In September 2016, the second phase of the City’s Livonia Corridor redevelopment initiative, L2, broke ground in East New York. This four-building, transit-oriented development for partners BRP Companies and HELP USA, flanks the elevated subway line and will offer 238 units of affordable and supportive housing, community facility space, retail space and parking.

The core of the design responds to the strengths and challenges of Livonia Avenue. The buildings are oriented and shaped to mitigate the effect of sound and vibration from the elevated train. This design also screens apartments from on-coming trains on the same side of the track. The residential portion of the building including the tenant community spaces are situated above the tracks while the commercial and community facility spaces are located along Livonia Avenue to activate the streetscape.

In contrast to the residential units which are designed to create privacy, the commercial space engages and enhances the avenue. With large glass storefronts and signage encouraging both subway riders and passersby to take notice, all of the commercial spaces in the four sites, have a uniform design creating a cohesive, unified aesthetic across multiple properties and connections throughout the overall urban fabric.

The development is designed to meet LEED Silver.