Owner/operator Lantern Organization, architect IMC Architecture and development consultant Rockabill Consulting closed financing and began of electrification retrofit and renovations at Silverleaf Hall, a 118-unit supportive housing residence located at 480 East 176^th Street in the East Tremont neighborhood of the Bronx. Courtesy of Mega Contracting Group

Lantern Organization, IMC Architecture and Rockabill Consulting Close Financing, Begin $29.7 Million Electrification Retrofit and Renovation of Silverleaf Hall, 118-unit Supportive Housing Property in the Bronx

The Bronx, NY – Owner/operator Lantern Organization, architect IMC Architecture and development consultant Rockabill Consulting closed financing and began an electrification retrofit and renovations at Silverleaf Hall, a 118-unit supportive housing residence located at 480 East 176^th Street in the East Tremont neighborhood of the Bronx.

Completed in 2006, the eight-story, 130,000-square foot Silverleaf Hall includes 55 units under contract with NYS Supportive Housing Program (NYSSHP) for formerly homeless families and 63 affordable units available to single adults and families earning less than 80% AMI. The property offers modern laundry facilities, an outdoor terrace, and community space. Silverleaf Hall is currently under a New York State Supportive Housing Program (NYSHHP) contract, which funds supportive services at the property.

Dan Kent, President & CEO of Lantern Organization, said, “The multitude of planned upgrades, including sustainability improvements and electrification are a worthy goal, but also a challenging process from the design, engineering and cost perspectives. It was critical to the project’s success to engage a very experienced architectural and project management team of IMC Architecture and Rockabill, which has both negotiated the necessary funding and designed the retrofit in an economical and highly functional manner.”

According to IMC Principal Dominick Casale, AIA, “The $29.7 million retrofit and renovation program encompasses replacement of all fossil fuel-based heating and cooling equipment with highly efficient and sustainable electric heat pump (PTHP) systems, replacement of the building’s roof, installation of rooftop photovoltaic panels, exterior renovations, replacement of windows, accessibility and aging-in-place upgrades, interior renovations, energy and water saving fixtures and installation of a new wireless Internet access network. The property will remain occupied throughout the renovation, which requires careful logistical planning to complete the upgrades in stages, without disrupting the tenants.”

“The Silverleaf Hall project demonstrates how a thoughtful rehabilitation can preserve affordable housing while bringing it into the future. Rockabill assisted Lantern in closing on $29.7 million in construction financing obtained from several federal, state and city sources,” explained Rockabill Principal, Niall Murray. “In addition to a $9,735,000 HPD Year 15 subsidy, funding includes a new $7,650,000 senior loan from New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC), $640,000 from NYSERDA’s Low Carbon Pathways Program to support the heating electrification, an existing 7,432,309 HDC loan and the New York State Homeless Housing and Assistance Corporation’s (HHAC) extended existing loan of $3,100,000.”

“HDC is proud to finance this preservation effort, which helps to advance the City’s affordability and sustainability goals,” said HDC President Eric Enderlin. “These renovations and energy-efficiency improvements will enhance the quality of life for the residents at Silverleaf Hall and help to ensure the long-term stability of the community.”

The project team also includes general contractor Procida Construction Corp., property manager Arete Management, MEP engineer EMTG Consultants, environmental and sustainability consultant KOW Building Consultants and photovoltaic system designer and installer Sunkeeper. Mega Contracting Group served as contractor for the original building, completed in 2006.

Electrification and Interior Renovations

The building's outdated fossil fuel-based heating and hot water systems will be replaced, so that the property operates more efficiently and economically. Packaged terminal heat pumps, also known as All-in-one heat pump units, which provide both highly energy-efficient heating and cooling will be installed in each residence’s existing air conditioning sleeves located in the exterior walls. The units are the iCool XC All Climate Wall-Mounted Heat Pump by Ice Air.

According to Casale, “HVAC upgrades will include the installation of packaged terminal heat pumps (PTHPs), which are all-in-one units capable of providing both heating and cooling. These units will replace the existing through-wall air conditioning units, which will be fully removed. By utilizing the existing façade penetrations previously used for AC units, the new PTHPs can be seamlessly integrated without revisions to the building’s envelope. Additionally, the PTHPs are designed to operate using the existing dedicated appliance outlets, thereby also eliminating the need for electrical upgrades.”

