Affordable housing development in Hell’s Kitchen celebrates groundwork completion

Hudson Companies, Housing Works, and Broadway Builders celebrated the topping out of The Lirio, an innovative 145,000-square-foot development in Hell’s Kitchen that, supporters say, marks a significant milestone against homelessness.

Situated at the corner of West 54th Street and 9th Avenue, Lirio is set to provide 112 permanently affordable apartments, including 67 specifically designated for formerly homeless individuals—59 of which will be supportive housing units. The project will also feature 44 affordable homes for families earning between 30% and 120% of the area median income, a superintendent unit.

Moreover, roughly 30,000 square feet of office space for the MTA and 7,000 square feet of retail space.

The celebratory event brought together key stakeholders, including MTA officials, financing partners, community members, and consultants who were essential to the project’s realization.Photo courtesy of Hudson Companies.

“This project addresses a wide range of urgent needs—supportive and affordable housing at varying income levels, MTA office space, and neighborhood retail, all within a sustainable building,” said David Kramer, president of Hudson Companies. “The Lirio goes beyond just providing new housing; it represents a commitment to affordability, lifesaving services, and long-term community investment.”

Kramer thanked the policymakers who aided in the development, including Mayor Adams and Council Member Erik Bottcher.

“Today’s topping out marks a major step forward,” Kramer said.

Andrew Coamey, senior vice president of Housing Works, said the project could transform the community.

“The Lirio will be life-changing for individuals experiencing homelessness and people living with HIV/AIDS, offering them the foundation to rebuild and thrive. Like the Liriodendron tree, for which The Lirio is named, this development is rooted in resilience—designed to support individuals and help them grow,” he said.

The project is set to be completed by fall of 2027.Photo courtesy of Hudson Companies.

As the neighborhood of Hell’s Kitchen houses one of the highest concentrations of residents living with HIV in the city, The Lirio is not just a housing development; it is also a strategic response to the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic. Housing Works plans to utilize office space within the building to offer on-site case management to supportive housing residents. This initiative aims to help residents adhere to medical treatments, ultimately improving both individual health and community wellbeing.

Bernard Ruf, president of Broadway Builders, is optimistic that The Lirio can bring about change in the neighboring communities.

“We’ve made incredible progress in the last ten months and are grateful to hit this milestone,” Ruf said. “This project represents our dedication to building more equitable and healthier communities for underrepresented groups throughout the city.”

The Lirio’s design was led by CetraRuddy Architecture and is set to include a landscaped terrace, rooftop garden, fitness center, bicycle storage, and 24-hour front desk staff.

Broadway Builders commenced construction on June 13, 2024, and has already completed nine floors ahead of schedule. The project is slated for completion in fall 2027.