apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

http://www.commonground.org

They have several buildings in Manhattan and one in Brooklyn. I think there are different income cap requirements depending on the neighborhood. Good luck!

I would concur with campari99 and would add that there are other opportunities for artist housing.
This is one: http://www.nyfa.org/level4.asp?id=86&fid=1&sid=47&tid=150
Here is another: http://www.nychdc.com/ApartmentSeekers/Applications.html

This is a list of all new construction projects that offer a low-income component to a mixed-income or, more likely, high-end development. Developers are given bonuses if they subsidize 20% of their units to serve low-income households. For this project, an individual should earn less than $25,000/yr.

I live in such a complex. It's called Manhattan Plaza. It is federally subsidized by the government for people who make their living in the performing arts. The wait list is very long but you can always write to the main office requesting an application.

Manhattan Plaza
Management Office
400 W. 43rd St.
NYC 10036

Hi, Laura -

I'm a performing artist and am lucky enough to live in NYC-sponsored affordable housing. I spent almost 5 years applying to various NYC, NY State and privately-funded developer programs before I got my place, but it takes many people much less time. The key for anyone, though, is persistence. You just have to apply to EVERYTHING and worry about qualifying later.

There are a couple websites you should bookmark right now. First, the City of New York Dept. of Housing Preservation & Development (known as HPD) runs what they call the Affordable Housing Hotline:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/hpd/html/apartment/lotteries.shtml
Check this site often, and sign up for the email alert when new applications are available.

Also check the New York City Housing Development Corp (know as HDC) site. HDC actually funds affordable housing (unlike HPD, which only coordinates opportunities) and is somewhat more active. You can search their site by borough and program. You can also use their list of previous developments to get on waiting lists for buildings that are already up.
http://www.nychdc.com/ApartmentSeekers/apartmentseekersindex.html

Finally, be sure to use your Community Board. Some are better than others, but the one that I live in (Manhattan CB 4) often has information on privately-funded affordable housing opportunities that no one else has. See this example: http://www.manhattancb4.org/planning_info/pub_review/housing.html
Usually, these types of developments give preference to people living in the neighborhood already, which can work to your advantage.

Finally, talk to the major development companies themselves. Related Development maintains an Affordable Housing Hotline that is worth checking every few weeks: 212-996-6670. There are others; check the HDC site for more developer numbers.

Things to remember:

1) Applying to a building as it is going up is your best chance of getting a place quickly. But there are many, many buildings that are up and have wait lists. Don't let these wait lists intimidate you. Write or call the developers and get on the list. They may tell yo the wait list is closed; in that case, ask to be put on the inquiry list so you'll be notified when the wait list is open.

2)Keep great records of all your letters and all your applications. If you do get picked out of the lottery and get an interview, you'll want to have a copy of your original application to refer to.

3) And speaking of interviews; if you do get one, don't freak out about all the paperwork they ask you to bring in. Get everything you can together, and be organized, but non-perfect credit or the fact that you might be a non-traditional earner (or freelancer) is not a problem. These management companies are used to dealing with artists, believe me.

4) Again, apply to EVERYTHING in every neighborhood you might possibly want to live in. Even if you are outside the income requirements now, apply anyway. You might fit the requirements by the time the building begins renting.

Good luck! Be persistent, organized and open-minded. It paid off for me; I pay about $600/month for my beautiful one-bedroom in midtown.

I believe that Manhattan Plaza in Hell's Kitchen is an apartment complex reserved for people in the performing arts. Rent is based on a percentage of your income. Check here for more info:

http://www.mptenants.com/

good luck!

jones - I wouldn't really count on that link for any actual information. The last update was a couple of years ago. But as I said before and what you reiterated is that it is a complex for those in the performing arts.

I was lucky enough to get a spot in Manhattan Plaza 15 years ago (i was wait-listed for 4 years). I lived there for 5 years (until I was no longer in the 'biz and started making too much money) and I miss that apartment so much :( I had a huge 1BR all to myself, which was pretty much unheard of. Balcony, southern and western exposure... doorman...

and now i own a little slice of brooklyn heights, which is 1/3rd the size, on the 2nd floor overlooking the street and twice the number occupants (hubby and me)! ah, the things we do for love.

Artspace is reno-ing a huge new complex upstate in Buffalo.

http://www.artspacebuffalo.org/

I am renting a 1200 sq. ft apartment in St. George Staten Island(right by the boat, quick commute to the city). It has 2 huge bedrooms and 3 other rooms, one of which could be used as a bedroom. I'm also offering the basement as studio space. I'm a creative and would love the energy of same in the house (I live upstairs). Call 917.434.5273 if interested. And good luck finding something.

There is a new building in construciton in downtown Brooklyn. I think they are reserving some units for artists.
http://www.actorsfund.org/about/news/press_releases/copy_of_copy_of_pr_dmd