Major renovation completed at South Bronx complex.

In a move that was part musical chairs and part construction project, a nine-building, 237-unit low-income housing development has been fully renovated, with every apartment receiving new kitchens, bathrooms and windows.

Owned by Tegford Realty, a company controlled by Arthur Leeds, and originally built in 1905, these buildings, one of which was fire damaged and stood vacant, were in desperate need of repair.

To accomplish the major revitalization project, tenants were shifted from their units to temporary quarters within the complex while the renovations were done.

Levine Builders, a Queens-based general contractor, completed the 18-month gut renovation under the Article 8A program of the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). Located on Wales Avenue between East 151st and 152nd Streets, the major facelift is the latest effort to revive this South Bronx neighborhood.

"The renovation of these apartments was a major undertaking that required precision and skill on the part of the on-site construction team," said Jeffrey E. Levine, president of Levine Builders.

"These buildings were built in the early 1900s and needed large-scale renovations. Our project team did the job quickly and efficiently, with minimal disturbance to residents. With new kitchens, baths and a host of other renovations, I'm sure the residents will agree it was worth it." Extensive asbestos abatement was undertaken at the commencement of the project. Several layers of asbestos-containing roofing membrane had to be removed from the roof of each building. A full program of dust and debris management was in operation for the duration of the project to protect the health and safety of the residents.

The renovated apartments contain new, modern kitchens and bathrooms, adequate electric services and code compliant wiring throughout, updated plumbing and gas services and intercom systems in each building lobby and in each unit.

Apartment entry and building entrances were replaced to provide a more secure environment. Restoration of the exteriors and roofs completed the rehabilitation process.