“The selected PTHPs are Con Edison Clean Heat Program-certified and eligible for utility incentives. Utilizing PTHPs eliminates the need for separate heating and cooling systems, new ductwork or rooftop HVAC infrastructure, resulting in a very cost effective, low impact retrofit solution that supports electrification and energy efficiency goals,” continued Casale.

The building’s existing hydronic boiler system, which provides heat to the units, is outdated and inefficient. It will be removed, along with baseboards, radiators and valves. All hot water heaters that are currently tied to existing atmospheric-type boilers will be replaced with new high-efficiency condensing water heaters.

Upgrades will also be made to many of the rooftop fans and ventilation systems. Since testing showed that current apartment airflow is low, all non-functioning central exhaust rooftop fans will be fully replaced and be placed on an operating schedule with controls. Balancing dampers will also be installed in the apartments.

The existing gas-fired 100 percent fresh air ventilation on the roof, which supplies fresh air to the common areas and public corridors on all floors, will be replaced with a new 100 percent fresh air Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heat pump for heating, cooling and ventilation. Two existing central air-cooled split air conditioners for the cellar community room and the offices will also be replaced with new VRF Heat Pump air conditioners. The team will also install new outside air louvers with motorized controls and fire smoke dampers.

According to KOW Director of Sustainability Jared Forman, CEM, “The retrofit will result in over 52.7 percent reduction of the building’s energy use as well as 42 percent decrease of CO2 emissions. KOW has modeled both the existing energy consumption and energy performance of various potential redesign solutions, allowing the project team to select the optimal design and systems.”

The existing energy consumption of the property totals 20,151,450 kBtu annually, including 786,735 kWh of electricity and 174,670 therms of gas. The consumption of new systems is expected to total 9,523,985 kBtu, including 1,523,525 kWh of electric energy and 43,255 therms of gas.

“Once the upgrade is completed, KOW will perform post-construction utility benchmarking to compare energy use before and after the retrofit. The results will confirm the improved performance as well as fulfill the project’s compliance with the requirements of state energy efficiency programs. Our firm will provide the Enterprise Green Communities 2020 NYC Overlay certification, NYSERDA Low Carbon Pathways incentive verification, NYS Clean Heat incentive verification, and Energy Code TR8 and Commissioning sign-off,” added Forman.

Both of the building's elevators will be completely modernized, with new cabs, machinery and cables, and the hoistway will be refurbished. The project will also include installation of a wireless broadband connection provided by Flume for all tenants, which will be funded by New York State HCR's Affordable Housing Connectivity Program.

Aging in Place/ADA Renovations

In compliance with Section 504 of the Federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) guidelines, the project team was required to ensure a minimum of five percent of all units would be accessible and designated for people with mobility impairments and an additional two percent of the units be designated for people with a hearing or vision impairment.

The aging-in-place and ADA renovations will include installing accessible plumbing fixtures; adding grab bars, accessible toilets, adjustable hand-held showerheads and bathtub controls in the bathrooms; replacing existing floors with slip-resistant flooring; placing lighting at key work areas in the kitchen and under cabinetry and changing cabinet handles; removing barriers throughout the units; adding expandable door hinges for wider openings and lever handles for easier operation; and installing glow-in-the dark rocker-style light switches, visual smoke/fire/carbon monoxide detector strobe lights and amplified doorbells.

In addition to the accessibility upgrades, several other renovations will be made to the residential units to improve energy efficiency and comfort. New LED bulbs will be installed in apartments, and occupancy sensors and bi-level lighting will be installed in the common areas, corridors and exterior locations. All lighting will have required controls at the support and back of house spaces. All units will also have low-flow plumbing fixtures and showerheads installed to minimize water usage without compromising functionality. The building will also receive new intercoms in all units and a new trash compactor, with a sanitized chute and replacement hopper doors.

