Church Street Tower Conversion Moves Forward
Construction is underway on a 21-story residential conversion of the former city social services building at 250 Church Street in Tribeca.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Commercial
Construction is underway on the former Human Resources Administration and Department of Social Services building at 250 Church Street, which is being converted into a 21-story residential tower with 72 units. The project has received city approval, and a sales process has begun.
Why it matters
The conversion turns a public office building into housing for New York City residents at a Tribeca site. The added height and expanded floors reflect the scope of the redevelopment approved for the neighborhood.
The 72-unit plan includes two to five bedrooms and 2,500 square feet of retail space, with about 15 parking spaces reached through a curb cut on Leonard Street. The building's height has grown from 17 stories and 209 feet to 21 stories and 314 feet including mechanicals, and the expected completion is 2029.
The players
Steven Harris Architects
An architecture firm credited as the building architect for the 250 Church Street conversion.
Rees Roberts + Partners
A design firm responsible for the interiors of the 250 Church Street residential conversion.
The details
The building will rise from the street to 11 stories on the northern portion and 15 on the southern portion, then set back 10 feet from Church Street and 15 feet from Leonard Street before reaching 21 stories. The former fire court in the back is being expanded for residential use to bring in light and air, and an environmental review found only small, short-lived shadows on Barnett Newman Triangle and Finn Square.
Timeline
March 2026: Plans for the building were last updated.
2029: Expected completion of the residential conversion.
Market Context
The conversion repurposes a public office tower for housing, following the city's recent pattern of adapting older government buildings for residential use. The environmental review's finding of only limited shadows on the nearby parks sets the terms for how the added height was accepted.
For Tribeca residents and prospective buyers, the 72-unit building will add two- to five-bedroom homes and a 2,500-square-foot retail space at street level. The approximately 15 parking spaces on Leonard Street will affect how residents and nearby businesses access the site.
The takeaway
Watch for the 2029 completion date if you are considering a Tribeca residence, since the 72 units and their sales process will shape local housing options before then. Check the building's sales website for unit types as they are released.
Further reading
For more on similar projects, explore Commercial real estate coverage across New York City.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tribeca Citizen.
