In Soundview, one of the Bronx’s most residential neighborhoods, a large Mitchell-Lama campus gradually lost its connection to the surrounding street network. Its oversized parking lots and inward-facing design left little room for growth and even less for neighborhood cohesion. Camber Property Group sought to deliver 100 percent affordable housing on the site, but a rezoning of the large-scale residential development required a design that could support new density while restoring a walkable street grid and activating public space.

WXY led a combined urban design and architecture strategy that reshaped the site as Stevenson Square. The plan repositions Stevenson Commons by introducing seven new buildings along new streets that connect to Lafayette Avenue, thereby improving access to Soundview Park. A mix of ground-floor townhomes and mid-rise apartments adds residential density while maintaining a pedestrian scale. The design activates underused land with new blocks, neighborhood retail, and public open space that support both new and existing residents.

WXY worked closely with Camber and the Department of City Planning to establish a unified land use and open space framework. The team prioritized alternatives to car travel, integrating carshare, bike storage, and improved bus connections into the overall plan. Parking was consolidated in a new facility with over 150 spaces. A new community park and tennis courts were designed as part of a broader open space network, and the buildings incorporate accessible townhomes with through-ventilated plans that foster a strong residential character along the street.

The first phase of development includes 166 new affordable units, including a six-story senior building with 114 apartments and two homeownership buildings with 52 units. These new residences create a strong street presence, support local retail, and provide better access to recreation. Together, they lay the groundwork for a more connected, active, and resilient Soundview.