$100M Housing Community In Irvington Breaks Ground: Sankofa Enclave

IRVINGTON, NJ — Shovels have hit the ground on a new, $100 million housing community in Irvington that is expected to give a major boost to the neighborhood.

Last week, Irvington Mayor Tony Vauss, Council President Jamillah Beasley and other township officials joined developers for an event at 5 Standard Place to mark the groundbreaking for “The Sankofa Enclave at Twenty First Street.”

Designed to be a partnership between the Irvington municipal government and the developer, 21st Street Redevelopment, the project will be completed in two parts:

• PHASE ONE – “The first phase will include 15 modern two-family homes and substantial inviting outdoor green space to boost homeownership and foster long-term investment in the community.”
• PHASE TWO – “The second phase will consist of approximately 240 high-quality affordable rental units including five units of supportive housing for young women aging out of foster care, as well as a community development center, and a healthy food eatery featuring a weekly farmer’s market.”

Developers said the 30,000 square foot community development center – which will be designed for access and use by all Irvington residents and will have a focus on programming for women and girls – will serve as the “heart” of the project:

“The center will provide programs and services for academic advancement including youth tutoring and after school programs, intergenerational learning, art and cultural development, and business incubation. It will include a wellness center featuring a gym with state-of-the-art equipment, a juice bar and cafe, as well as a business development and technology center providing access to computers and technology for community use. The space will also feature art studios, classrooms, and event space with a commercial kitchen for community events, intentionally designed to deliver important tools for community development and economic growth to the Township of Irvington.”

The Sankofa Enclave is among the first Black woman-led real estate redevelopment projects of this magnitude in New Jersey, developers said.

Nana Duncan, the principal and founder of Thatcher Duncan Group LLC – a partner of 21st Street Redevelopment – said the new housing community is about more than just new buildings … it’s about “improving lives and creating opportunities.”

“My partner Dr. Vikas Gupta and I have a shared vision for this project,” Duncan said. “The Sankofa Enclave at Twenty First Street will be a model of affordable housing and community development, demonstrating how strategic investment can drive real change by promoting home ownership, wealth creation and health.”

Gupta, principal and founder of Akshay Investment LLC, said last week’s groundbreaking is a “testament to the power of true public-private partnerships.”

“By integrating affordable housing and opportunities for home ownership with green spaces and vital community resources for healthy living, we are laying the foundation for long-term prosperity and growth,” Gupta said.

Town officials in Irvington cheered the milestone moment.

“Revitalizing neighborhoods in the Township of Irvington through community-centered development has and continues to be a significant priority for my administration,” Vauss said.

“This nearly $100 million investment in homeownership, affordable housing, green space, and retail exemplifies this commitment,” the mayor continued. “Not only will this project transform a neighborhood, it will also lay the groundwork for a sustainable and thriving community long-term.”

Kyana Woolridge, director of community development and planning and economic development, said the groundbreaking represents a pivotal moment for Irvington.

“Together we are building a brighter future where every resident has the opportunity to thrive,” Woolridge said.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.