 15 program, negotiations with the Enterprise Foundation and HPD, scope definition and finally reaching a successful albeit challenging New Year’s Day construction closing. This project is representative of CB’s ability to negotiate amicably, fairly and in good faith with not-for-profit partners while maintaining the integrity and feasibility of the project assets.

Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation, Inc (non-profit)

Contact: Teghvir Singh Sethi
Email: Tegs@cypresshills.org
Phone: (917) 893-8801 x216
Specializations: development program, project management, feasibility and financing

Local residents and merchants founded the Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation (CHLDC) in 1983, after a period of rapid neighborhood change. Long-time residents had moved out, stores along the commercial strip closed, and banks decided our community was not a place to do business. Our mission is to revitalize the Cypress Hills community through housing preservation, economic development, and the positive development of youth and families. We serve 10,000 residents a year from 17 sites.

CHLDC creates high quality and sustainable affordable housing, and has a proven track record of successfully developing difficult projects. We have acted as the sole developer on nearly all of our projects, but also see the opportunities of joint ventures when appropriate. CHLDC’s major accomplishments include the development of 380+ units of affordable housing, revitalization of the Fulton Street commercial strip in Cypress Hills, founding of two alternative public schools, creation of a “pipeline” of youth development, college access and persistence services and opportunities that support 4,500 young people in the community annually, and the reduction of school overcrowding through advocacy and organizing that resulted in three new public schools being constructed.

Additionally, CHLDC helps owners and renters to retrofit and repair their existing housing. We educate and counsel home owners and renters and organize tenant associations in multifamily buildings where landlords are disinvesting in services or harassing tenants. CHLDC assists parent and teen groups to organize to improve local public schools. We support small businesses and connect residents with public benefits and employment assistance. We offer recreational, educational, and vocational services for youth, adult education, family counseling, and college counseling. Our subsidiary, the Cypress Hills Child Care Corporation (CHCCC), runs a family day care network, an In-Home Head Start program, and a day care center, which CHLDC built in 2000. Together, our programs strengthen the area’s physical and economic infrastructure, provide quality educational and social services, and foster local leaders.

Dabar Development Partners (M/WBE)

Contact: Dawanna Williams
Email: DWILLIAMS@DABARDEVELOPMENT.COM
Phone: (212) 653-8878
Specializations: development program and project management
Geographies served: 5 boroughs
Prior experience: faith-based partners

Dabar is an experienced real estate development, investment and consulting firm focused on the conversion, renovation and new construction of real estate properties primarily in New York City. Represented by world-class architects and industry professionals, Dabar delivers signature properties highlighting modern architecture, ranging from challenging conversions of historic structures to carefully considered renovations to classically crafted new buildings. The founder of the firm, Dawanna Williams, has 20+ years of experience in the real estate industry.

Since Dabar’s inception, new construction projects have been completed by the firm in New York City and Philadelphia. Currently, Dabar is developing a multi-phase affordable housing development to be located in Brooklyn, New York in a joint venture with the City of New York.

Prior to founding Dabar, Ms. Williams worked as a commercial real estate lawyer, primarily at prominent law firm, Sidley Austin LLP. From 1994 to 2003, Ms. Williams represented major developers, international governing authorities, investment banks, institutional lenders and private equity investors in connection with a wide range of high-profile real estate transactions. Those transactions included acquisitions, developments, leasings and financings, such as the acquisition of office towers, development of expansive plazas and civic projects, leasing of large-scale landmark properties, and financing for construction or rehabilitation of shopping centers and planned communities. During this period, those projects involved millions of spatial square feet and over $10 billion in transaction value.

As a real estate entrepreneur, since 1997, Ms. Williams has purchased, developed and/or operated numerous multi-family and commercial properties in landmarked communities. Ms. Williams formally organized Dabar in 2003, to focus on the preservation, renovation and new construction of architecturally significant real estate properties. Through Dabar, Ms. Williams combines her expertise as a legal and business pragmatist with her passion for refined materials and design.

As a consultant, Ms. Williams serves as owner’s representative and/or construction manager to non-profits and faith-based organizations. She has worked closely with Pentecostal Faith Church on development of it properties over the past decade. Additionally, she is currently advising Abyssinian Baptist Church on the disposition of certain assets and serves as it Owner’s Rep on the new construction of Abyssinian West at The Renny, which is being developed by BRP.

Ms. Williams holds an A.B. in Economics/Government from Smith College, an M.P.A. from Harvard University Kennedy School of Government, and a J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law.

Denham Wolf Real Estate Services, Inc

Contact: Gisela Garrett
Email: ggarrett@denhamwolf.com
Phone: (212) 736-6777 x236
Specializations: development program, project management, feasibility and financing, site due diligence
Geographies served: 5 boroughs
Prior experience: mission-based partnerships, faith-based partners, historic properties, supportive housing

An essential resource for New York City’s nonprofit community, Denham Wolf Real Estate Services provides expertise in transactions, development, and project management. The firm’s professionals encompass a range of skill sets, which align through our focus on New York City’s nonprofit community and our shared commitment to integrity and excellence in our service. Denham Wolf has partnered with hundreds of nonprofits since its founding in 1998, shaping millions of square feet across New York City

Led by co-presidents Jonathan Denham and Paul Wolf, Denham Wolf serves as the client’s trusted advisor on every real estate project. Together, our extensive experience with nonprofits and our culture of learning enable us to derive creative, client-specific solutions. Fundamentally, we believe that an organization’s mission and programs should drive real estate projects, and this principle guides everything that we do. Mission leads; real estate follows.

Duvernay & Brooks LLC (M/WBE)

Contact: Gale Kaufman
Email: gkaufman@duvernaybrooks.com
Phone: (646) 745-8019
Specializations: development program, project management, feasibility and financing, property management
Geographies served: 5 boroughs
Prior experience: mission-based partnerships, faith-based partners, supportive housing

Duvernay + Brooks is a New York State certified woman‐owned business and, since the firm’s founding in 1999, has built an outstanding national reputation as an affordable and mixed income housing developer and as a housing finance, policy, and development consultant. As a financial advisor and development consultant, we have assisted public agencies and private developers on developing 140 projects, totaling over $2.7 billion and with greater than 16,100 housing units in more than a dozen states, from small developments to city‐wide portfolios. Our work has included extensive experience securing City and State funding and other approvals. In New York City, for example, D+B is the financial advisor to MHANY Management, Inc., a city‐wide nonprofit housing organization, consulting on several on‐going affordable housing development and preservation projects. D+B has also served as a co‐developer of more than $400 million of affordable and mixed income developments with 1,561 rental and for‐sale units completed or under construction in 17 separate developments, in New York, Colorado, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. Included in these developments are the 394 units in the three phases of the HPD and NYCHA‐sponsored Prospect Plaza redevelopment in the Oceanhill‐Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn. D+B has an additional 939 units of preservation and new construction in pre‐development with closings scheduled for 2016. Joni Brooks, Duvernay + Brooks’ Managing Member, has worked in the field of affordable housing for nearly 30 years, serving as an executive in state housing agencies, as a developer of affordable housing, and as a consultant to a wide range of public‐ and private‐sector clients. D+B was originally created by Ms. Brooks and the late Terrence R. Duvernay, and today the firm carries on the legacy of Mr. Duvernay, who over his career served as chief administrative officer of the City of New Orleans, executive director of the Georgia and Michigan state housing finance agencies, and as Chief of Staff (1978–1981) and Deputy Secretary (1993–1994) of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Faith Center for Community Development (non-profit)

Contact: Francilia Wilkins
Email: fwilkins@rfwconsultants.com
Phone: (718) 297-3161
Specializations: development program, project management, construction, legal

Founded in 1997, Faith Center For Community Development, Inc., (FCCD), is a national, nonsectarian, nonprofit consulting firm specializing in providing training, technical assistance and resources for faith-based community and economic development. FCCD serves faith-based groups in the NY Tri-state region and nationally. FCCD equips religiously-based community, housing and economic development organizations to mobilize and leverage their resources to help create and sustain healthy neighborhoods. The organization also assists public and private sector partners in forging mutually beneficial collaborations with faith-based community builders. FCCD provides training, technical assistance and resources for faith-based organizations to plan and implement real estate development projects and community programs. FCCD facilitates alliances between religiously-based community builders and public and private investors to create dynamic partnerships for community empowerment, revitalization and asset-building. Faith Centers’ project portfolio includes ten projects in Brooklyn, Harlem, Staten Island, Westchester County and Long Island totaling 145 units of housing and aggregate development budgets of $50 million, and the dissemination of pre-development loans totaling more than $1 million.

Faith Center’s primary value proposition is the ability to know and understand the inner-workings and dynamics of community-focused religious institutions. Our staff and consultants are “trusted advisors” with the experience to create mutually-beneficial partnerships with socially-responsible development partners and the resources needed to further fuel the renaissance of some of America’s most challenged yet promising neighborhoods.

Fulcrum Properties LLC

Contact: Jack Heaney
Email: jack@fulcrumprop.com
Phone: (917) 903-0742
Specializations: development program, project management, feasibility and financing, site due diligence

Formed in 2010 by the common vision of several accomplished real estate and design professionals based in New York City - Fulcrum Properties and its subsidiary Fulcrum Architecture D.P.C., is a developer, architect and consultant focused on affordable housing and mixed use buildings in underserved and transitioning neighborhoods.

By taking a multi-disciplined “Master Builder” approach to every project - we offer full feasibility analysis, architectural, finance, construction and project management services using one team that is backed by 30+ years of collective experience. We have routinely partnered with non-profit owners and housing service providers to expand their missions and reach.

