Sparrow Square Breaks Ground in Brooklyn

"This project will provide hundreds of Brooklyn residents with homes and access to onsite supportive services that help foster long-term independence and community in East Flatbush," said Brenda Rosen, President and CEO of Breaking Ground. "We are grateful for Governor Hochul's bold leadership, and proud to partner with Douglaston Development to bring this project for our most vulnerable neighbors."

Sparrow Square is part of the Vital Brooklyn Initiative, Governor Hochul's $1.4 billion investment expanding housing, healthcare and economic development across Central Brooklyn. At full build-out, the 7.2-acre campus is expected to deliver more than 1,000 affordable and supportive homes, including 88 affordable homeownership townhomes in the final phase of the project.

Phase I consists of two 10-story residential buildings for households earning up to 80 percent of Area Median Income, with a fitness center, bike storage, landscaped terraces and on-site supportive services. The project also includes a new 10,000-square-foot community facility for Brooklyn Ballet, and the creation of Sparrow Way, a new private drive that will connect the site to the surrounding street grid.

Hill West Architects is architect of record, with Adjaye Associates as design architect. The buildings are being built to Passive House standards with all-electric systems, solar panels and green roofs.

Breaking Ground closed $242 million in Phase I financing last December, drawing on tax-exempt bonds, subsidies, tax credits, and support from New York State Homes and Community Renewal, the New York State Homeless Housing and Assistance Corporation, and the New York State Office of Mental Health. The Urban Investment Group at Goldman Sachs Alternatives is providing nearly $240 million of that financing.

Construction is underway now, with completion expected in the first quarter of 2029. We'll continue to share updates on Sparrow Square as this new East Flatbush community takes shape.