7 Shocking Facts About 639 Dekalb Ave: The Multi-Million Dollar Affordable Housing Project Transforming Bed-Stuy

As of December 2025, the address 639 Dekalb Avenue in Brooklyn, NY 11216, is no longer a vacant lot or an old structure; it is the center point of DeKalb Commons, a major, newly constructed affordable housing development that is fundamentally reshaping a key block in the Bedford-Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy) neighborhood. This multi-building complex represents a significant investment in Central Brooklyn’s housing stability, providing dozens of brand-new, low-cost residential units in one of the city's rapidly gentrifying areas. The project, which broke ground recently, has been the subject of a highly anticipated affordable housing lottery, drawing massive attention from New Yorkers seeking stable, high-quality housing. The transformation of this specific address into one of the most talked-about new residential developments in the 11216 zip code is a testament to the ongoing push for equitable housing solutions in New York City. The complex is a collaborative effort between major non-profit developers and city agencies, designed to serve a wide range of low- and moderate-income households, including formerly homeless individuals. This deep dive reveals the complete story, from the project’s inception to the current lottery details, and the full list of key entities that brought this vision to life.

The DeKalb Commons Project: A Full Profile of 639 Dekalb Ave

The location at 639 Dekalb Avenue is one of three addresses that comprise the expansive DeKalb Commons affordable housing initiative, a crucial development for the Bed-Stuy community.

Project Overview and Key Entities

• Project Name: DeKalb Commons
• Primary Addresses: 639 DeKalb Avenue, 652 DeKalb Avenue, and 1187 Fulton Street.
• Neighborhood: Bedford-Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy), Central Brooklyn.
• Zip Code: 11216.
• Total Units: The complex features 84 dwelling units, plus an additional unit for the superintendent.
• Affordability: 100% of the apartments are designated as affordable housing.
• Building Height: The 639 DeKalb Avenue component is a seven-story residential building.
• Developers/Partners: St. Nicks Alliance and Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation (Restoration). These two non-profit organizations partnered to develop the city-owned land.
• Architect: Magnusson Architecture & Planning (MAP).
• Groundbreaking: The project officially broke ground in July 2023.

The Mission Behind the Development

The DeKalb Commons project is a direct response to the critical need for affordable housing in Brooklyn, particularly in areas like Bed-Stuy, which have seen significant rent increases and displacement pressures. By developing these formerly city-owned lots, the partnership of St. Nicks Alliance and Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation aims to create a permanent source of stability for low-income families and individuals. The development is designed to serve a diverse mix of households, including a significant number of units set aside for formerly homeless individuals, which is a key component of New York City’s housing strategy.

DeKalb Commons Affordable Housing Lottery Details

The most current and critical information regarding 639 Dekalb Ave revolves around the highly competitive affordable housing lottery, which recently launched to fill the new units. This lottery is the gateway for eligible renters to secure a long-term, low-cost apartment in the complex.

Unit Mix and Rental Ranges

The lottery, managed through NYC Housing Connect, is offering 71 newly constructed apartments across the three buildings. The unit mix caters to various household sizes, from single individuals to larger families. The rents are set according to different Area Median Income (AMI) bands, ensuring deep affordability for the lowest-income residents. The rental ranges are a major draw for the Central Brooklyn community.

• Studio Apartments: Rents range from approximately $556 to $1,721 per month.
• One-Bedroom Apartments: Starting rents are around $703 per month, with upper ranges varying by AMI.
• Two-Bedroom Apartments: Available for larger households.
• Three-Bedroom Apartments: Available for the largest family sizes.

Eligibility and Income Requirements

To qualify for the lottery units at DeKalb Commons, applicants must meet specific income guidelines. The project serves a wide spectrum of low- and moderate-income households. * Minimum Income: Applicants must have a household income starting at approximately $22,869. * Maximum Income: The upper income limit for the largest households can reach up to $160,720, depending on the unit size and specific AMI band. * Household Size: The apartments are designed to accommodate households ranging from 1 to 7 people. This broad income eligibility makes the DeKalb Commons project particularly impactful, as it addresses the needs of both the extremely low-income population and the working-class families who are often priced out of market-rate apartments in the area.

The Broader Impact on the Bedford-Stuyvesant Community

The development at 639 Dekalb Ave is more than just a residential building; it is a critical piece of the ongoing economic and social development of Bedford-Stuyvesant. The project’s location places it in the heart of a vibrant, historic neighborhood, close to essential amenities and transit.

Local Infrastructure and Transit Access

The complex is strategically located to offer residents excellent access to public transportation, a key feature for any New York City residential development.

• Subway Access: Residents are within walking distance of the G train, a major north-south line connecting Brooklyn and Queens.
• Bus Routes: Multiple local bus lines serve the Dekalb Avenue and Fulton Street corridors, providing easy access to surrounding neighborhoods and Manhattan.
• Neighborhood Amenities: The location is just a few blocks from the commercial hub along Fulton Street, which features Restoration Plaza, local businesses, grocery stores, and community services.

Key Development Entities and Community Stakeholders

The success of DeKalb Commons is rooted in the collaboration of several key entities dedicated to community empowerment and development. These organizations bring decades of experience to the table, ensuring the project aligns with local needs. * Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation: A pioneering community development corporation (CDC) that has been a bedrock of the Bed-Stuy community since the 1960s. * St. Nicks Alliance: A leading non-profit organization focused on housing, workforce development, and youth services in North Brooklyn. * Magnusson Architecture & Planning (MAP): Known for its expertise in designing high-quality, sustainable affordable housing developments across New York City. * City and State Officials: The groundbreaking and launch of the lottery involved key elected officials, including Council Member Chi Ossé and Assembly Member Stefani Zinerman, underscoring the political support for the project. This network of non-profit developers, architects, and government partners ensures that DeKalb Commons is not just housing, but a sustainable community asset. The focus on deep affordability and community partnership elevates 639 Dekalb Ave from a simple address to a symbol of the neighborhood's commitment to equitable growth. The ongoing exterior work and the active housing lottery confirm that this is one of the most significant and current residential developments in the 11216 area.

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