Beyond general development and construction experience, our team takes great pride in successfully navigating the daunting process of developing sustainable affordable housing in and around New York City. As both principals and consultants, we are currently engaged in the development of over 300 units of affordable housing in Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx and the Hudson Valley.

We’ve developed a reputation for working with partners with limited resources and experience - there by becoming the ‘Fulcrum’ that turns their visions into a built reality.

Current projects include:

Van Cortland Green: 86 units of new LEED affordable senior housing at 6469 Broadway in Riverdale, Bronx. Fulcrum is acting as Co-Developer with Selfhelp Community Services and Lettire Construction. The project was financed through the NYS FHA and HPD with tax credit investment provided by Enterprise Community Partners.

Louis T. Wright Homes: 9 units within three LEED renovated brownstones in Hamilton Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. Fulcrum is acting as Owner’s Representative and Architect for the Ecumenical Community Development Organization (ECDO) which is a local Harlem non-profit that provides both social and housing services and is the property owner.

Calvary Intergenerational: New affordable 150 unit, mixed-use project at 1575 St. John’s Place and 1485 St. John’s Place in the Crown Heights, Brooklyn. The project will be NYC’s first true “Intergenerational” housing project that integrates both senior and multi-family housing with shared amenities and recreation space. Fulcrum is acting as Co-Developer with the Calvary Community Church (“Calvary”), the Hudson Companies and Selfhelp Community Services. Fulcrum initially engaged Calvary, which owns both development sites, and after extensive development strategy sessions with their Pastor and Congregation, began to build a development and design team around their vision.

Robin Hood Equity Fund: As an Owner’s Representative, Fulcrum began working with the Community Preservation Corporation (CPC) and the Robin Hood Foundation in 2015 to implement a new affordable housing equity fund intended to acquire and preserve affordable housing in many of the city’s rapidly gentrying neighborhoods. Fulcrum routinely engages with local development non-profits and tenant organizing groups to identify buildings most in need of new responsible ownership and long term affordability. In addition, we’re working closely with HPD’s Asset Management group to further this goal.

Brooklyn New Foundation (BKNF): In partnership with the Briarwood Organization and Jobe Development Corporation, Fulcrum is acting as both Co-Developer and Architect for the development of several vacant HPD owned lots in Bedford- Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. A total of 52 mixed-income condos are planned which will utilizing HPD’s new NIHOP financing program.

Gardiner & Theobald Inc

Contact: Joanna Cuevas
Email: j.cuevas@gardinerusa.com
Phone: (212) 661-6624
Specializations: project management, feasibility and financing, site due diligence, construction
Geographies served: 5 boroughs
Languages: Spanish, French, German, Russian, Lithuanian, Hebrew, Italian, Serbian, Croatian, Mandarin, Cantonese, Dutch, Portugese, Polish
Prior experience: mission-based partnerships, faith-based partners, HUD 202s, historic properties, supportive housing

Gardiner & Theobald is an independent consultancy offering a range of services to the construction and property industry including Owner’s Representative services (project and cost management, estimating and risk management) . We work with clients across the world, finding solutions that exceed expectations and add value to projects.

Gardiner & Theobald Inc. was founded 24 years ago and has been working throughout North America and the Caribbean delivering projects of all types.

Our beginnings can be traced back to London where the practice was founded in 1835 . With 180 years of history and heritage, we are proud to remain an independent consultancy.

We have offices located in New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami. We are currently managing projects with a combined total project value in excess of $8 Billion, with projects ranging from landscaping and master planning, all levels of residential and hospitality, and from commercial developments to civic buildings and museums.

With 125 full time staff in the United States offices, we have a deep-rooted history which provides a level of professionalism and a culture of client service. We mission is to deliver a comprehensive “start to finish” service which not only allows you to concentrate your expertise on your day to day business but also adds certainty that your project is completed on time and to budget.

Goldstein Hall LLC

Contact: Matthew Hall
Email: mhall@goldsteinhall.com
Phone: (646) 768-4102
Specializations: development program, project management, construction, legal

Goldstein Hall PLLC is a full-service law firm with a concentration in the area of affordable housing finance and community development. Our Firm’s main practice areas are: real estate and community development, nonprofit formation and governance; cooperative and condominium law, banking and finance; commercial leasing; corporate formation and governance and real estate and construction litigation. With extensive experience in real estate, our knowledge, expertise, and personalized approach have helped our clients achieve their goals. Our diverse staff of senior associates, associates, and counsels are committed to exceeding client expectations in a range of matters where skilled, creative legal representation is crucial. Goldstein Hall represents and advises government agencies, not for- profit organizations, and for-profit and nonprofit developers of affordable housing projects throughout the continental United States and Puerto Rico. The Firm’s primary office is located in New York City, and we also serve the Hudson Valley from an office in New Rochelle, New York and outside of New York, we have an office in Washington D.C. The Firm’s attorneys have a wealth of expertise in in financing, joint ventures, public-private partnerships, tax-exempt bond financings, the use of federal low-income housing tax credits to attract equity investors, environmental law issues, and construction litigation. We have the knowledge and ability to handle all aspects of most real estate transactions. Given Goldstein Hall’s focus on community, we are a certified Benefit Corporation or B-Corporation.

Our signature strength is our commitment to forge strong relationships with each client; we take pride in our ability to find creative solutions to the challenges inherent in every project, case, or transaction. Thinking beyond legal documents, we will work proactively to maximize the value of your project and protect your interests. We are proud of our standing as a smart, reputable, and responsive firm that believes our achievements are deeply rooted in the community and our client’s success.

For most projects, we use a holistic, team-oriented approach, which utilizes the specific areas of expertise of the Firm's personnel. This ensures that the project receives the highest caliber of client service. Every project has a Partner, Counsel, if needed, and an Associate assigned to it. The Partners are ultimately responsible for overseeing the work of the Associates, strategizing with the client on structuring and deal making issues, leading negotiations with lenders and governmental agencies, and coordinating with the client. The Associates work closely with the Partners and Counsel. Associates are generally responsible for shepherding the project work forward or providing additional support to the Partners and Counsel. Our Counsel, due to their very specific experience in housing, lending and construction law, may either provide additional assistance or may be the primary attorney working on a matter.

Habitat for Humanity New York City, Inc (non-profit)

Contact: Karen Haycox
Email: khaycox@habitatnyc.org
Phone: (212) 991-4000
Specializations: development program, project management, planning and design, property management

Habitat for Humanity New York City is a non-profit developer and general contractor. Founded in 1984 as an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, Habitat NYC builds in the five boroughs of New York City, building homes for ownership by families and individuals in need. Since our formation we have built hundreds of new construction and rehab homes for low-income households. With the help of thousands of volunteers every year, Habitat NYC has served more than 380 families in the five boroughs of New York City with their permanent housing needs. Habitat NYC's first project in New York City began with President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter's visit and build in the Lower East Side and the Carter’s returned in 2012 to work on our Sandy repair projects in Staten Island.

In addition to building homes, Habitat NYC is a leading advocate for affordable housing. Our goal is to ensure that every New Yorker has a decent, affordable home, by creating a social movement to end the housing crisis plaguing New York City and by calling on elected officials to make affordable housing a priority.

Our passion for inclusive, comprehensive service includes targeted partnerships with M/WBE firms and faith-based and other non-profit groups. Our proven commitment to excellence and success demonstrate our capacity to serve as a Qualified Owner’s Representative.

Halltown Real Estate Advisors (M/WBE)

Contact: Bernel Hall
Email: bhall@halltownrealestate.com
Phone: (201) 870-4208
Specializations: development program, feasibility and financing, planning and design, construction

As a Qualified Owner’s Representative, Halltown Real Estate Advisors will offer its clients in depth quantitative analysis, development programming, business plan writing, and training expertise. The Halltown Team has the proven ability to execute public-private real estate transactions by balancing competing interests among public officials, government agencies, private developers, affordable housing residents, banks and attorneys.

An Owner’s Representative relationship with Halltown Real Estate Advisors represents an opportunity to leverage more than 17 years of public and private real estate finance, development, and asset management experience with large government agencies including the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), and top-tier banks such as Bank of America, UBS and Goldman Sachs.

Founded by Mr. Bernel Hall, Halltown Real Estate Advisors is a minority-owned firm that recently completely the HPD M/WBE and Not-for-Profit Developer Program. The Halltown Team includes highly qualified affilliates such as Michael Cogen, the President of Cogen Architects, and Ricardo Sosa, President of GonSosa Construction. The Team’s combined experience includes more than $4 billion in real estate development, investment, and lending transaction with significant financial, architectural, and construction work on behalf of not-for-profit and faith-based organizations.

As a former Senior Portfolio Manager of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), Mr. Hall has executed more than $1.2 billion in affordable, mixed-income and mixed-use transactions utilizing low income housing tax credits, HPD Subsidy, HDC Bonds and Subsidy, Federal HOME Funds, Hope VI grants, Replacement Housing Factor Funds, Project-based Section 8 vouchers, Historic Tax Credits, New Market Tax Credits, and Resolution 8 subsidy. During his tenure at NYCHA, Mr. Hall successfully negotiated and executed affordable and mixed used projects featuring not-for-profit partners such as Randolph Housing Redevelopment, a 295-unit affordable and public housing development with the West Harlem Group and the Dream Charter School/90-unit affordable housing mixed-use project with Harlem RBI.

