Rustin House

 

Project overview

In keeping with The Lantern Group’s central mission -- which is to provide affordable housing for New York City residents -- we are investing approximately $14 million to undertake a full renovation of Rustin House on West 94th Street in Manhattan.

About Rustin House
Located on West 94th Street between West End Avenue and Riverside, the 6-story brick single-room-occupancy (SRO) building currently is comprised of 149 units.  Originally built in 1910 (approx.), the building has suffered from years of neglect and is in need of extensive renovations.

About the Renovation Effort
The Lantern Group, through an affiliate entity, purchased the building in February 2008 with plans to completely renovate the property, including the installation of new mechanical systems such as elevators and heating systems.  The renovated building will contain a total of 123 SRO units.  Each unit will be enlarged and equipped with a kitchenette.  Number of shared bathrooms will be increased.  There will also be a 1-bedroom Superintendent’s apartment.  New mechanical systems and finishes will be installed throughout the building, including: HVAC, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, finishes and amenities.

About Our Residents
Everyone who currently lives in Rustin House will be given the opportunity to reside in one of the newly renovated SRO units. Rents for existing tenants in these units will be capped at $500, and no one will be paying more than they are paying now.  In fact, with rents in these units averaging $343, some tenants will be paying less than they are now. New tenants will be paying 30 percent of their income as rent.

Sixty percent of the units are set aside for single adults who meet NY/NY III requirements.  Forty percent of the units will house existing tenants and working homeless.   The NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) will refer eligible NY/NY III prospective tenants.  Very low income (working poor) tenants will be community and/or DHS-referred, but must be employed at the time of referral and placement.  Priority in all cases will be given to tenants of Community Board No. 7 and single adults, aged 50 and over, and/or who are compatible with the existing tenant population.

About the Services to be Provided

Rustin House provides safe, affordable housing with on-site supportive services available to all tenants.  The purpose of the supportive services program is to keep residents housed in their apartments through case management services organized around social stability, economic stability and continued independent living.   Case management services will include: 

• Intake Screening
• Service plans, including identification of health, financial, career development, education, and vocational goals
• Supportive Counseling
• Referral Services
• Nutritionist
• Benefits Counseling
• Employment/Vocational services

Rustin House is within walking distance to commercial establishments and convenience stores, public transportation, schools, park and playgrounds, library, community facilities, hospital and clinical offices.

For more information please contact us at info@stlouishall.com.

---