Exterior Renovations

Several upgrades and repairs will be made to the building envelope and systems to comply with NYC Local Law 11 requirements, which mandates facade inspections and repairs for pedestrian safety. Repairs will be made to several areas of the façade, including repointing, pin and relieving angle installations, and masonry repair. Masonry elements in the common areas, court yards and porches/steps will also be repaired. Common areas windows will be replaced to improve energy efficiency.

The old roof will be removed and a new NVS cool roof with energy code-compliant R-33 rigid insulation will be installed, which will eliminate leaks and increase both the energy performance and energy savings. The exterior doors that terminate at the roof will be raised and reset and all exterior doors and doors to unconditioned spaces will be weatherstripped. Additionally, Sunkeeper Solar will install a 112kw solar photovoltaic array to reduce common area utility costs.

Upgrades will also be made to many of the rooftop fans and ventilation systems. Since testing showed that current apartment airflow is low, all non-functioning central exhaust rooftop fans will be fully replaced and be placed on an operating schedule with controls. Balancing dampers will also be installed in the apartments.

The existing gas-fired 100 percent fresh air ventilation on the roof, which supplies fresh air to the common areas and public corridors on all floors, will be replaced with a new 100 percent fresh air Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heat pump for heating, cooling and ventilation. Two existing central air-cooled split air conditioners for the cellar community room and the offices will also be replaced with new VRF Heat Pump air conditioners. The team will also install new outside air louvers with motorized controls and fire smoke dampers.

Lantern Organization

Lantern Organization was established as a not‐for‐profit organization in 1997 with the mission to strengthen New York City communities by increasing the supply of affordable and permanent supportive housing. Lantern’s buildings house a range of populations, including people who have experienced chronic homelessness, people living with serious or persistent mental illness, people living with HIV/AIDS, young adults aging out of the foster care system, and low‐income single-adult and family households.

Lantern Organization is recognized for creating innovative, replicable housing models that benefit both residents and the community. Residents enjoy well‐designed apartments in newly constructed or rehabilitated buildings that relate to "Old New York" architectural styles. Notable projects include Schafer Hall, one of the first permanent supportive housing projects serving young adults aging out of the foster care system; Cedars Hall, one of the first LEED-certified permanent supportive housing projects; Amber Hall, one of the first permanent supportive housing projects serving people living with HIV/AIDS; and Rustin House, one of multiple SRO rehabilitation projects named after civil rights hero Bayard Rustin.

 Most recently, Lantern opened our 135‐unit Euclid Glenmore building in May 2024. This building provides homes for single adults with a history of chronic homelessness through the NY 15/15 program as well as households earning under 60% AMI who applied for housing through the NYC Housing Connect portal.

 Lantern Organization is currently in pre‐development on five projects totaling 706 units (including 462 supportive housing units) along with two preservation projects totaling 160 units (including 55 supportive units) in active construction. This includes Timbale Terrace, a 341 unit supportive and affordable development currently in pre-development, designed for Passive House‐certification featuring a 20,000 square foot music and art center. In total, Lantern owns and operates 19 buildings throughout New York City comprised of 1,577 affordable and supportive units.

IMC Architecture

Three principals established IMC in 2015, following accomplished careers at leading regional and national firms: Eugene Mekhtiyev, AIA, LEED GA; Jonathan Imani, AIA, NCARB; and Dominick Casale, AIA, NCARB. Working mainly in the highly regulated urban environments of New York City and the greater New York area, the founders believe compliance and creativity aren’t mutually exclusive. In addition to architectural work, the firm offers interior design services. www.imcarchitecture.com.

Known for quality design, contemporary aesthetic, technical acumen and zoning expertise, the firm works predominantly in the multi-family, education, commercial, workplace, healthcare, worship, retail and hospitality markets. IMC has designed some of the most prominent recent projects in New York City and the greater New York area and is one of the pioneers of the modular design and construction technology in New York City and the surrounding region. In addition to design services, the firm also operates an affiliated zoning, expediting and permitting consultancy CORE Consultants.

The studio’s portfolio features nearly ten million square feet of architectural design and consulting projects, totaling more than $2 billion in construction value.

