News Summary
Construction has started on the Brownsville Arts Center & Apartments, which aims to provide 283 affordable rental units and a cultural arts center in Brownsville, Brooklyn. The project will feature a nine-story building designed to support households with varying income levels and will also include a multipurpose performance space. With a focus on sustainability and community enrichment, this development is set to transform the area by providing much-needed affordable housing and cultural facilities.
New York — Construction has officially commenced on the Brownsville Arts Center & Apartments (BACA) as of September 12, 2025. This significant development, situated at 366 Rockaway Avenue in Brownsville, Brooklyn, aims to provide 283 affordable rental units along with a cultural arts center that will serve the community.
BACA is a nine-story residential building designed by Aufgang Architects, with a substantial investment of $254 million allocated for the project. Developed in collaboration with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), Gilbane Development, Blue Sea Development, and Artspace Projects, Inc., BACA represents an important step toward creating affordable housing in a neighborhood in need.
The project is designed to cater to households earning between 30% and 70% of the area median income (AMI), with apartments ranging from studio units to three-bedroom apartments. Notably, a portion of these units will be reserved for formerly homeless individuals. Anticipated rental prices for the apartments will begin at $800 per month for studios and $1,263 for three-bedroom units at 30% AMI. For a family of three, eligible incomes will range from $43,740 to $102,060 annually.
In addition to the residential component, BACA will house a 28,000-square-foot cultural arts center that includes a 3,440-square-foot multipurpose performance and rehearsal space available for local community events and groups. The total residential space will encompass nearly 263,000 square feet, emphasizing the development’s dual focus on housing affordability and cultural enrichment.
The architectural design of BACA is notable for its commitment to sustainability. The building intends to be all-electric and aims to achieve various environmental certifications including Passive House and LEED Platinum. The façade will feature red brick with recessed rectangular windows bordered in black, topped by four stories of contrasting white above a sixth-story setback on the eastern side.
As part of enhancing the local environment, a landscaped plaza is planned for the northern section of the property, improving what is currently a vacant and overgrown area. This initiative is expected to provide additional green space for residents and visitors alike.
Funding for BACA is derived from multiple sources, including $88.1 million in city housing subsidies and $8.2 million from the Department of Cultural Affairs specifically for the arts center. Additional financial support will come from state grants and private lenders, showcasing a comprehensive funding strategy to ensure the project’s successful completion.
BACA is part of the broader Brownsville Plan, an initiative that anticipates delivering over 2,500 affordable homes along with investments in cultural, health, and public spaces. This concerted effort reflects the city’s commitment to revitalizing Brownsville, an area historically marked by economic challenges.
Access to the site is convenient for residents, with nearby subway stations including the L train at Sutter Avenue and the 3 train at Rockaway Avenue. This readily available public transportation will enhance connectivity for future tenants and cultural center visitors.
Construction of the Brownsville Arts Center & Apartments is projected to be completed by December 2027, marking a pivotal development in the area’s housing and cultural landscape.
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