Other notable projects executed by Mr. Hall include:

Halltown was recently selected to serve as the owner’s representative on behalf of the Newark (New Jersey) Economic Development Corporation for a 27-unit affordable artist living workspace, performing arts mixed use project.

In 2015, Mr. Hall assisted Evansville (Indiana) Housing Authority with the successful conversion of 62% of its public housing units to HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration (“RAD”) Program.

In 2016, Mr. Hall was retained by Genesis Companies, a New York-based affordable housing development company, to assist in the execution of a 200-unit RAD rehabilitation project in East Orange, New Jersey.

IMPACCT Brooklyn

Contact: Kuza Woodard
Email: kuza_woodward@impacctbk.org
Phone: (718) 522-2613 x011
Specializations: development program, project management, project feasibility and finance
Geographies served: serving all of Brooklyn, with a focus in the neighborhoods of Bedford Stuyvesant, Clinton Hill, Fort Greene, Crown Heights, Prospect Heights, and Prospect-Lefferts Gardens
Prior experience: mission-based partnerships, faith-based partners, HUD 202s, low-income housing

Established in 1964, IMPACCT Brooklyn (formerly Pratt Area Community Council, Inc.) is one of Brooklyn’s premier community development corporations - serving the neighborhoods of Bedford Stuyvesant, Clinton Hill, Fort Greene, Crown Heights, Prospect Heights, and Prospect-Lefferts Gardens. The organization is responding to the Owner’s Representative RFQ in its submission of this application. For over 52 years, IMPACCT Brooklyn has brought people together to build an equitable, diverse, engaged, and flourishing community in central Brooklyn. Through our work in tenant and community organizing, financial and homeowner services, social services, and affordable housing and economic development, we have helped residents achieve self-sufficiency, create a sense of community, and achieve overall community development. We work hand-in-hand with low- and moderate-income community members and stakeholders throughout all of Brooklyn to preserve and develop affordable housing, create homeownership opportunities, protect tenant rights, combat predatory lending practices, and prevent home-loss. Additionally, the organization works to promote commercial revitalization and strengthen local businesses.

Infinite Horizons, LLC (M/WBE)

Contact: Randall Powell
Email: bigrep1@gmail.com
Phone: (646) 739-0030
Specializations: development program, feasibility and financing, construction, property management
Geographies served: 5 boroughs
Prior experience: mission-based partnerships, faith-based partners, HUD 202s

Infinite Horizons, LLC is a real estate firm that develops, constructs, and manages quality affordable housing. Infinite Horizons, LLC specializes in the moderate rehabilitation, substantial and new construction of residential apartment buildings and mixed use development in New York City. For nearly 10 years, our hands-on approach and people-first philosophy is the company’s goal when it collaborates with developers, tenant organizations, community groups, civic organizations and staff to produce high quality homes that residents are proud to live in.

Infinite Horizons, LLC is a New York State and City certified MBE firm founded in 2007 by Roland and Randall Powell. We focus on the acquisition, construction, and development of underutilized buildings and vacant lands delivered as affordable housing. As Project, Construction, Property Managers, we partner and consult with Owners to develop sites.

Roland E. Powell, Jr. is a licensed NY State Realtor, Roland Powell, Jr. with ample experience in the rehabilitation of single and multiple family residential properties and is also a licensed in Home Improvement and additional certifications in construction and property management.

Randall Powell has a Master of Science in Urban Affairs is a licensed NY State Realtor and NYC licensed Home Improvement Contractor. His concentration while studying for his Masters in Science was in Housing and Community Development. Randall serves as Project, Construction, and Property Manager in public and private housing development.

Some of Infinite Horizons, LLC, more noteworthy accomplishments were the awarding of vacant and occupied sites from New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, Request for Offers Program in 2008 and 2012.

Brief Description of Business Plan
In response to a changing economy and the recent housing debacle, Infinite Horizons, LLC has developed a comprehensive strategy called the Reinvestment and Management Business Plan. This business plan will counter the increase in vacant lots and underutilized properties that are held by banks and the City by acquiring, developing and managing these sites. The goal of this business plan is to stabilize communities across New York City by increasing the available stock of affordable housing throughout the city. The Reinvestment and Management Business Plan is aligned with Mayor’s Housing Plan which will develop 200,000 units of affordable housing over the next 10 years. Infinite Horizons, LLC is poised to help the Mayor and the city fulfill this goal.

Mission
To transform underutilized vacant land and properties back into community assets with the intention of preserving and stabilizing communities while increasing the affordable housing stock in New York City.

Products and Services
Infinite Horizons, LLC specializes in the acquisition, rehabilitation of underutilized properties including buildings and vacant lots in order to develop them into affordable housing. Infinite Horizons, LLC is a comprehensive real estate company that services include to property acquisition, real estate development, construction, construction management, property management as well as asset management services. Infinite Horizons, LLC principals have a proven track record of developing affordable housing with nonprofit organizations and city agencies throughout New York City. Their primary roles have been in the area of project management, construction management and property management. They hold various licenses and certifications in these areas as well. Randall and Roland performed property management duties such as completing work orders, performing building inspections, performing lease up of units, and supervising property managers and maintenance staff. They managed a company’s portfolio in order to achieve the desired returns on the investments for the company. They also ensured proper compliance with city, state, and federal regulators due to the various level of over site associated with the transaction financing. In this role the negotiated pricing with vendors that would provide various services such as boiler installation, plumbing, electrical, elevator contracts, exterminating services, security camera installation etc. As part of their property management duties they also headed up the violations removal process that took place prior to permanent loan conversion. This process required the coordination between staff at the management level and on site staff to assist in order to ensure owners’ goals are met.

KLK Development Consultants Inc (M/WBE)

Contact: Karen L. Krautheim
Email: kkrautheim@klkdevconsultants.com
Phone: (914) 923-9730
Specializations: development program, project management, feasibility and financing, planning and design
Geographies served: 5 boroughs
Prior experience: mission-based partnerships, faith-based partners, HUD 202s, supportive housing, every type of affordable housing using federal, state, city and other resources

KLK DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS, INC. (KLK), is a New York State Certified Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE). Founded in 1988, KLK is a development and management consulting firm that specializes in assisted rental, affordable to low and moderate income families including supportive housing for special needs populations and related community development activities. KLK provides consulting services to, not-for-profit, development companies and public housing agencies to assist in the sponsoring and development of affordable housing. These services specifically include the identification of available local, state and federal funding sources, determination of project feasibility including analysis of capital and operating costs, preparation of funding applications and related documents, and assistance in the selection of the development team and overall development coordination. KLK has previously served as developer and managing general partner in the redevelopment of foreclosed properties including the financial structuring of the workout, tenant relocation, substantial rehabilitation, and management of the completed projects. KLK leverages this past experience as a private developer, in assisting its nonprofit clients. Since its inception, KLK has assisted public and non-profit sponsors with the development of over 6,000 units.

KLK is available to assist organizations in realizing their goals, utilizing various available state and federal housing programs, or by developing a combination of city, private, and public resources. KLK has worked primarily with non-profits clients that have a long history in successfully providing support services to the chronically mentally ill, homeless, HIV-AIDS, Veterans and developmentally disabled clients. These non-profit clients engage KLK to bring capacity to their organizations to develop their own supportive housing projects, or in some cases to assist with their partnerships with for profit developers. KLKs most recent projects have been developed primarily in New York City utilizing New York City’s Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Supportive Housing Loan Program (SHLP) and its Preservation program and 4% and 9% low income housing tax credits, in some cases in combination with the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) tax exempt bonds and second mortgage financing including additional soft subsidy through its ELLA program. Combination of rental subsidies including the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), Section 8 vouchers, shelter plus care, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) and HPD’s project based Section 8 program have been combined with service funding from the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH), the New York City HIV/AIDS Services (HASA) and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). KLK has assisted from acquisition through the development and construction, and in some cases with the rent up and tenant processing for several recent projects, ensuring compliance with the programs above while coordinating referrals eligibility with The New York Department of Housing Services (DHS) and Human Resources Administration (HRA).

KLK structures innovative financing plans for the housing developments, including the use of federal funds such as HUD’s HOME, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Section 8 rental assistance and Supportive Housing as well as bond and tax credit financing and Federal Home Loan Bank funds and various New York State affordable multi-family housing homeless assistance programs. KLK is an expert in HUD rules and regulations associated with its various public and assisted housing and community development programs as well as for various State programs including New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) and the New York State Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP) and New York City programs and corresponding rules and regulations. KLK has been successful in combining these sources of financing with equity provided from the sale of low income housing tax credits (LIHTC) provided by limited partners, working with many of the top LIHTC syndicators including Raymond James, The Richman Group, National Equity Fund and Enterprise Community Investment and direct lenders, PNC and Chase Banks.

KLK has worked with many non-profits developers in the acquisition or refinancing and rehabilitation of existing affordable housing developments to restructure debt, modernize and upgrade the property so it might be preserved as an affordable housing resource for another 30 years or more.

Landair, Inc (M/WBE)

Contact: Leith ter Meulen
Email: leith@landair.us
Phone: (212) 685-9680
Specializations: development program, project management, feasibility and financing property management

Landair was founded in 1992, largely to serve the unique needs of non-profit and government agencies engaged in planning, managing and developing real estate in New York City. The firm has since participated in the development of more than $2 Billion in public private assets.

