Sendero Verde

For a joint venture of L+M Development Partners, Jonathan Rose Companies, and Acacia Network, Roux performed environmental investigation and remediation activities at two adjoining New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) Sites located in East Harlem, New York, known as the Sendero Verde Redevelopment Project (Parcels A and B or SV-A and SV-B).

With 709 units, Sendero Verde is the world’s largest affordable passive-house residential building. The 750,851-square-foot, 100% affordable housing complex was built on a site previously occupied by four community gardens. It features beautiful details, including subtle color variation in the exterior brick facade to blend with the surroundings, abundant tenant amenities, a community garden, a central courtyard, a computer room, supportive services, a Charter School, and a Family Enrichment Center. A resident social services director, occupational therapists, art and dance classes, and housing specialists help meet the needs of formerly unhoused populations. Among Sendero Verde’s sustainability and wellness features are a highly insulated envelope, triple-glazed high-performance windows, low-energy mechanical equipment, solar panels, stormwater reuse, and continuous ventilation. The development also includes the replacement of the original community gardens.

Roux was hired as the environmental consultant in 2018 to complete Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), a Phase II ESA, and BCP applications for both Sites. Activities completed by Roux have included implementation of Remedial Investigation Work Plans, preparation and implementation of an Interim Remedial Measure Work Plan for SV-B, preparation of combined Remedial Investigation Reports/Remedial Action Work Plans, implementation of Community Air Monitoring Plans during construction, permitting and oversight of underground storage tank removals, oversight of soil/fill excavation, oversight of the site cover system installation and BCP closure reporting, including Final Engineering Reports and Site Management Plans for each site. SV-B received a NYSDEC BCP Certificate of Completion in December of 2020 and SV-A received a COC in December 2021. Both sites are now in the site management phase being implemented by Roux in accordance with the approved SMPs.

Sendero Verde balances affordable housing, sustainability, and community integration, establishing a precedent for large-scale sustainable housing. The 2025 Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing Development was presented to Sendero Verde by ULI New York.