A new procurement milestone has been reached for one of New York City's public housing modernization initiatives as the New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust moves forward with renovations at Hylan Houses in Bushwick, Brooklyn. The Trust has executed a contract with Technico Construction Services to begin planning and design for a comprehensive upgrade of the residential development.
The project introduces the progressive design-build delivery method to a New York City Housing Authority property for the first time, supporting a collaborative planning process before construction begins.
The modernization project will renovate 209 apartments within a single 19-story residential building while also upgrading shared building spaces.
Technico Construction Services will lead the design-build team in partnership with STV, with Preservation Logistics supporting project delivery. Together, the team will develop the project scope, schedule, and construction pricing through a phased planning process before advancing into full construction.
The Trust expects the complete design, financing, and construction program to conclude in 2029.
The project follows a two-stage procurement process that included a Request for Qualifications followed by a Request for Proposals from shortlisted teams.
Unlike traditional project delivery, the progressive design-build model brings the owner, designers, and contractor together early in project development to collaboratively establish project scope, budget, scheduling, and construction sequencing before a final construction contract is executed.
The delivery method was authorized through legislation establishing the Public Housing Preservation Trust as part of broader efforts to accelerate capital improvements across NYCHA properties.
Resident participation will remain a central component of the planning process. Community input will help guide apartment finishes, shared space improvements, and other design decisions while ensuring modernization priorities align with resident needs.
The project also aims to address capital improvement requirements identified under the 2019 agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). A resident advisory council and dedicated liaison will support ongoing communication throughout planning and construction.
Public housing agencies across the United States are increasingly adopting alternative project delivery methods to accelerate large-scale capital improvements. For construction owners, developers, architects, and contractors, progressive design-build offers opportunities for earlier collaboration, improved cost certainty, and integrated project planning while supporting modernization of aging residential housing assets.
Source: NYC Housing Authority.
