Construction begins on Bronx affordable housing.

Construction has begun on two affordable housing developments designed by Meltzer/Mandl Architects, P.C. in The Bronx - at Gerard Avenue and Hughes Avenue, respectively.

Far from the typically meager architecture associated with low-income dwellings, each development will be noted for achieving a new level of design, according to Marvin H. Meltzer, AIA, principal-in-charge of the project.

"Even in what we traditionally think of as low-income housing, these buildings are quite unusual," said Meltzer. "The courtyards alone will make stunning impressions and further enhance the architectural details of each building's exterior. Looking at them, you would never guess they're affordably priced housing."

While a combination of tax certificates and demand for market-rate housing has led to a resurgence in the development of some new affordable housing, Meltzer is no stranger to designing for this market. Four years ago, Melrose Court, a South Bronx affordable housing development, was completed. Today, Meltzer's design for it remains distinguished for bringing quality architecture to and stretching the envelope for designing this type of housing. In 1994, it was named by the National Association of Home Builders as the best affordable multifamily housing project in the United States.

"Seventy architects, part of a national American Institute of Architects housing conference, recently toured Melrose Court and praised the uniqueness of its design," Meltzer said. "This was especially heartening, inasmuch as too many people believe that affordable housing is inherently inferior and that architects who design it are somehow not 'real' architects. In both cases, Melrose Court proves otherwise, and we're about to prove it again."

Under development by Leewood Real Estate Group/The Related Companies, the 103,000 square-foot complex at Gerard Avenue and 165th Street is composed of three buildings: a seven-story building and two adjoining three-story buildings that together form a "U" shape in the courtyard. The masonry bearing wall and concrete plank building has 126 units ranging in size from 450 to 850 square feet, providing studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. Parking is incorporated in the design of the development.

The building under construction at Hughes Avenue and 180th Street also features an interior courtyard, made possible by a 200-foot-deep lot. The seven-story masonry bearing wall and concrete plank building will boast 56,000 square feet. Seventy-two units, composed of studio and two-bedroom apartments, also range in size from 450 to 850 square feet. Atlantic Development Group LLC/Davis & Partners, L.P. is the developer.

"We strived to keep the scale of each building in the context of neighboring structures," said Meltzer. "And the greatest appreciation of the buildings' architectural beauty is apparent, not only from the street, but also from within the courtyards."

Meltzer/Mandl Architects, P.C. has designed a variety of projects in the residential, commercial, non-profit and institutional sectors. Among its more notable projects are the conversions of 45 Wall Street and 110/120 Church Street, The Aurora at 475 West 57th Street, and NYU's Provincetown Playhouse.