East Harlem Plans $225M Housing, Arts Complex
A $225 million development named Timbale Terrace is planned for East Harlem. The project will feature a 20-story performance venue combined with 341 affordable housing units. The development aims to address the need for affordable housing in the area while creating a new cultural hub for the community.
- The project is being developed on a former NYPD parking lot at 101 East 118th Street as a result of the 2017 East Harlem rezoning plan. The joint developers are Mega Group Development and the Lantern Organization, selected after a 2019 Request for Proposals from the city. - Of the 341 affordable units, 97 are designated as supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals, including 30 units specifically for young adults aging out of the foster care system. On-site social services will be provided by Lantern Community Services, focusing on health, wellness, education, and employment. - The housing affordability is structured for a range of low and very low-income households, with 84 units for those earning between $30,000 and $50,000, 71 for those earning between $50,000 and $80,000, and 88 for households with incomes between $80,000 and $130,000. - The cultural component, named Casa Belongó, will be the permanent home for the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance (now known as Belongó) and will occupy over 20,000 square feet. The space, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, will feature a performance theater, recording studio, art gallery, practice rooms, and a café. - The development is designed to meet Passive House standards for energy efficiency and will include a green roof and solar array. Other amenities for residents include a fitness center, a children's library and playroom, and three outdoor terraces. - Total project costs are estimated at nearly $225 million, with another source stating $255 million, and funding comes from a mix of sources including the city's Extremely Low & Low Income Affordability (ELLA) program, HDC bonds, and grants from the Department of Cultural Affairs and City Council. - The project is part of a broader neighborhood plan that has faced some controversy and delays; the process from the initial rezoning in 2016 to the groundbreaking took over a decade, drawing criticism from some housing advocates. - Construction officially began with a groundbreaking ceremony on February 18, 2026, and the anticipated completion date is slated for 2028.