Landair and its business partners have distinguished themselves in the area of affordable housing, particularly the mechanisms that optimize public and private resources. For these HPD sponsored assignments we have aligned our firm with the skills and expertise of a tight knit cadre of colleagues who are also leaders within the urban housing development industry:

Knox LaSister, Esq., (Smart Inc) has successfully led the development of affordable housing in New York City, New Orleans and St. Petersburg, notably LIHTC and privately financed project that brought 122 units of affordable housing to Harlem. He brings strategic vision, proven track record and a keen legal perspective on urban revitalization and development. He is an attorney with 30+ years experience advising municipal agencies on all aspects of urban renewal and affordable housing development, including the creation of HPD’s TIL and HDFC’s programs. Among Mr. LaSister’s numerous achievements, he served as project director for Louisiana’s HOME, CDBG and Supportive Housing TA initiative.

Elisabeth Rosenbaum (Urban Initiatives) is a leading expert in low Income, work force, special needs and affordable housing financing with an extraordinary track record bringing skills in strategic financing feasibility, syndication and implementation of LIHTC and a broad range of financial incentive programs. She has served as technical consultant to more than 50 private and non-profit developers providing guidance on site selection, feasibility, financing and syndication that have paved the way for thousands of new units coming to market.

The team will be led by principal-in-charge Leith ter Meulen, recognized for her participation in some of New York’s most recognizable urban renewals including the redevelopment of Times Square and the post 9/11 recovery of Lower Manhattan.

Landair served as a designated developer under HPD’s New Foundations program, bringing 33 mixed income (affordable to market rate) first time home buyer units to two sites in central Brooklyn. The firm served as Master Contractor for NYS Housing & Community Renewal delivering technical assistance and training in affordable housing development to over 400 non-profit housing developers throughout New York State. We currently serve as TA provider to the Housing Trust Fund Corporation and the Office of temporary Disability’s Homeless Housing Program. We are also delivering case management services to the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery assisting owners rehabilitate storm damaged residential multi family properties.

Together we represent 100% woman and minority owned businesses.

Our subject matter experts are supported and complemented by Landair’s in house project management team of professionals trained in design, budget and estimating, real estate, construction and project management. Each brings an average of 25 years experience in New York City development- collectively offering 100+ years of hands-on owners representative experience.

KOW Building Consultants

Contact: Nicholas Strachovsky
Email: nicks@kowbc.com
Phone: (631) 757-5000

KOW Building Consultants was founded in 1978 by Kenneth 0. Wille, P.E., who provided construction loan monitoring and property condition assessment services for New York City projects. As the company has grown so have our services. We are currently comprised of three divisions that specialize in different areas of due diligence. Our areas of service include Plan Review, Property Needs Assessment, and construction monitoring performed by our Building Consulting Division. Energy Auditing, Green Needs Assessments, TR-8 inspections, and energy efficiency planning is handled by our sustainable services division. All Owner and developer due diligence work including development consulting and Owner Representation is managed by KOW Arma, our Owner due diligence division. KOW Arma's primary focus is Owner's Representation. KOW Building Consultants has offered Owner Representation services to existing clients for many years at request. In the past several years we have developed a dedicated division and added this as a service to new clients and owners as well as existing clients. Our company organization gives us the structure and support to manage projects of all sizes and budgets. With our lender due diligence division, monitoring several hundred tri-state area projects per year, KOW Arma has a distinct advantage of extensive real-time industry data. Our experienced staff has encountered countless construction issues. Therefore, we provide a wealth of knowledge and first hand observational experience of the effective and ineffective methods to deal with these issues. Having lender due diligence and owner due diligence services under one organization allows KOW to take advantage of both macroscopic and microscopic oversight of the market. This affords us a distinct advantage in our decision making and providing valuable recommendations to our clients. Our government involvement includes work on projects for or in conjunction with HUD, HPD, HOC, GOSR, and FEMA. Our faith-based and non-profit based clientele is quite extensive. Our Owner Representation team is currently the Owner's representative for Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens, West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing, New Settlement Fund, and Community Counseling & Mediation. We are also involved with several Mitchell-Lama properties and several houses of worship. Our Lender due diligence division has worked with many of the companies that provide this type of development over our 39+ years in business.

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) (non-profit)

Contact: Arturo Suarez
Email: asuarez@lisc.org
Phone: (212) 455-1606
Specializations: development program, project management, feasibility and financing, property management

LISC New York City is one of 30 local offices of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), a national organization that equips struggling communities with the capital, strategy and know-how to become places where people with low and moderate incomes can thrive.

Since it was founded in 1980, LISC’s primary focus has been—and continues to be—preserving and developing affordable housing in partnership with community-based organizations. LISC invests in all kinds of affordable housing. We help develop new multi-family rentals, and preserve existing ones that could be lost to market forces or deterioration. We finance sustainable, “green” construction and rehabilitation, which makes for lower operating costs and has been proven to boost health outcomes for occupants and entire neighborhoods. And we lead foreclosure interventions that help people keep their homes, or that reinvigorate communities where foreclosure has decimated block after block. To make this all happen, LISC provides grants, loans and equity for nearly every aspect of development, from planning and acquisition to construction and renovation. We do this through LISC Housing and our affiliate, the National Equity Fund. We also created the Community Development Trust, the first real estate investment trust specializing in affordable housing that continues to invest in affordable housing around the country. We offer technical assistance, data and mapping tools to community-based organizations working to improve the supply and condition of affordable housing in their neighborhoods. Though our policy team in Washington, D.C., LISC also backs legislation and initiatives that promote better affordable housing policies. Our housing team serves as a vital link between policy staff and local LISC offices and helps the field to integrate new government programs into their work at the community level. We also connect nonprofit owners, community developers, housing authorities and other organizations through workshops, publications, trainings, panel discussions and conferences.

Over the past 36 years, LISC NYC has partnered with a network of 75 Community Development Corporations (CDCs), investing approximately $2.3 billion in community development projects and leveraging an additional $5.4 billion in low and moderate income neighborhoods. This has resulted in 1.6 million square feet of retail and community space, and over 36,000 units of affordable homes developed or preserved. We know that affordable housing alone is not enough to revitalize communities, and therefore, we complement our housing investment with programs that bring about improvements in health, economic development, financial well-being and environmental sustainability in the very same communities in which we invest in affordable housing.

LISC NYC works closely in partnership with our affiliates:

National Equity Fund, Inc. (NEF): Since 1986, the federal low income housing tax credit has helped fund more than one million new homes that are affordable to low-income families, the formerly homeless, the elderly and the disabled. It offers institutional investors a credit against their federal income tax in return for their low income housing investments. As a tax credit syndicator, LISC's National Equity Fund, Inc. (NEF) raises money from investors and identifies low income housing projects in which to invest that capital.

New Markets Support Company: To help spur new businesses, economic growth and new jobs in low-income communities, the federal government in 2000 established the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program, allowing investors to receive a credit against federal income taxes for investing in such neighborhoods. LISC's New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) activities stimulate the investment of private capital in the distressed communities that LISC serves. A pioneer in the creation and use of this new federal program, LISC has focused its efforts on financing the development of commercial and community space and housing that generate jobs, provide needed goods and services, and reverse physical deterioration in struggling communities.

Community Development Trust: CDT is the country's only private real estate investment trust (REIT) with a public purpose. CDT was created in 1998 with an initial capital investment from the LISC. Since then, CDT has raised approximately $130 million in equity capital through private placement offerings with some of the country's premier institutional investors committed to supporting community development. CDT has invested or committed approximately $720 million in debt and equity capital to properties in 39 states and regions—helping to preserve or add over 27,700 units to the nation's affordable housing stock. As a private, mission-driven REIT, CDT is unique in its ability to preserve and expand the supply of affordable housing while also earning attractive returns for shareholders. We operate much like a mutual fund, combining the capital of institutional investors to acquire or provide financing for affordable housing. In line with our mission, all CDT investments must satisfy Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) requirements.

MDG Design & Construction, LLC

Contact: Michael T. Rooney
Email: mtrooney@mdgny.com
Phone: (631) 421-7371 x131
Specializations: development program, feasibility and financing, construction and property management

With over 25 years of experience MDG has become one of the industry leaders in real estate development in New York City. Their success is due to their hands-on approach working jointly with owners, community groups, building managers, and tenant organizations. Since its formation in 1988 MDG and their affiliates have been involved in the renovation and or new construction of over 700 different properties with more than 14,300 units at a construction cost of over $950 million. MDG’s community and people first philosophy has made them one of the most creative and innovative builders in New York. Using this philosophy, MDG plans to continue its focus on helping communities rebuild and improving the lives of the people residing in those communities.

MDG has been developing and constructing residential real estate since 1988. Working with HUD, HPD, HDC, NYCHA and HCR, MDG has become one of the most innovative developers and contractors in New York City’s affordable housing industry. Additionally, MDG has become the industry leader in labor compliance and MBE/WBE hiring. MDG achieved this by extensive community outreach and financially assisting small local contractors to help build their businesses. Throughout its existence, MDG has held itself to the highest standard of excellence with regards to the way it conducts business with its partners, stakeholders, and clientele. MDG sees each aspect of a job as an area to help not just the client, but the community as a whole. This unique perspective has allowed MDG to create a business that concentrates on people and community just as much as the development of a project.

