Hillside North Building Received $1.2 Million Award
The Queens project was recognized for its commitment to zero-emission and carbon-neutral construction standards.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Construction
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The Hillside North Building in Jamaica, Queens, received a $1.2 million sustainability award announced on September 25, 2026. This funding is part of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Building of Excellence Competition.
Why it matters
The building was selected for this award due to its focus on advancing carbon-neutral-ready construction techniques. The development aims to serve as a model for sustainable, high-density residential housing in urban areas.
The Hillside North Building will span 170,037 square feet and feature 173 affordable rental units alongside 12,000 square feet of retail space. It is part of a larger redevelopment plan that expects to deliver 400 total residential units.
The players
Kathy Hochul
The Governor of New York announced the sustainability awards for the sixth round of the Building of Excellence Competition.
Gilbane Development Company
This real estate firm is acting as a lead developer in the joint venture for the Hillside North project.
MURAL Real Estate Partners
This firm is a joint venture partner responsible for the delivery of the affordable housing complex.
NYSERDA
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority administers funding programs for energy-efficient building projects.
The details
Designed to achieve PHI Classic Passive House certification, the 14-story building integrates rooftop solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and blackwater source heat pumps. The project is a joint venture between Gilbane Development Company and MURAL Real Estate Partners, currently slated for a site that hosts a parking lot at 161-09 Hillside Ave.
Timeline
September 25, 2026: Governor Kathy Hochul announced the award.
December 2026: Construction financing is expected to close.
June 2029: Expected date for substantial completion of the building.
Market Landscape
This project reflects a broader industry shift toward Passive House standards as New York City developers face increasing pressure to meet stringent carbon-neutral mandates. The collaboration between private firms and state incentives positions the development at the forefront of the regional push for high-density, sustainable affordable housing.
Residents in Jamaica, Queens, can expect the addition of 173 affordable rental units to the neighborhood upon the building's completion. The project also promises to provide 12,000 square feet of community-serving retail space at the Hillside Avenue site.
The takeaway
The use of Passive House design and renewable systems like blackwater heat pumps demonstrates how state-backed incentives are shaping the future of affordable residential architecture. Local stakeholders and residents can monitor the project's progression as it moves toward the 2029 completion date.
What happens next
Construction financing is scheduled to close in December 2026, with substantial completion of the facility projected for June 2029.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing infrastructure developments, visit the Construction section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by QNS.
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