Stonewall House Senior Residences

Stonewall House, occupying a prominent corner at Myrtle Avenue and St. Edwards Street in Fort Greene, stands as the largest LGBT-welcoming elder housing development in the country. Completed in 2019, this 17-story, mixed-use building spans 124,000 SF and includes 145 apartments and a 6,800 SF SAGE community facility on the ground floor. Brick, a key material and design element, anchors the building in its context, stepping down from the intersection via three setbacks to create common roof terraces. The project fosters community among residents and strengthens its connection to the neighborhood. Initiated by a NYCHA RFP, the building was conceived to create affordable, inclusive housing for seniors, helping relieve pressure on other NYCHA family units. Developed through a partnership between BFC Partners and SAGE, the project offers essential on-site services. The massing, articulated façade, and material selections respond to context and budget, while providing durable, accessible housing. Each unit includes aging-in-place features such as walk-in showers and accessible layouts. Mayoral overrides helped resolve zoning constraints, and the team prioritized healthy materials, daylighting, emergency preparedness, and water-efficient landscaping. Stonewall House stands as a vital model for affordable, community-centered housing. Women played a pivotal role in the realization of Stonewall House, leading the project from its very inception through to completion. The Marvel team was spearheaded by two women who not only developed the project concept but also managed the entire consultant team from the RFP stage through construction administration. Additionally, both the structural engineering and plumbing disciplines were led by accomplished women professionals. Collaboration with SAGE—a group dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ elders and featuring a diverse team—was also integral to the project’s success. Together, these women leaders were instrumental in shaping the vision, coordination, and delivery of New York’s first LGBTQ+ senior housing complex.