What was once a vacant parking lot is now being transformed into a place of possibility, soon to provide new homes, opportunities, and stories for hundreds of New Yorkers.
A major affordable housing initiative is moving ahead in Inwood, bringing new homes and community resources to a long-vacant waterfront site. The city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) announced on Wednesday, December 10th that plans for the project have officially advanced, marking a significant step forward in addressing housing needs in the neighborhood.
The development, called La Ostra, will rise at 4095 9th Avenue and bring more than 600 affordable homes to the neighborhood, with units for low-income New Yorkers and seniors. It’s a major boost for northern Manhattan, turning unused space into much-needed housing with riverfront views.
But La Ostra isn’t just about housing. The project will also include a marine science and STEM education center run by the Billion Oyster Project and BioBus, giving residents and neighbors a front-row seat to environmental learning inspired by the Harlem River. It’s a mix of homes, science, and sustainability—all in one exciting new development.
The La Ostra development, whose name translates from Spanish as “The Oyster,” will comprise a total of 625 residential units.
Of these, 224 apartments are specifically designated for seniors, providing age-friendly living accommodations.
The remaining 400 units will be reserved for low-income residents, ensuring that the development contributes to affordable housing in the community. This mix of housing aims to create a diverse and inclusive residential environment within the new project.
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa said:
This proposal is thoughtful, considering the reality of climate change, opening up the waterfront and additional green space for Uptown, and providing much-needed mental health services on site. We are excited to see this team, including Comunilife, materialize this proposal, and look forward to eventually moving our seniors and low-income families into the 600 units at La Ostra.
⚽ Community and public features
- Indoor–outdoor soccer field for residents and community members
- Mental health services provided by Comunilife
- One acre of publicly accessible waterfront open space
- Outdoor classroom
- Seating pavilion
- Central lawn
- Amphitheater
💡 Sustainability and resilience features
- Raised landscaping
- Solar arrays
- Additional climate-resilient technologies
🌳 Building amenities
- Large ground-floor recreation room
- Multiple terraces
Before construction on La Ostra can begin, the project must secure both public approvals and the necessary financing. These steps are essential to ensure that the development meets regulatory requirements and is financially viable, paving the way for the creation of a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community in Inwood.