MDG and its team have an extensive and successful track record developing complex real estate transactions with layered financing models including local, state and federal sources. Some of the sources used to finance our typical affordable housing development projects include 4% and 9% Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), Federal Historic Tax Credits, NYC HDC and NYS HFA tax exempt municipal bonds, HOME funds (HOME), Community District Block Grant funds (CDBG), Resolution A Grants from local council members, NYS Parks Grants, Dormitory Authority of the State of New York Grants, New York City HPD Subsidy, New York City HDC Subsidy, NYS HCR Homes for Working Families loans (HWF), Fannie Mae grants, New York State SONYMA and REMIC mortgage insurance, National Grid and Weatherization grants, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority grants (NYSERDA), New York City Employee Retirement System (NYCERS), and Freddie Mac (FMAC) permanent loans and, most recently, Citibank’s Tax Exempt Back to Back Loan Program. In addition to the abovementioned financing sources, MDG also has extensive experience working with a myriad of housing rent subsidy programs (RAD conversions, Project Based Section 8, Housing Authority and NYC HPD vouchers) and real estate tax abatement programs (PILOT, J-51, 421-a, and 420-c) required balance the operating budgets proposed in our underwriting. We have worked with all major banks and tax credit syndicators on our projects over the years and will bring these relationships with us as we continue to develop high quality housing throughout New York City.

MHANY Management Inc (non-profit)

Contact: Ismene Speliotis
Email: ispeliotis@mutualhousingny.org
Phone: (718) 246-8080 x203
Specializations: development program, project management, feasibility and financing, project management

MHANY Management, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to increasing affordable housing opportunities for low and moderate income residents of New York. For almost 30 years we have offered housing acquisition, development, and management services as well as comprehensive housing counseling. MHANY has helped build equity and economic and housing stability for thousands of families. Our mission is fourfold:

Increase affordable housing opportunities for low and moderate income people by continuing to identify and implement creative and affordable housing initiatives, with a particular focus on preservation.

Change the way affordable housing for low and moderate income people is developed and operated by employing innovative approaches and working with City, State and Federal agencies to create new initiatives.

Work with current residents of our buildings to improve community conditions, increase neighborhood services and provide an avenue for MHANY residents and MHANY buildings to be role models to neighbors and neighborhoods.

Help low and moderate income people who have the means (savings, credit and interest) to purchase their own homes.

MHANY has a reputation for pursuing and succeeding at the most challenging of development opportunities and for building and maintaining effective tenant and community relations. MHANY has developed and manages a portfolio of over 1,550 units of housing in more than 165 buildings throughout New York City and 13,500 SF of commercial and community facility space. Income levels for families eligible for housing developed by MHANY do not exceed 80% of New York area median income and many of the apartments are leased to families earning below 50% of median (over 50% of MHANY’s portfolio is affordable at 50% AMI and below). Although the NYC area median income recently rose to $90,600 for a family of four, the neighborhoods where MHANY works have median incomes of half (and sometimes as low as one third) the city-wide average.

MHANY has served as a full-service development entity for all of the projects in its portfolio. As such, we have the expertise to assist other organizations in moving through the design, financing and construction process. MHANY has worked collaboratively with non-profit and for-profit organizations on a number of its projects and has developed an expertise in assisting groups unfamiliar with the development process. MHANY is motivated by its non-profit mission to provide safe, quality affordable housing in New York. MHANY’s goal is to provide owner’s rep services to organizations unfamiliar with the development process who are looking for a mission-driven expert in the field of affordable housing.

The following narrative details MHANY’s extensive experience in all aspects of the development process, as an experienced developer in its own right. In terms of collaboration with other groups, MHANY has successfully developed four projects with join venture partnerships, including the Phoenix Estates project which was a joint venture with Nos Quedamos, a community-based Bronx non-profit without prior, direct development experience. MHANY and Nos Quedamos are again working together in this capacity to develop a second site currently in predevelopment – 700 Manida Street (described in more detail below).

MHANY also functioned in a role similar to owner’s rep when it worked on the Rebuild program with HPD after Hurricane Sandy. MHANY was selected with Galaxy Contracting to rebuild 12 homes for homeowners who lost their homes during Sandy. MHANY’s specific role in this project was to hand-hold the owners through the lengthy, complicated process of coordinating the financing, interfacing with FEMA and HPD and designing the home.

OMNI New York, LLC

Contact: Matthew Brian
Email: mbrian@onyllc.com
Phone: (646) 502-7202

Highly regarded as one of the nation’s most capable and trusted affordable housing developers, Omni is a vertically integrated affordable housing platform comprised of five operating businesses: Omni New York LLC and Omni America LLC (development); Reliant Realty Services, LLC (property management); Renewal Construction Services LLC (construction); Reliant Safety LLC (security); and RMS Partners LLC (maintenance). Founded in 2004, Omni and its affiliates have acquired or built 66 properties with an aggregate transaction value of approximately $1.6 billion. With 13,002 housing units acquired across 10 states (NY, NJ, MA, NC, SC, GA, FL, VA, MD and WY), the company has grown to become a major player in the affordable housing arena and is one of the industry’s largest owners. Affordable Housing Finance ranked Omni first in acquisitions and rehab completions in 2015 and 16th in overall portfolio size among affordable housing owners. Omni is managed on a day-to-day basis by its managing directors: Eugene Schneur, Robert Bennett and Mo Vaughn. Omni’s companies work collaboratively across its entire portfolio, allowing Omni to control and manage both the day-today and long-term progress of every property it owns. The dedicated, full service approach provided by Reliant Realty and Reliant Security is a key factor to Omni’s success in creating well-managed and safe properties. Omni’s design, construction and management philosophy has also long included a commitment to green building practices that conserve resources and reduce costs to tenants and management alike. Omni has a stellar track record of transforming properties from underperforming, distressed, even derelict buildings into revitalized assets. Through partnerships with local non-profits and community organizations that provide social services, Omni has also earned a well-deserved reputation for focusing not only on the real estate aspects of revitalization and development, but also on the social aspects of revitalizing a community. The programs and services that Omni supports are integral to the fabric of its communities and are a testament to Omni’s belief that affordable housing goes hand-in-hand with social responsibility. Some of the services provided at Omni properties include after school programs for children, as well as skill building seminars and classes for adults. Programs that Omni directly supports or is directly involved with include but are not limited to:

Sponsorship of a not-for-profit that runs an after school program and summer camp for youths at Plaza Residences. Omni also provides the space and maintains the computer lab for an afterschool program.

Provide free/below market-rate space for a boxing gym and Head Start program at Medgar Evers Apartments.

Provide full sponsorships for the youth baseball and soccer programs at Roberto Clemente State Park in the Bronx.

Provide space and service for Meals on Wheels for an Omni senior residences.

Provide free space to SUNY for a computer lab program at Betty Shabazz Apartments.

Provide free space and equipment for computer labs at several buildings Omni owns and manages.

P Wolfe Consultants Inc.

Contact: Peter Lupassakis
Email: Peter@pwolfe.com
Phone: (212) 596-7373
Specializations: project management, site due diligence, planning and design, approvals and permits
Geographies served: 5 boroughs
Prior experience: mission-based partnerships, faith-based partners, HUD 202s, historic properties, supportive housing

P Wolfe Consultants, Inc. is a construction consulting company specialized in Building Code and Zoning and Owners Representation. We have been providing quality service in the 5 boroughs of New York City for over 25 years. The firm was established in 1990 by Peter Lupassakis, its founder and president, a registered architect and a former plan examiner for Boston and NYC’s Department of Buildings. Our Project Managers are registered or trained as architects and have extensive experience with computer-aided drafting and design and are proficient with the latest technologies. Our in-house developed project management system document each move, ensuring all tasks are completed in the correct order.

Procida Development Group LLC

Contact: Mario Procida
Email: mprocida@procidacompanies.com
Phone: (646) 201-0498
Specializations: development program, project management, planning and design, construction

Restored Homes

Contact: Salvatore D'Avola
Email: sdavola@neighborhoodrestore.org
Phone: (212) 584-8981 x17

Restored Homes Housing Development Fund Corporation (“Restored Homes”) was incorporated for the purpose of developing, on a non-profit basis, housing projects for individuals and families of low-and moderate-income. Restored Homes and its affiliate non-profit entities (Neighborhood Restore Housing Development Fund Corporation, Restoring Communities Housing Development Fund Corporation, Preserving City Neighborhoods Housing Development Fund Corporation, and Project Rebuild, Inc.) each collaborate with the City of New York’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development (“HPD”) on a myriad of affordable housing programs that seek to foster neighborhood stabilization by efficiently transitioning properties from physical and financial abandonment to responsible third party ownership. Since 1999, Restored Homes and its affiliate non-profit entities have developed and/or preserved over 8,300 units of affordable housing in over 1,400 single-family and multi-family properties throughout New York City. This experience makes Restored Homes uniquely qualified and well positioned to provide a wide range of specialized services.

Through its participation in two foreclosure response programs, Restored Homes has overseen the acquisition, rehabilitation and sale of 1-3 family vacant foreclosed homes throughout New York City. As part of the Asset Control Area (“ACA”) and the Real Estate Owned (“REO”) programs, Restored Homes was responsible for site selection, securing public and private sources of financing, selecting the design and construction teams through a competitive process, providing oversight and monitoring of the rehabilitation of the homes, and managing the marketing and sales of the homes to qualified low- and moderate- income families. Since 2005, Restored Homes has created and/or preserved over 200 1-3 family homes consisting of 319 units. Restored Homes has continued this effort by collaborating with HPD and the New York City Housing Authority (“NYCHA”) on the Small Homes Rehab-NYCHA Program by acquiring, rehabilitating and re-selling as affordable homeownership, 50 vacant foreclosed homes, which are being acquired from NYCHA and HPD. These acquisition/rehabilitation efforts have allowed Restored Homes to convert derelict and abandoned homes into community assets that not only foster the stabilization of the surrounding neighborhood but transform the lives of the new homeowners.

