Affordable Housing Tower Advances at Historic Lower East Side Chapel

• A proposal to restore St. Augustine’s Chapel at 290 Henry Street and build a 21-story affordable housing tower has advanced in the city approval process.
• The development would add 130 income-restricted apartments, with 15% of units reserved for formerly homeless New Yorkers.
• Fulcrum Properties plans to invest approximately $85 million in the project, which also includes retail and community space while preserving the historic church.

What the Project Includes

A major redevelopment proposal centered around St. Augustine’s Chapel on the Lower East Side is moving one step closer to approval. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal has recommended the project, which would restore the historic church at 290 Henry Street and replace a vacant two-story annex with a new 21-story mixed-use residential building. The proposed tower would contain 130 affordable apartments spread across 96,639 square feet. Housing would be targeted to households earning 50%, 80%, and 110% of the area median income. About 15% of the apartments would be set aside for formerly homeless individuals. The development would also include approximately 3,600 square feet of ground-floor retail space and 2,300 square feet dedicated to community facilities for church use.

What Makes the Site Significant

St. Augustine’s Chapel has been part of the Lower East Side since the 1820s. Originally built as All Saints’ Free Church, the property has served generations of residents and is recognized as one of the neighborhood’s historic landmarks. The Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the church as an individual landmark in 1966, citing its Georgian design and Gothic architectural features. Because of its landmark status, the redevelopment requires a special permit despite the site already being zoned for residential use. The commission approved plans for the new tower and annex demolition in 2023.

What the Restoration Plans Include

Alongside the new residential development, the project includes a comprehensive restoration of the church itself. Plans call for upgrades to the building's stained-glass windows, stone archway, and historic rooftop balustrade. Accessibility improvements are also planned, including a new ADA-compliant entrance ramp along Henry Street. Li-Saltzman Architects is leading the restoration work, while Think! Architecture and Design serves as the design architect, and RKTB is the architect of record.

What the Development Means for Affordable Housing

City officials have pointed to the project as an example of how historic properties can help address New York City's housing shortage without sacrificing preservation goals. The development combines affordable housing production with long-term support for a historic community institution. Revenue generated through a 99-year ground lease agreement will help fund the church's maintenance and operations for decades to come. Supporters say the project demonstrates how underutilized land owned by religious institutions can be leveraged to create much-needed housing while preserving neighborhood landmarks.

What the Project Needs Before Construction Can Begin

The proposal has already received favorable recommendations from both Manhattan Community Board 3 and the Manhattan Borough President. The next step is review by the City Planning Commission, including a pre-public hearing session followed by a vote. If approved, the project would move another step closer to delivering affordable housing, new community space, and the preservation of one of the Lower East Side's oldest religious landmarks.