Bronx, New York – Today, Services for the UnderServed (S:US) and Bronx Pro Group LLC celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for Starhill Phase II, an affordable and supportive housing redevelopment project. Starhill Phase II will comprise 244 affordable apartments, including 74 supportive housing units for formerly homeless individuals and families with on-site supportive services provided by S:US, funded by the NYC 1515 program.
“At Services for the UnderServed, we believe that the solution to homelessness is homes. That’s why we’re developing thousands of new affordable housing units in locations across New York City, including more than 550 units at Starhill,” said Perry Perlmutter, CEO, Services for the UnderServed. “The groundbreaking of Phase II of the Starhill redevelopment project is another significant milestone in our effort to provide high-quality, affordable housing for the Bronx. This project not only addresses the urgent need for supportive housing but also revitalizes the Morris Heights community, creating a safer, more vibrant neighborhood.”
The site was originally constructed in 1915 as House of Calvary, then renamed Calvary Hospital in 1969. At the time, it was the only acute care hospital for terminally ill adults with cancer in the U.S. A nonprofit acquired the building, and it became Starhill, a residential substance use treatment facility in 1979. Services for the UnderServed took over in 2014. The building was demolished, and construction began in 2022. In early 2025, the first phase of the redevelopment project will begin to lease up bringing 326 new affordable apartments, with a special focus on providing 200 homes reserved for homeless single adults grappling with substance use challenges disorder. Phase II will complete the Starhill campus, bringing the total number of new affordable units to 570. Residents of Starhill will have access to on-site supportive services and rental subsidies, ensuring that people experiencing homelessness receive the critical support they need to stabilize their lives.
Starhill Redevelopment Phase I & II buildings. Rendering by Marvel Architects.
Starhill entrance. Rendering by Marvel Architects.
“Today marks an incredibly exciting day for Services for the UnderServed as we move forward with the second phase of the Starhill redevelopment,” said Arlo Chase, Senior Vice President of Real Estate, Services for the UnderServed. “This phase will bring much-needed affordable and supportive housing units to the Bronx. Our partnership with Bronx Pro Group allows us to deliver a comprehensive, sustainable solution that benefits both residents and the broader community.”
The finance closing of Starhill Phase II marks the 8th joint venture between S:US and Bronx Pro Group. Together, the team will bring over 830 units of affordable housing to the West Bronx with the completion of this project.
“We are so excited to break ground on Phase II of the Starhill redevelopment,” said Samantha Magistro, CEO, Bronx Pro Group LLC. “This residence completes our vision to transform 1600 Macombs Road into sustainable, supportive housing surrounded by green space to be enjoyed by the broader Morris Heights community. We look forward to continuing our partnership with S:US and making a lasting impact in this community.”
In addition to the residential components, Starhill Phase II will include approximately 10,000 square feet of space to be used by a community facility tenant as well as 11,500 square feet of publicly accessible open space for the Morris Heights community. The development was designed by Marvel Architects and built by Home Builders 1 LP.
Starhill Campus. Rendering by Marvel Architects.
“As we break ground today, we are not just building structures; we are building homes, creating opportunities, and fostering a sense of community,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “With 325 units of supportive and affordable housing in Phase I and an additional 244 units in Phase II, we are ensuring that our most vulnerable residents have a safe and secure place to call home. This development is also a testament to our commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. By incorporating solar PV and striving for the highest feasible energy standards, we are making an investment in our planet and our future generations. I want to thank Services for the UnderServed and Bronx Pro Group for their work on this transformative project.”
“As we tackle our city’s affordability and housing crises, we must prioritize the most vulnerable New Yorkers. Starhill Phase II shows the City’s commitment to do this through its 244 affordable apartments, 74 supportive housing units with wrap-around services for formerly homeless individuals and families, and community facilities and open space that allow our community to thrive. Housing insecurity is at the top of the list of New Yorker’s concerns, and the construction of this development will be a valuable resource for District 14 for years to come,” said Council Member Pierina Sanchez.
“The Starhill Phase II project is not just about laying foundations—it’s about uplifting lives and empowering the Morris Heights community, turning hope into homes and transforming lives,” said New York State Senator Robert Jackson. “This initiative provides critical housing and fosters a stronger, more vibrant neighborhood, ensuring everyone has the support they need to thrive. Today, we celebrate progress in unity, ensuring every individual can find a home and a new beginning in our community.”
“Once complete, Starhill Phase II will deliver over 240 deeply affordable homes, coupled with critical supportive services, an array of amenities, and public green space for residents and the surrounding community to enjoy,” said Eric Enderlin, President, HDC. “Thank you to S:US, Bronx Pro Group, and all our partners for their commitment to delivering comprehensive solutions that meet the needs of some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers.”
“The Jerome Avenue Neighborhood Plan was designed for the long-haul, and six years after its approval, it continues to bring much-needed housing to this Bronx community. Starhill Phase II, with over 200 affordable homes and public open space, exemplifies the value of thoughtful, collaborative planning. We look forward to celebrating many more wins for this community in the years to come,” said Edith Hsu-Chen, Executive Director, Department of City Planning.
“Developing new affordable and supportive housing is absolutely critical for meeting the needs of working-class and formerly homeless New Yorkers, especially as the city continues to grapple with historically low vacancy rates and record high rents,” said Scott French, HRA Administrator. “We are thrilled to see phase II of the Starhill redevelopment get under way, and we look forward seeing this incredible project bring much-needed affordable and supportive homes and beautiful public spaces to Morris Heights.”
“We are honored to support S:US and Bronx Pro Group as they continue to be a source of strength for the community in the Morris Heights neighborhood of the Bronx,” said Jane E. Silverman, Executive Director, Chase Community Development Banking. “Transformation of the Starhill site from a residential treatment facility into affordable and supportive housing is an important initiative. Housing with access to supportive services and community space is essential to ensure that residents thrive.”
“Enterprise is proud to have supported our longtime partners Services for the UnderServed and Bronx Pro Group in financing Starhill Phase II,” said Baaba Halm, Vice President and New York Market Leader, Enterprise Community Partners. “These 244 homes, which include 74 supportive housing units for formerly homeless individuals and families, will be a tremendous asset for the Morris Heights community and city as a whole.”
“CSH congratulates Services for the UnderServed and Bronx Pro Group on the groundbreaking of Starhill Phase II,” said Karuna Mehta, Senior Community Investment Officer, New York Market Lead, CSH. “Through our $1.5M predevelopment loan, we are proud partners of Starhill, which provides much-needed affordable and supportive housing. We are excited to see this vision – a place residents can call home and have easy access to vital social and healthcare services right where they live – become a reality. S:US and Bronx Pro Group’s steadfast partnership exemplifies visionary leadership in creating an equitable, stronger city.”