Given its extensive experience with the rehabilitation of 1-3 family homes, Restored Homes also provides technical assistance and construction management and monitoring services to other organizations, primarily in relation to Superstorm Sandy recovery efforts. Working with an affiliate of the Local Initiative Support Corporation (“LISC”), Neighborhood Revitalization NYC (“NRNYC”), Restored Homes provided scoping and construction monitoring services for their Home Repair Program, a $19 million philanthropically-funded repair effort that assisted over 500 homes damaged by Superstorm Sandy. Additionally, Restored Homes has continued its collaboration with LISC by providing qualified plan and cost analysis and construction monitoring services for HPD’s Build-it-Back Multifamily Loan Program, a federally funded disaster recovery program assisting multifamily buildings that suffered damage from Superstorm Sandy. When completed, Restored Homes will have assisted 29 property owners consisting of 575 units.

Within the City’s Superstorm Sandy recovery efforts, Restored Homes’ affiliate, Project Rebuild, Inc. (“PRI”), administers the Build-it-Back Acquisition, Relocation and Buyout Program in collaboration with government partners including HPD and the Mayor’s Office of Housing Recovery Operations (“HRO”). PRI acquires homes substantially damaged by Superstorm Sandy, with the goal of assembling parcels for resilient redevelopment or to remain as vacant land into the future. PRI utilizes $125 million in federal disaster recovery funds to acquire, maintain, and sell eligible properties. PRI coordinates the acquisition and subsequent demolition or rehabilitation of the properties as well as secures, maintains, and resells the properties with oversight by HPD and HRO. When possible, vacant sites will be assembled with the objective of creating clusters for resilient redevelopment.

Restored Homes’ affiliate, Neighborhood Restore Housing Development Fund Corporation (“Neighborhood Restore”), is a non-profit entity created to administer HPD’s tax foreclosure portfolio through its Third Party Transfer (“TPT”) Program. Over 500 properties have been transferred to Neighborhood Restore’s ownership, mostly consisting of multifamily occupied distressed properties throughout New York City that were abandoned, both physically and financially, by their former owners. Neighborhood Restore has overseen the transfer of 6,460 units of housing to responsible qualified locally-based non-profit and for-profit developers who have secured public and private financing to undertake rehabilitation efforts and preserve these properties as affordable housing. In connection with the transfer of ownership of tax delinquent properties to Neighborhood Restore, qualified developers are selected to manage the properties and subsequently rehabilitate, maintain, and own the properties as affordable housing. Neighborhood Restore’s role during its interim ownership period is to work closely with qualified developers to stabilize the properties by ensuring that all hazardous and emergency conditions are addressed.

Additionally, Neighborhood Restore works closely with HPD and qualified developers throughout the pre-development process in preparation for the final transfer of ownership and rehabilitation of these properties. Neighborhood Restore is actively engaged with the qualified developers and their design and construction teams in assessing the future rehabilitation needs of the buildings, reviewing construction bid packages and pricing, scopes of work, environmental assessments and development budgets. As the property owner, Neighborhood Restore files the necessary paperwork with the NYC Department of Buildings for approval of the rehabilitation plans and the issuance of construction permits prior to construction loan closing.

Through HPD’s Affordable Neighborhood Cooperative Program (“ANCP”), Restoring Communities Housing Development Fund Corporation (“Restoring Communities”), another affiliate of Restored Homes, performs similar functions as those outlined in the TPT Program for occupied multifamily city-owned buildings (former Tenant Interim Lease “TIL” buildings) that will undergo rehabilitation and eventually be preserved as low income cooperatives. As the interim owner of these properties during construction, Restoring Communities performs the additional task of construction monitoring and oversight during rehabilitation, and applying for and acting as the steward for the funds granted by the NYS Affordable Housing Corporation (“AHC”).

An additional affiliate, Preserving City Neighborhoods Housing Development Fund Corporation (“Preserving City Neighborhoods”), was created to assist HPD in implementing cohesive neighborhood strategies that seek to mitigate the destabilization and blight caused by high rates of foreclosure and distress in many New York City neighborhoods. Through the Community Restoration Fund (“CRF”) Program, a dynamic partnership of non-profits, government and private lenders, Preserving City Neighborhoods purchases distressed mortgages in targeted areas of the City from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) and other government sponsored entities (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). The goal of the CRF Program is to achieve optimal outcomes for the properties and homeowners while stabilizing neighborhoods and maintaining the affordability of the housing stock. Preserving City Neighborhoods has acquired 24 distressed notes from HUD and is planning on future mortgage note purchases.

With its depth of knowledge and experience in preserving and/or creating both single-family and multi-family properties, and close working relationships with numerous third party participants (government agencies, architects, appraisers, engineers, expediters, general contractors, environmental assessment firms, legal firms, etc.), Restored Homes is uniquely qualified to offer a wide range of services to property owners throughout New York City.

RG Consulting, LLC

Contact: Richard Greenspan
Email: rgreenspan@me.com
Phone: (718) 594-0125
Specializations: development program, project management, feasibility and financing, construction

Ridgewood Bushwick Senior Citizen Council, Inc (non-profit)

Contact: Scott Short
Email: sshort@rbscc.org
Phone: (718) 366-3800 x1016
Specializations: development program, project management, feasibility and financing, property management

For almost 40 years, Ridgewood Bushwick Senior Citizens Council, Inc. (RBSCC) has been an agency devoted to serving the needs of low-income communities in Brooklyn and Queens, especially through housing and community development. When founded in 1976, the purpose of RBSCC was to promote, provide and maintain services to the more than 30,000 elderly residents living in the joint communities of Ridgewood, Queens and Bushwick, Brooklyn. It has since expanded its mission to the promotion and provision of comprehensive neighborhood stabilization as well as social services throughout the two boroughs. RBSCC has aggressively pursued the development of new housing projects as anchors of community revitalization and, through various city initiatives, the rehabilitation of numerous distressed properties in Bushwick and its surrounding neighborhoods. This work has been a key factor in the revitalization of north Brooklyn in recent years.

Since its inception, RBSCC has collaborated with community leaders, government agencies, and private investors in an effort to serve as a comprehensive housing, health, and services agency for poor communities that have suffered from years of disinvestment in its housing stock and human capital. With a housing department staff of over 170 employees and an agency staff of nearly 2,000, Ridgewood Bushwick has grown from a small community based agency to one of the largest nonprofits in Brooklyn.

The RBSCC Housing Department has been responsible for the development of over 3,000 units of affordable housing, ranging from single-family homes to scattered site rehabs to large mixed use developments. RBSCC currently manages over 2,000 affordable units that provide permanent housing for low- to moderate-income families and senior citizens, including a host of special needs populations like formerly homeless families, veterans, physically disabled, and victims of domestic violence.

All aspects of the development process are handled in house by the Development Team, including site selection, underwriting and financing, design, public approvals, construction closing, construction management, marketing, lease up, and permanent loan conversion. This team has worked with myriad government programs and financing opportunities, including LIHTC (9% and 4%), HOME, HUD Section 202, tax-exempt bond financing, HPD New Construction financing programs, Third Party Transfer program, Year 15, Housing Trust Fund, Affordable Housing Program, Tenant Interim Lease program, NIHOP, ResoA, and other similar programs. This experience, combined with decades-long relationships with architects, attorneys, financial institutions and government agencies, ensures that RBSCC will bring great value as an Owner’s Representative.

In addition to the successful in-house development of thousands of units of housing, RBSCC has recently completed two new buildings in partnership with nascent community based developers – a small nonprofit in East New York and a Mennonite Congregation in Bushwick. These projects have resulted in 100% affordable housing developments. Our current pipeline includes several developments being planned in partnership with faith-based organizations.

An early adopter of green building and energy efficiency technologies in residential construction, the RBSCC team specializes in environmentally sustainable development. From participating in NYSERDA's first pilot program for multi-family buildings in 2004 to the 2014 completion of the first 100% affordable multi-family passive house in New York State, RBSCC has been a leader in the field of sustainable development for over a decade, and can provide this unique expertise in the role of Owner’s Representative. Currently, RBSCC is overseeing construction of the agency’s third 100% affordable project built to Passive House standards and is in the predevelopment stage of a tenant-in-place rehabilitation to bring 11 buildings (over 260 units) in the RBSCC portfolio to Passive House, financed through HPD’s Year 15 program, LIHTC, and tax exempt bond finance. RBSCC has pledged to design every future new construction project to meet the Passive House standard, or better, and has three new construction projects in the active predevelopment phase.

Rockabill Consulting LLC

Contact: Niall Murray
Email: nmurray@rockabill.com
Phone: (212) 682-0497
Specializations: development program, project management, feasibility and financing, site due diligence
Geographies served: 5 boroughs
Prior experience: mission-based partnerships, faith-based partners, HUD 202s, historic properties, supportive housing

Rockabill Consulting was founded in 2007 to provide development consulting services to Not For Profit organizations in the affordable housing industry. We are a full service, hands on consulting partner and have helped NFP organizations build and preserve over 9,000 units of affordable housing using all manner of available financing programs - tax credits, bonds, City and State subsidies, Inclusionary, real property exemptions etc. We have worked with many different organization including social services agencies, faith based groups, Community Development Corps, Heathcare organizations, Settlement Houses & others. We are known for our 3 key assets - Innovation, Integrity, Execution.

