Encore West Residence

ENCORE WEST RESIDENCE

755 Tenth Avenue, New York, NY 10019
(between 51st and 52nd Streets)
Tel: 212-991-3727
Fax: 212-991-6722

The Encore West Residence which celebrated its opening in 2007, is a housing project in midtown Manhattan which addresses the need for affordable housing for very low income seniors, 62 years of age and older, with incomes of $27,750 for one person and $31,700 for two.

Funding for this project was secured (through a capital grant) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), under its Section 202 Supportive Housing Program for the Elderly. Encore West provides 84 fully-equipped apartments with kitchenettes. Also provided are laundry facilities, a library, a multipurpose community room and other amenities in a safe, secure and caring environment. Encore West offers on-site services to help seniors maintain their independence, and a variety of recreational activities for social interaction, so important in maintaining good health of body and spirit!

The need for affordable housing is at a critical level for many elderly citizens whose incomes fall far below what is needed to survive. Projects such as Encore West help to alleviate this growing housing crisis for seniors with limited incomes.

Critical Need and Encore's Response

Margaret Meade said “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world…Indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.” Inspired by these words, Encore undertook the challenge of creating housing for the elderly in need of permanent and affordable living situations. To create these two housing projects with very distinct styles of housing was a major challenge and each came with its own unique aspects and complexities. Encore 49 Residence came first and involved major renovation of a Single Room Occupancy (SRO) building at 220 W. 49th Street. Encore West Residence at 755 Tenth Ave. came next and involved new construction from the ground up, utilizing primarily HUD funding under Section 202.

To accomplish completion of both projects was a major milestone for Encore. Encore realized early on, though we had experience with the elderly and many skills, construction and renovation expertise were not at the top of the list. Thus, with the support and help of a skilled group of “thoughtful committed citizens” these housing projects came to fruition and are fully occupied today by the elderly. ….and the “world” of the elderly in need of decent, safe and affordable housing “changed the world” for 88 seniors at the Encore 49 Residence and 96 elderly at the Encore West Residence.