CAMBA Housing Ventures Inc. (CHV), based in New York City, announced the start of construction on its $237.9 million affordable and supportive housing development, which is part of the state’s $1.4 billion Vital Brooklyn initiative. CHV’s development, Clarkson Estates, will have 328 units of permanently affordable and supportive homes for low-income and formerly unhoused populations including youth aging out of foster care, formerly incarcerated individuals, formerly unhoused young adults, and formerly unhoused families. Clarkson Estates, located in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, will feature more than 2,787 m2 (30,000 sf) of community facility space and nearly 1,394 m2 (15,000 sf) of parking. It will be a Passive House development, which is a voluntary standard for energy-efficiency to reduce Clarkson Estate’s ecological footprint, provide superior air quality, and reduce energy use and residents’ utility bills.
Joanne Oplustil, president and CEO at CAMBA/CHV, says, “We are thrilled to begin construction on our second Vital Brooklyn initiative development, which will provide much-needed affordable housing and the necessary support systems for the most vulnerable among us. Clarkson Estates will be a place to live, work, retreat, grow, engage, and be inspired.”
David Rowe, chief administrative officer at CHV, says, “Clarkson Estates is a culmination of CHV’s model of housing as healthcare and our dedication to design standards that instill a sense of dignity for our residents. As we continue to invest in the Flatbush neighborhood, this development represents a true collaboration between committed public and private partners to bring a transformative asset to Brooklyn. CHV has proudly worked with the Vital Brooklyn team and our dedicated funders to create a model for design excellence, sustainability, and amenity-rich housing.”
Clarkson Estates is a transit-oriented development built for energy efficiency. The project will include a photovoltaic solar array ready option and received funding through HCR’s Clean Energy Initiative. The 328 units of affordable and supportive housing will be a mix of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Clarkson Estates will be a 9-story brick and metal panel contextual building and feature a double-height lobby at both the residential and community facility entrances with access to natural light throughout the common spaces. Clarkson Estates is projected to be completed in spring of 2026.
Eugene Flotteron, AIA, principal in charge, director of architecture, at CetraRuddy Architecture DPC, based in New York City, says, “As architects, we are excited to support CAMBA Housing Ventures’ mission and innovative approach to creating a healthy, inclusive community where indoor-outdoor connectivity and inspiring art-filled spaces deliver the most enriching and valuable programs possible for underserved Brooklyn residents. Clarkson Estates exemplifies CHV’s commitment to advancing design excellence, from the high sustainability standards of Passive House certification to the development’s welcoming and innovative architectural design approach. We are honored to be collaborating with CAMBA Housing Ventures on this important project that reflects the next chapter for affordable housing, creating homes that enrich the lives of their residents.”