SKA Marin (M/WBE)

Contact: James Knepper
Email: jknepper@skamarin.com
Phone: (516) 466-9581
Specializations: development program, project management, feasibility and financing, site due diligence

SKA Marin is a real estate development, ownership and management firm specializing in affordable housing, senior living, mixed use and community development in the New York metropolitan area. Using creative private and public partnerships, we have developed and construction managed thousands of new and existing affordable housing apartments during our twenty-six years of operation. We are widely respected for our innovative approaches to aging in place, health and housing and for our ease in using creative finance. Our clients and partners include not for profit entities and neighborhood based organizations, businesses, financial institutions, private funds, public entities and individual investors. We approach affordable development with a passion for getting the job done well and the knowledge and experience to do it. We are attentive to each detail of the development process and can provide solutions at each step; in finance, site development and project management.

SKA Marin was established in 1985. The firm was founded by Sydelle Knepper and is one hundred percent owned by her. SKA Marin started exclusively as a consulting firm; structuring affordable housing and community revitalization projects. Working with a primary core of dedicated housing and social service clients, we focused on getting the job done by mastering the intricacies of the affordable housing business. We rose to the challenge of market conditions at a time when there was a plethora of land available but subsidy programs did not reach to the depth needed for affordability. Nevertheless, our work in supportive housing led to long relationships with many committed organizations and housing advocates including the New York City Partnership for the Homeless and representation of the New York City Council of Religious Leaders. Under their auspices we participated in structuring both transitional and permanent housing for homeless individuals including the first HHAP project.

In 1990, SKA Marin added construction management to its services. This extended our experience to the construction phase of development. We successfully completed 3,000 units for the New York City Housing Authority for the more than moderate rehabilitation, tenant in place, of Smith and LaGuardia Houses and an additional 1,000+ units for the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development. Our success added another base of clients including housing authorities and other owners that were concerned with preserving the existing housing stock of their communities. Among our projects, we were commended by the New York City Housing Authority for our ability to take charge of two very visible and large development renovations and to complete the construction management, ahead of time and on budget.

The years of expertise in crafting financial solutions and overseeing the development process with new construction, renovation or tenant-in-place redevelopment have brought SKA Marin to a third phase of its business. Partnering with those committed to affordable housing, clients, lenders and investors, the firm develops projects for others and for our own account.

The NHP Foundation (non-profit)

Contact: Jamie Smarr
Email: jsmarr@nhpfoundation.org
Phone: (646) 336-4929
Specializations: development program, project management, feasibility and financing, site due diligence
Geographies served: 5 boroughs
Languages: Spanish
Prior experience: mission-based partnerships, faith-based partners, HUD 202s, historic properties, supportive housing, 236 housing corporations

The NHP Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation that is developer and owner of 6,200 low and moderate income apartments in 13 states and the District of Columbia. We were incorporated January 31, 1989 in Washington, DC, and our headquarters are now in New York City. Since 1989, NHPF (also known as the National Housing Partnership Foundation) has operated with both a charitable mission and business like financial discipline, resulting in the development of more than 70 multi-family properties containing more than 12,000 apartment units.

NHPF is not a developer of commercial, educational, or retail facilities. Some of our properties do contain ancillary retail, educational, or commercial uses, but that is not our expertise. Our singular focus is new construction, rehabilitation and preservation of low and moderate income housing.

Thorobird Companies LLC (M/WBE)

Contact: Thomas Campbell
Email: tcampbell@thorobird.com
Phone: (646) 710-4909
Specializations: development program, project management, feasibility and financing, site due diligence

At Thorobird Companies, we create integrative solutions for distressed urban communities. Affordable housing laid the foundation for our mission and we continue to place a high priority on developing, acquiring and preserving housing for this sector. In fact, over 90% of the homes developed by our organization’s principals are part of one or more affordable housing programs.

Thorobird was founded in August 2009 under a simple ownership and governance structure that leverages the strengths of its people. Founding partners Thomas Campbell, Mark Reed and John Bonhomme own equal interests in the firm and drive business development, corporate strategy and investor relations, respectively. The organization uses an operating board structure that, through revenue-share agreements, enables the organization to fully employ the experience and abilities of its board of directors.

To date, the organization has accomplished the development or acquisition of over 1,400 affordable housing units with a total value of approximately $500 million. Currently, we have over 650 units under development or under contract throughout the city with a value in excess of $280 million. Our broad portfolio of affordable and mixed-income developments demonstrates our continuing ability to create affordable housing opportunities in a diversity of neighborhoods and communities. The development experience of firm principals includes several partnerships with faith-based and non-profit organizations, including Friendly Hands Ministries, Canterbury HDFC, Providence House and Services for the Underserved. A certified Minority-owned Business Enterprise by the New York State Department of Economic Development (DMWBD), Thorobird has the skills, experience and capacity to source, structure and execute projects with the major housing finance agencies such as the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC), New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) and New York State Housing Finance Agency (HFA). Our organizational expertise in every discipline throughout the development process from conceptualization to asset disposition ensures that our developments set new standards for project finance and design and add value to the neighborhoods in which they are located.

Type A Real Estate Advisers LLC (M/WBE)

Contact: Jill Crawford
Email: Crawford@typeaprojects.com
Phone: (917) 912-5231
Specializations: development program, project management, and planning and design
Geographies served: 5 boroughs
Prior experience: mission-based partnerships, HUD 202s, historic properties, supportive housing

Guided by the principal that every project is an opportunity to open doors and impact lives in a lasting and transformative way, Type A Real Estate Advisers LLC is an emerging Women-Owned developer, owner’s representation and development consulting firm dedicated to building affordable and inspiring places to live, work, learn, play and grow. Type A was formed in 2013 to capitalize on the decades of nonprofit, affordable residential, commercial, institutional and mixed-use development experience of three women who are individually and collectively focused on creating vibrant and affordable communities that underpin the diverse fabric of NYC.

With individual histories of managing development and retention of more than 750 units of affordable housing, driving the creation of over 1,000,000 SF of state-of-the-art nonprofit charter schools, ensuring the preservation of more than two dozen historic churches in Upper Manhattan, and completing the commercial adaptive reuse of millions of square feet of high quality, affordable, light manufacturing space, we remain committed to impactful, civic-based projects and partnerships that support NYC’s neighborhoods and communities.

Type A is a Women-Owned Business Enterprise certified with both the New York City Department of Small Business Services and the NYC School Construction Authority, as well as a NYCSCA pre-qualified consultant and a pre-qualified WBE developer for NYC HPD’s M/WBE Building Opportunity RFP.

Andrea Kretchmer, Annie Tirschwell and Jill Crawford – the three Principals of Type A Real Estate Advisers – all have extensive experience across the real estate development cycle from acquisition and due diligence through entitlements, pre-development, design and construction. Each has managed public/private partnerships, led community engagement processes, worked with nonprofit Boards and constituents, secured the support of community leaders and elected officials, and driven projects requiring multiple agency approvals and multi-agency collaboration.

Prior to establishing Type A, Annie and Jill spent ten years as founding executives of Civic Builders, Inc., a not for profit developer of public charter schools in New York City and Newark, NJ. All fifteen facilities – over 1,000,000 SF – completed during that time, were developed on behalf of nonprofit organizations including charter school operators and their community partners. Eight facilities were built as public/private partnerships with the NYCSCA, the NYC Department of Education and the NYC Housing Authority.

Previous to her work with Civic Builders, Jill led the Upper Manhattan Historic Preservation Fund – a joint project of the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation and the NY Landmarks Conservancy to administer grant and low interest loan funds to preserve and restore Harlem’s historic religious buildings. Through the Fund, Jill managed twenty-nine restoration projects, on behalf of and in partnership with the leadership and congregations of community institutions ranging from Convent Avenue Baptist Church to the Malcolm Shabazz Mosque.

In 2015, Type A Real Estate Advisers was joined by Andrea Kretchmer and AKKRO LLC another woman-owned real estate development company. With nearly 1200 units of affordable housing completed and 800 under management in New York City and Connecticut AKKRO LLC’s principals bring tremendous residential development and residential management experience to Type A’s projects. Andrea’s experience with nonprofit organizations ranges from managing new construction projects for organizations such as the YMCA, Good Shepard Services and the LGBT Network – to dedicating years of service to the Boards of New York Gauchos, the NYC Brownfield Partnership, and Citizens Housing and Planning Council among many others.

U3 Advisors Inc

Contact: Todd Stern
Email: tstern@u3advisors.com
Phone: (212) 460-8601
Specializations: development program, project management, feasibility and financing, and planning and design
Geographies served: 5 boroughs
Languages: Spanish
Prior experience: mission-based partnerships, faith-based partners, historic properties, supportive housing

U3 Advisors (U3A) provides real estate and economic development solutions to the institutions that anchor communities. The company is a nationally recognized real estate consulting practice specializing in development strategy, planning, and place-based economic development. U3A has a strong track record in assisting faith-based institutions and other non-profits to partner with real estate developers, balancing financial and mission-oriented goals, and is well positioned to also serve those institutions seeking to pursue development projects independently. U3 Advisors’ predecessor firms, K. Backus & Associates and U3 Ventures, were founded in 1997 and 2006 respectively, and merged in 2014. U3A employs 21 professional staff in New York City, Philadelphia, Detroit, and Memphis with backgrounds in real estate development, economic development, and planning. In the following section we present firm qualifications as they relate to each required service area. Many of our client engagements involve the provision of several of these service areas, whether entailing multiple phases of one project, or multiple, separate projects over the course of a long-standing client relationship. Our attached Firm Qualifications package provides additional detail about our experience, presented on a client-by-client basis.

