Transformation of former Hoffman Pavilion public housing site into high-quality, affordable senior housing

Pennrose, The New Brunswick Housing and Redevelopment Authority (NBHA), and project partners celebrated the groundbreaking of Hildebrand Commons, the transformation of the former Hoffman Pavilion public housing site into a 66-unit affordable housing community for older adults (55+) in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Move ins are anticipated for the fall of 2026.

Speakers at the groundbreaking celebration included: James M. Cahill, Mayor of City of New Brunswick; Zachary Wright, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, New Brunswick Housing & Redevelopment Authority; Terry Tucker, Chief of Staff, New Jersey Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA); Daniel E. Jennings, Executive Vice President, New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA); Michael Siroka, Vice President, Hudson Housing Capital; Noah Freiberg, Senior Developer, Pennrose; and Timothy I. Henkel, Chief Executive Officer & Partner, Pennrose.

The six-story building will include a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments available at 20% to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), $21,480 to $64,440 for a one-person household. Forty-eight units will serve as replacement public housing with RAD vouchers at 110% Fair Market Rents and 39 will be RCA units. Five apartments will be set aside for formerly homeless individuals.

The energy-efficient apartments will feature spacious floor plans; modern, fully equipped kitchens; large closets; ceramic-tiled baths; and individually controlled heating and cooling. In addition, residents will have access to robust on-site community amenities, including supportive services, inviting community room, fitness center, parking, outdoor courtyard, maintenance and management suite, and more.

“It’s an honor to begin another impactful initiative with NBHA to deliver much-needed affordable housing for New Brunswick’s seniors,” said Jacob Fisher, regional vice president at Pennrose. “In an area with significantly long waitlists for affordable, senior rental options, Hildebrand Commons will transform a vacant and underutilized site into a critical community asset.”

“Hildebrand Commons represents more than just bricks and mortar, it reflects our continued commitment to ensuring that New Brunswick remains a welcoming and supportive home for our senior residents,” said Mayor Jim Cahill. “We’re proud to partner with Pennrose and NBHA to deliver high-quality, affordable housing that will provide stability, dignity, and opportunity for generations to come.”

“Our elderly population deserves to live in safe and comfortable conditions, and it is imperative that we address the challenges they face in securing suitable housing,” said Danny Toto, J.D., Executive Director, New Brunswick Housing and Redevelopment Authority.

“Today’s groundbreaking represents a significant investment in community-centered, amenity-rich senior housing in the heart of New Brunswick,” said Melanie R. Walter, Executive Director, New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency. “We are proud to have financed this project through our Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program and are thankful to our partners in this project for their dedication to the mission, navigating challenging market conditions to create unique, much needed senior affordable housing in the heart of this vibrant community. We are pleased to see shovels in the ground and look forward to welcoming the new residents next fall.”

“The Aspire Program is a central component of Governor Phil Murphy’s vision for a stronger and fairer New Jersey economy, supporting strategic real estate investments that expand housing opportunities and enhance neighborhood vitality,” said Tim Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer, New Jersey Economic Development Authority. “Hildebrand Commons will provide high-quality, affordable housing for seniors in New Brunswick while transforming an underutilized property into a valuable community asset, supporting local investment and economic activity.”

Located at 75 Neilson Street, the 0.48-acre, NBHA-owned lot was the original site of the 70-unit Hoffman Pavilion public housing community, which was demolished in 2012. Hildebrand Commons is named in honor of Reverend Henry A. Hildebrand, who served the community for more than three decades as pastor of Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church. He is remembered for his deep community involvement and support of local seniors.

“We are one step closer to residents settling into their new homes at Hildebrand Commons,” added Marsha Blunt, president at Pennrose Management Company. “With thoughtfully designed apartments and integrated supportive services, we’re creating a place where seniors can truly thrive.”

Hildebrand Commons was developed with the support of New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) construction-to-permanent financing, 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity, New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) state tax credit equity, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Healthy Homes funding, and City of New Brunswick RCA and HOME funds.

Headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennrose delivers high-quality, mixed-income housing throughout New Jersey and across the country. The organization is also currently developing Residences at Harper, a 76-unit affordable housing community in Moorestown, New Jersey.