Hillside North Building Wins State Sustainability Award

The Jamaica residential project earns recognition for its commitment to resilient, affordable housing design.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Construction

Bold vector editorial illustration of a modern apartment building facade with integrated green planters, representing sustainable urban housing design. — The Hillside North Building in Queens, a joint venture by Gilbane and MURAL, received a New York Building of Excellence award. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should local affordable housing developments prioritize Passive House and green energy standards despite higher project complexity?

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority has selected the Hillside North Building for a Building of Excellence Award. The honor highlights the structure's advanced sustainable features and its role in bringing affordable housing to Queens.

Why it matters

This award recognizes the project's efforts to combine high-efficiency mechanical systems with affordable residential development. It showcases how urban renewal can integrate resilience and sustainability into large-scale housing.

The Hillside North Building is a 14-story structure featuring 173 residential units and 17,000 square feet of retail space. The development is designed to meet rigorous standards, including Passive House and ENERGY STAR MFNC certifications.

The players

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

This state agency promotes energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources across New York.

Gilbane Development Company

This organization is a major real estate developer known for large-scale urban and institutional projects.

MURAL Real Estate Partners

This firm specializes in real estate development and investment across urban markets.

Elmcor Youth and Adult Activities, Inc.

This community organization provides essential supportive services for local residents in Queens.

The details

The development is a joint venture between Gilbane Development Company and MURAL Real Estate Partners, with supportive services provided by Elmcor Youth and Adult Activities, Inc. The design incorporates ten resilience features, such as rainwater harvesting and blackwater source heat pumps, alongside a high-performance envelope with R-40+ walls.

December 2026: Construction financing is scheduled to close.
June 2029: The project is expected to reach substantial completion.
January 2030: The project is projected to convert to permanent financing.

Market Landscape

This project follows a pattern set by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's Building of Excellence Program to advance carbon-neutral construction. The development positions its partners as leaders in the growing sector of green, affordable residential infrastructure.

Residents in Jamaica will gain access to 173 affordable housing units supported by energy-efficient infrastructure. The project also provides 17,000 square feet of retail space, increasing local neighborhood service capacity.

The takeaway

Integrating advanced sustainability features like solar PV and blackwater heat pumps can be successfully applied to large-scale urban affordable housing. Developers aiming for similar recognition should prioritize certifications like Passive House and Fitwel during the initial planning phase.

What happens next

The project is set to reach key milestones including the closing of construction financing in December 2026, substantial completion in June 2029, and conversion to permanent financing in January 2030.