New York City, December 12, 2025
New York City has chosen Slate Property Group, Xenolith Partners, and Comunilife Inc. to develop ‘La Ostra,’ a 600-unit affordable housing project in Inwood. This initiative aims to address the city’s housing crisis by providing affordable living options along with community-centric amenities, including educational facilities and mental health resources. The project is part of a broader strategy to revitalize underutilized spaces in the city.
New York City Chooses Developers for 600-Unit Affordable Housing Project in Inwood
A New Wave of Affordable Housing and Community Amenities
New York City has made a significant move towards addressing its housing crisis by selecting Slate Property Group, Xenolith Partners, and Comunilife Inc. to develop “La Ostra,” a 600-unit affordable housing project located in Inwood. This innovative venture not only seeks to expand affordable living options but will also integrate educational, mental health, and recreational facilities that promise to enrich the community.
This project reflects a growing trend within the city to revitalize underutilized spaces through entrepreneurial innovation and private investment. By prioritizing developments like La Ostra, New York City is tapping into the resilience of local businesses and organizations dedicated to addressing social challenges, thereby fostering a conducive environment for sustained economic growth.
Project Overview
The “La Ostra” project is designed to provide over 600 affordable homes, including 224 units specifically for senior residents and 401 units aimed at low-income families. The development will consist of two buildings, with one rising 15 floors and the other 25, offering stunning views along the Harlem River. This ambitious project is part of a broader strategy from the Adams administration, reflecting a conscious effort to advance affordable housing initiatives across the city.
Community-Centric Amenities
Beyond the housing component, La Ostra is set to feature a marine science and STEM education center, which will be operated by the Billion Oyster Project and BioBus. This center will not only provide educational opportunities but also inspire the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. The development will also include an indoor–outdoor field house allowing for various recreational activities, suicide prevention resources, and mental health services. Furthermore, it will offer nearly one acre of publicly accessible waterfront open space along the Harlem River, creating a welcoming environment for community engagement and leisure.
The Development Team
The development team comprises three key players. Slate Property Group is a well-established property owner, developer, and lender with a focus on multifamily assets in the New York metropolitan area. Xenolith Partners is a certified Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) that specializes in affordable housing solutions. Comunilife Inc. is a nonprofit organization committed to providing affordable housing and supportive services, particularly for individuals with special needs. Collectively, these organizations bring a wealth of experience and a commitment to social responsibility that bodes well for the project’s success.
Timeline for Development
The La Ostra project is expected to commence construction once the necessary financing is secured and the property is officially transferred to the development team. This initiative is part of a larger goal to advance a total of 24 affordable housing projects on city-owned sites throughout 2024, showcasing the commitment to tackling housing shortages in New York City.
Revitalizing Vacant Spaces
The site of La Ostra, located at 4095 Ninth Avenue, has remained vacant for several years. The city’s selection of this development team comes after a competitive request-for-proposals process aimed at revitalizing the area and addressing the city’s urgent housing needs. Following this model of reimagining underutilized spaces can serve as a blueprint for future developments across the city.
Additional Developments in the Area
La Ostra is not the only major housing initiative underway in New York City. In October 2025, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) selected Douglaston Development and Kinwood Partners to construct 590 units of mixed-income housing in the Meatpacking District, indicating a wider trend of investment in various neighborhoods.
Conclusion
The “La Ostra” project presents a proactive approach to increasing affordable housing options in Inwood while simultaneously enhancing the community through educational and recreational amenities. This endeavor serves as a shining example of how collaboration among private and nonprofit sectors can cultivate a sense of community, addressing essential needs for low-income New Yorkers and their families. As these developments progress, it is crucial for residents and stakeholders to remain engaged and support initiatives that promote sustainable growth within their neighborhoods.
FAQ
What is the “La Ostra” project?
The “La Ostra” project is a 600-unit affordable housing development in Inwood, New York City, featuring housing for seniors and low-income families, along with community amenities such as a marine science and STEM education center, an indoor–outdoor field house, mental health services, and nearly one acre of publicly accessible waterfront open space along the Harlem River.
Who are the developers selected for this project?
The developers selected for the “La Ostra” project are Slate Property Group, Xenolith Partners, and Comunilife Inc.
What community amenities will be included in the development?
The development will include a marine science and STEM education center operated by the Billion Oyster Project and BioBus, an indoor–outdoor field house, suicide prevention and mental health services, and nearly one acre of publicly accessible waterfront open space along the Harlem River.
When is construction expected to begin?
Construction is expected to begin once financing is secured and the property is transferred to the development team.
What is the background of the vacant site?
The vacant site at 4095 Ninth Avenue in Inwood has been unused for several years. The city’s selection of this development team follows a competitive request-for-proposals process aimed at revitalizing the area and addressing the city’s housing needs.
Are there other similar developments in the area?
Yes, in October 2025, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) selected Douglaston Development and Kinwood Partners to construct 590 units of mixed-income housing in the Meatpacking District.
Key Features of the “La Ostra” Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Affordable Housing Units | 600 units, including 224 for senior residents and 401 for low-income families. |
| Community Amenities | Marine science and STEM education center, indoor–outdoor field house, mental health services, and nearly one acre of publicly accessible waterfront open space along the Harlem River. |
| Developer Team | Slate Property Group, Xenolith Partners, and Comunilife Inc. |
| Project Timeline | Construction to begin once financing is secured and the property is transferred. |
| Site Background | Vacant site at 4095 Ninth Avenue in Inwood, unused for several years. |
Now Happening on X
- @NYCHousing (December 11, 2025): At HPD, we’re building affordable homes and communities, like the new La Ostra project in Inwood offering over 600 affordable units with world-class services and amenities. View on X
- @NYCHousing (December 10, 2025): Today, NYC Housing announced the team to develop La Ostra, providing over 600 units of affordable housing, community space, and a science education hub in Inwood. View on X
- @NYCMayorsOffice (December 11, 2025): We’re advancing housing projects to the last day of this administration; the NYC Housing team announced plans for over 600 affordable homes on a vacant Inwood city site. View on X
- @trdny (December 10, 2025): NYC Housing selected a team led by Slate Property Group to develop a waterfront site in Inwood with affordable housing. View on X
- @commobserver (December 11, 2025): Inwood project set to include 600 homes and a marine science center as part of the development. View on X
- @6sqft (December 10, 2025): City unveils plan for 600 affordable homes, a soccer field, and STEM center on a vacant Inwood lot. View on X
- @NYBizJournal (December 11, 2025): New York City selected developers to transform a vacant Inwood site into hundreds of affordable apartments with amenities beyond typical housing developments. View on X
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