The firm’s market-rate and affordable multi-family design portfolio includes the 41-unit 550 Prospect Place and 16-unit 701-703 Lafayette Avenue in Brooklyn; 155-unit Bronx Vibe at 289-299 East 161^st Street, 21-unit 35 Kingston Avenue, 34,000-square foot Croton Residence in the Bronx, NY; 70-unit The Grand and 73-unit NewRo rental properties in New Rochelle, NY; 82-unit The Carrol in Brooklyn, NY; and multiple upgrades to the 37-story, 807-unit 63-67 Wall Street rental property and 136-unit permanent supportive housing The Senate building electrification in Manhattan.

The firm’s market-rate and affordable multi-family design portfolio includes the 41-unit 550 Prospect Place and 16-unit 701-703 Lafayette Avenue in Brooklyn; 155-unit Bronx Vibe at 289-299 East 161^st Street, 21-unit 35 Kingston Avenue, 34,000-square foot Croton Residence in the Bronx, NY; 70-unit The Grand and 73-unit NewRo rental properties in New Rochelle, NY; 82-unit The Carrol in Brooklyn, NY; and multiple upgrades to the 37-story, 807-unit, market-rate 63-67 Wall Street rental property and full building electrification of the 139-unit Senate permanent supportive housing building for Goddard Riverside, both in Manhattan.

IMC’s other commercial and institutional work includes the $35 million, 69,000-square-foot Earl Monroe New Renaissance Basketball School in the Bronx, NY; the Elm Charter School at 79-20 Queens Boulevard in Queens, NY; as well as 61,000-square-foot 556 Lots Avenue charter school, two Ascend Public Charter Schools at 1833 Nostrand Avenue and 2840 Atlantic Avenue, 90,000-square foot 15 Parkville Avenue medical office building, Olgam Life Plasma Donation Center at 78-15 Linden Boulevard, 36,500-square foot Center 15 medical services building, 20,000-square foot Spring Creek Towers property management office and 28,000-square foot Persian Congregation of Flatbush, all in Brooklyn, NY.

Rockabill Consulting

Rockabill Consulting LLC is the preeminent affordable housing development consultant in New York. The firm brings innovative financing solutions and the ability to execute projects on time and budget to all areas of affordable and supportive housing development. Rockabill specializes in the execution of complex financing structures and is known for its expertise in the preservation of supportive housing with clients such as Goddard Riverside Community Center, St. Francis Friends of the Poor, and Columba Kavanagh House. Rockabill’s projects span the entire New York State, from the five boroughs of New York City to Yonkers, Utica and Buffalo.

Since its founding in 2007, the Rockabill team has advised on the development and financing of over 13,000 affordable housing units throughout New York State, on projects totaling over $2.01.5 billion in capital. The firm works regularly on new construction, substantial rehabilitation, and moderate rehabilitation projects which leverage varied funding sources including 4% and 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits, HFA and HCR subsidy programs including family senior, supportive housing programs, and operating and rental subsidies including 15/15, ESSHI, and Section 8.

 
KOW Building Consultants

Kenneth O. Wille, P.E. founded KOW Building Consultants in 1977. The firms and has since grown into a multidisciplinary team of over 50 professionals specializing in construction monitoring, sustainability consulting, and property assessments.  KOW’s staff includes engineers, architects, code inspectors, and energy specialists, offering services such as IPNAs, energy audits, benchmarking, NYCECC TR8 inspections, commissioning, and program compliance for EGC, ENERGY STAR, and NYSERDA. The firm’s team holds diverse certifications—PE, LEED, BPI, CEM, HERS, and more—and combines deep technical expertise with knowledge of financial and regulatory frameworks.

KOW provides comprehensive sustainability consulting across building types, from moderate rehabs to new construction. It supports clients in securing incentives, meeting energy codes, and achieving third-party certifications. KOW has completed over 1,000 energy audits, often paired with benchmarking, utility analysis, and feasibility studies that evaluate energy efficiency and cost savings. The firm also conducts energy modeling and Local Law 97 impact analysis to guide decision-making and compliance strategies.