Construction Begins on Casanova Residence in Hunts Point

Mayor Zohran Mamdani officially broke ground on the Casanova Residence this week, a new housing development in Hunts Point designed to address local housing needs. The project, led by the nonprofit organization The Doe Fund, is slated to deliver 96 residential units upon completion.

According to city officials, the development will serve a mix of residents. Thirty-eight of the apartments are designated for the city’s general housing lottery, while the remaining 58 units are reserved for vulnerable populations. These supportive homes are intended for individuals and families facing challenges such as substance use disorders, serious mental illness, or disabling medical conditions, and will be integrated into the city’s 15/15 Supportive Housing Initiative.

Designed by Curtis + Ginsberg Architects, the building is intended to provide more than just shelter. Plans for the site include a fitness center, landscaped outdoor areas, and free broadband internet access for tenants. The Doe Fund, which manages a portfolio of over 1,400 units across the city, will oversee dedicated community and service spaces within the building. Residents are expected to have access to a range of support services, including financial literacy training, job-search assistance, and case management.

During the ceremony, Mayor Mamdani characterized the project as part of the administration’s "Block by Block" housing strategy. The initiative aims to address long-standing housing inequities in the Bronx through increased investment and targeted development. The city recently committed $1 billion over the next two fiscal years toward the creation and preservation of supportive housing, representing a 60 percent increase in funding compared to the previous two-year period.

Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning Leila Bozorg noted that the project represents a significant milestone for the Hunts Point community. The Casanova Residence is located in close proximity to The Peninsula, a major mixed-use development currently replacing the former Spofford Juvenile Detention Center. The Casanova project is the 13th affordable and supportive housing development undertaken by The Doe Fund.