Officials mark topping off of $158 million Mount Vernon housing project

State, county and city leaders celebrated the topping off of QWest Towers in Mount Vernon on Aug. 11, a major milestone for a $158 million workforce housing development nearing completion. The project will add 228 affordable rental units, construction jobs and long-term permanent jobs in the city.

Why it matters: - QWest Towers will add 228 affordable workforce apartments in Mount Vernon for households earning 40% to 80% of area median income. - The project is designed to bring new housing, jobs and neighborhood investment to the North MacQuesten Parkway corridor. - The development is part of a broader effort to expand affordable housing in Westchester County.

What happened: - State, county and city officials gathered on Aug. 11 to celebrate the topping off of QWest Towers in Mount Vernon. - The milestone marked completion of the final floor of one of the towers. - An American flag was unfurled along the side of one tower during the ceremony, followed by an on-site lunch for construction workers. - The project is located at 1 and 25 North MacQuesten Parkway. - QWest Towers LLC, a joint venture between Simone Development Companies and Stagg Group in collaboration with the Rev. Dr. L’Judie Matt-Simmons, is developing the project.

The details: - The $158 million development includes a 15-story tower and a 12-story tower. - The 228 affordable rental units include 58 studios, 91 one-bedroom apartments, 78 two-bedroom apartments and 1 three-bedroom apartment. - The building will also include a separate superintendent’s unit. - The first tower is expected to be completed later this year, with the second tower to follow within a few months. - Construction financing includes support from New York State Housing and Community Renewal, Westchester County’s New Homes Land Acquisition program and Westchester County’s Housing Flex Fund. - The project also received financial incentives from the Mount Vernon Industrial Development Agency. - The property is designed to be energy efficient and will include laundry rooms, recreation space and a green roof. - The project created roughly 250 construction jobs and 20 permanent jobs. - The development team said the project also includes investments in beautification along North MacQuesten Parkway, Mount Vernon City School District initiatives and the Mount Vernon Fire Department.

Between the lines: - Simone Development and Stagg Group framed the project as the result of long-term public-private coordination in Mount Vernon. - Joe Simone described QWest Towers as a “gateway” project tied to his hometown. - Stagg Group said the partnership shows what public and private sectors can accomplish together. - The involvement of local and state financing reflects the level of public backing needed to get large affordable housing projects built in the region.

What’s next: - Work continues on the second tower, which is expected to follow the first tower within a few months. - The project will move from construction to occupancy as the towers are completed later this year and beyond. - Additional community improvements tied to the development are expected to continue around the site.

The bottom line: - QWest Towers is moving from construction milestone to near-finished project, with 228 affordable homes and added community investment set to reshape a key Mount Vernon site.