Hildebrand Commons, a new project by Pennrose, will bring 66 age-restricted affordable housing units to the former Hoffman Pavilion public housing at 75 Neilson St. in New Brunswick. — Rendering by Thriven Design/Courtesy: Pennrose
By Joshua Burd
Pennrose has started construction on a project that will bring 66 new age-restricted, affordable housing units to downtown New Brunswick with the help of state and city funding sources.
Known as Hildebrand Commons, the development will revitalize the former Hoffman Pavilion public housing site at 75 Neilson St. with a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments for low- to moderate-income renters over age 55. Pennrose will deliver the six-story building in tandem with the New Brunswick Housing and Redevelopment Authority, with plans to welcome its first residents in fall 2026.
“It’s an honor to begin another impactful initiative with NBHA to deliver much-needed affordable housing for New Brunswick’s seniors,” said Jacob Fisher, regional vice president at Pennrose. “In an area with significantly long waitlists for affordable, senior rental options, Hildebrand Commons will transform a vacant and underutilized site into a critical community asset.”
Fisher was among several speakers at a July 22 groundbreaking for the project, which is slated to include modern design elements, individually controlled heating and cooling and on-site amenities such as supportive services, a community room, a fitness center, parking, an outdoor courtyard and a maintenance and management suite. The milestone follows a pledge of support last fall by the state Economic Development Authority, which approved up to $20.1 million for the project under the Aspire tax credit program.
Other financing sources include construction-to-permanent financing and 4 percent Low-Income Housing Tax Credit equity from the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, along with funding from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ Healthy Homes program and from the city of New Brunswick. Thriven Design is the project’s architect.
“Hildebrand Commons represents more than just bricks and mortar, it reflects our continued commitment to ensuring that New Brunswick remains a welcoming and supportive home for our senior residents,” New Brunswick Mayor Jim Cahill said. “We’re proud to partner with Pennrose and NBHA to deliver high-quality, affordable housing that will provide stability, dignity and opportunity for generations to come.”
Officials noted that the 0.48-acre, NBHA-owned lot was the original site of the 70-unit Hoffman Pavilion public housing community, which was demolished in 2012. Hildebrand Commons is named in honor of Reverend Henry A. Hildebrand, who served the community for more than three decades as pastor of Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church and is remembered for his deep community involvement and support of local seniors.
According to Pennrose, homes at the new building will be available to those at 20 to 60 percent of the area median income, or $21,480 to $64,440 for a one-person household. Forty-eight units will serve as replacement public housing with federal Rental Assistance Demonstration vouchers at 110 percent fair market rents, while 39 will be part of a regional contribution agreement involving New Brunswick.
Five apartments will be set aside for formerly homeless individuals.
“Our elderly population deserves to live in safe and comfortable conditions, and it is imperative that we address the challenges they face in securing suitable housing,” said Danny Toto, executive director of the New Brunswick Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
Melanie R. Walter, executive director of the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, added: “Today’s groundbreaking represents a significant investment in community-centered, amenity-rich senior housing in the heart of New Brunswick. We are proud to have financed this project through our Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program and are thankful to our partners in this project for their dedication to the mission, navigating challenging market conditions to create unique, much needed senior affordable housing in the heart of this vibrant community. We are pleased to see shovels in the ground and look forward to welcoming the new residents next fall.”
Other speakers at the groundbreaking celebration included NBHA Board Chairman Zachary Wright, HMFA Chief of Staff Terry Tucker, EDA Executive Vice President Daniel E. Jennings and Michael Siroka, vice president of Hudson Housing Capital. Also on hand were Pennrose Senior Developer Noah Freiberg and CEO and Partner Timothy I. Henkel.
“The Aspire Program is a central component of Governor Phil Murphy’s vision for a stronger and fairer New Jersey economy, supporting strategic real estate investments that expand housing opportunities and enhance neighborhood vitality,” said Tim Sullivan, the EDA’s chief executive. “Hildebrand Commons will provide high-quality, affordable housing for seniors in New Brunswick while transforming an underutilized property into a valuable community asset, supporting local investment and economic activity.”
Headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennrose is a longtime player in New Jersey. It’s also currently developing Residences at Harper, a 76-unit affordable housing community in Moorestown.
“We are one step closer to residents settling into their new homes at Hildebrand Commons,” said Marsha Blunt, president at Pennrose Management Co. “With thoughtfully designed apartments and integrated supportive services, we’re creating a place where seniors can truly thrive.”