Urban Form Studio, LLC

Contact: Inger Jose-Rice
Email: inger@urbanformstudio.nyc
Phone: (212) 222-6193
Specializations: development program, project management, planning and design, construction

Urban Form Studio (UFS) has a mission to provide strategic support to non-profit organizations, individuals and for profit companies through the complex and sometimes overwhelming process of rehabilitation, modernization and new construction.

The UFS Team includes the firms of Urban Projects Collaborative (UPC) and Community Revival (CR) with mission statements and an approach to services that parallel UFS mission. As Owner’s Representatives the UFS Team offers integrated professional support in order to provide clients with a means to achieve their goals; whether it may be to encourage mission driven neighborhood revitalization, organization program(s) accommodations, company growth, and/or retrofitting of existing spaces for health, safety or code compliance. Principals and senior staff in the firms have worked together on significant projects and all have over 25 years providing services for successful completion of complex projects. The UFS Team includes registered architects, licensed engineers, construction professionals with significant field experience and a project controls team with job cost accounting expertise.

The first step for most projects is a UFS Team assessment of the client’s goals and developing a plan to achieve them. This includes program definition; developing a budget and schedule; consultant selection; architect and engineer selection; contractor selection. For projects where the UFS Team is responsible for funding and financing we work to understand the project potential, parameters and the client’s needs. We then develop a customized approach which is intended to ensure that all client objectives are met and that project resources are maximized. Through a comprehensive knowledge of the development process, a sensitivity to the needs of the project participants and meticulous attention to detail, the UFS team assists sponsors in producing developments that are programmatically innovative, aesthetically inviting and financially sound.

During pre-construction the UFS Team works with the client and project team to establish and maintain budget and schedule milestones including management of value engineering and logistics planning. During the construction phase, UFS manages the contract administration process to ensure all parties perform contractual duties relating to schedule, contract compliance, quality, efficiency and safety. Post-construction phase is one of the most critical, but often undervalued phases. It involves monitoring and administering the issuance of certificates of substantial completion, as-built drawings, completion of punch list work spaces, start-up and commissioning of systems, submittal of guarantees/warranties, along with operation and maintenance manuals. With this, comes the supervision of the Certificate of Occupancy and review of the Contractor’s application for final payment.

Beyond delivering the projects, the UFS Team feels it important that clients are equipped with the knowledge base to maintain their spaces and structures after the work is done. Our closeout program is exceptional. The building systems put in place during construction are often considered and evaluated during the pre-construction design phase.

Urban Form Studio is led by a Husband and Wife Team, Tim and Inger Rice, whose passion for architecture and the constant search for a resolution of the multiple urban challenges we face in today’s world leads them to lay a foundation with each project that they manage. As Owner’s Representatives, Urban Form Studio’s, objective is to implement long term, viable and sustainable solutions to each of the problems faced by our clients, whether big or small. Our examinations are not limited to New York City, but all cities throughout the world facing similar contentions. UFS staff include professionals with significant trade and field supervisory experience, construction management and regulatory compliance experience. Our combined 50 years of experience provides us with the unique ability to offer our clients effective leadership. Our job is to listen, understand the Owner’s project objectives and equip them with the necessary tools to execute.

Urban Projects Collaborative is a Certified Women-Owned Business Enterprise with the City of New York, UPC is led collectively by a team of nine professionals with backgrounds in strategic planning, project management, architecture, engineering, construction and project accounting. The firm was founded by Sarah Haga, a registered architect with over 30 years of experience working successfully with not-for-profit, public and private clients in New York City and throughout the country.

Dan Iacovella is a sole proprietorship and started Community Revival in 1996. Dan has 25 years of experience in the development of supportive and affordable housing and has participated in the planning and development of 5,000 units of housing valued at $947 million, located predominantly in New York City utilizing funding from the NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program. In 1996, Mr. Iacovella founded Community Revival to help accelerate the production of quality affordable housing for persons in need by providing comprehensive development management services including strategic planning, financial modeling and funding.

Urban Strategy Advisors LLC (UA)

Contact: Norman Williams
Email: williams@urbanstrategyadvisors.com
Phone: (646) 228-0757

Urban Strategy Advisors LLC (UA) is a New York based real estate development & consulting firm dedicated to serving nonprofits, faith based organizations and developers. Formed in 2016, UA specializes in affordable housing development and preservation. As an MWBE firm (candidate) itself, UA is committed, not only through its respective mission of our organization and principal officers, but within its track record as well, to empower individuals, community development corporations, and faith-based institutions through economic development and opportunity.

UA strongly believes that neighborhood revitalization, through thoughtful development, and preservation, are catalysts that can help foster a more equitable New York. The project team is committed to the successful development, recapitalization and rehabilitation of the affordable housing, and believes the only way that this is achievable is through a true partnership with all potential partners.

UA specializes in real estate advisory services, and innovative solutions in low-income communities—specifically, capacity building, asset management, LIHTC applications, financial structuring, acquisition, development and Year 15 disposition strategy.

UA intends to leverage the real estate finance and development experience of its principal officers, and the skill and expertise of the local partners with whom it will work. UA’s principals have an extensive and successful track record working on complex occupied rehab projects with local, federal, state, government and community partners and have unmatched capacity and expertise in the affordable housing field. UA’s extensive new construction/rehab/resyndication work uniquely qualifies the team to complete work on time and within budget and exceed the needs and expectations of the development partners with whom we will work.

West Harlem Group Assistance, Inc. (non-profit)

Contact: Saiydah Y. Walls
Email: swalls@whgainc.org
Phone: (212) 862-1399 x19
Specializations: development program, project management, planning and design, construction

West Harlem Group Assistance, Inc. (WHGA) is a nonprofit corporation founded in 1971 to address the lack of decent affordable housing and social services. For 45 years WHGA has played an important role in implementing New York City’s strategy for meeting the affordable housing needs of populations identified as a high priority. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s WHGA participated in the City’s Community Management Program (CMP). This program allowed local community groups to manage and rehabilitate occupied City owned buildings in their neighborhoods. As the longest active community development corporation in Harlem, WHGA has created and redeveloped over 1,600 units of affordable housing, 1,250 of which are self-managed 179 of those units function as emergency homeless housing and 167 units provide housing for seniors. In addition, WHGA has developed homeownership opportunities through the substantial renovation of existing vacant and occupied structures, via the Neighborhood Homes Program. To assist potential purchasers of the new affordable homes it developed WHGA worked with HPD, FNMA, NHS and banks to secure affordable mortgage packages. WHGA also created a financial literacy program to counsel homeowners regarding predatory lending, tax liens and foreclosures. Under city and state contracts, WHGA assists hundreds of tenants and landlords each year with building code repairs, housing court counseling and eviction prevention. WHGA’s housing developments serve low and moderate income earners, homeless families and low income seniors of West and Central Harlem. This work was made possible through partnerships with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) the New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC) and a host of foundations, corporate partners and strong ties within the community at large.

Womens Housing and Economic Development Corporation (non-profit)

Contact: Jaye Fox
Email: jfox@whedco.org
Phone: (718) 839-1188
Specializations: development program, project management, feasibility and financing, site due diligence

The Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDco) was founded in 1991 with a mission to build permanent affordable housing and give the South Bronx access to all the resources that create thriving neighborhoods – from high-quality early education and after-school programs, to fresh, healthy food, cultural programming, and economic opportunity. Our programs reach over 40,000 people across NYC each year. In 2010, WHEDco founded the Bronx Music Heritage Center (BMHC) to spark neighborhood revitalization by preserving and promoting Bronx music, cultivating Bronx artists, and providing free cultural programs for the community, including after-school and adult music lessons, and ongoing concert series. In 2015, BMHC reached approximately 5,800 people. Also in 2015, WHEDco opened the South Bronx Early College Academy, a public charter middle school we co-founded, trained over 1,000 home-based childcare providers/business owners serving thousands of children, and served over 1,000 students in after school programs. WHEDco also potentially reached as many as 30,000 people via our Boogie Down Booths, which are temporary, solar powered street installations that provide seating, light, and music.

WHEDco has developed two affordable housing projects it currently owns and operates: Urban Horizons, a 132-unit adaptive reuse of the former historic Morrisania Hospital, and 128 units at Intervale Green, a new construction family development featuring a green roof and urban farm.

In addition, WHEDco served as an owner’s representative on behalf of the Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter (NCS) in developing Louis Nine House, a new construction green building providing 46 studio apartments for young adults who are homeless or aging out of foster care. NCS is a non-profit that offers an array of housing and comprehensive services, including counseling, substance abuse treatment, vocational and educational programs, and employment support, as well as constructs research to inform the development of policies and practices, and enhances public awareness and understanding. Give that its primary focus is on services and transitional housing, when the opportunity to develop supportive housing under the “Foyer” program arose, NCS turned to WHEDco for assistance in locating a site, securing the funds, and developing the project that evolved into Louis Nine. During construction, WHEDco served as managing member of the development entity, but after permanent conversion and close out, has transitioned to a minority member of the Louis Nine HDFC board, on which WHEDco retains two representatives.

WHEDco is currently in the predevelopment phase of two exciting projects, the Year 15 refinancing and recapitalization of Urban Horizons (originally placed in service in 1997), and Bronx Commons, a $155 million new construction development, which will provide 305 mixed income apartments, retail and community space, as well as a new 14,000 square foot home for the BMHC.

With a variety of ambitious housing developments to its credit, as well as experience in the capital development of a variety of community development uses, WHEDco and its experienced staff are well-poised to assist mission-based organizations in developing affordable housing in keeping with their organizational goals.