A solar canopy system by Brooklyn SolarWorks blankets the roof of a new affordable housing unit in Queens, contributing to healthier indoor living conditions and long-term savings for its residents.
, QNS
Published May 8th, 2026
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Thursday, May 7, to mark the opening of Grace’s Place Senior Apartments, a new 82-unit affordable housing building for seniors at 13-04 Nameoke Ave. in the Edgemere section of Far Rockaway.
Intended for low-income and formerly homeless seniors at least 62 years of age, Grace’s Place grants them the opportunity to age in place. The development features on-site solar installation that will power essential building systems.
Grace’s Place serves residents earning no more than 50% of the area median income, with 30% of the units meant for formerly homeless seniors, providing them with much-needed stable housing and on-site support services.
The building is within walking distance of the Long Island Rail Road, the Far Rockaway Public Library and a variety of local small businesses.
Born from a collaborative mission to address a critical need for dignified and sustainable senior living, Grace’s Place was financed through the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s Senior Affordable Rental Apartments (SARA) program. The building was designed by Paul Castrucci Architects and developed by Mega Contracting Group, with Brisa Builders Development LLC and Sydney Capital Group LLC as the development partners.
Photo credit: Brett Steinberg, King Contracting
“Grace’s Place represents more than a new building; it represents stability, dignity and opportunity for older adults who deserve safe and affordable homes,” Brisa Builders Development LLC Chief Housing Development Officer Nathaniel Montgomery said. “We are proud to celebrate this milestone with the Far Rockaway community and are grateful to the many partners whose support made this development possible.”
Multiple elected and community leaders joined members of the design and development teams during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. This included Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, New York State Senator James Sanders Jr. and Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers.
Grace’s Place was built to meet 2020 Enterprise Green Communities standards. Among its sustainable design practices is an 18.06kW, 42-module hybrid solar canopy system designed and installed by Brooklyn SolarWorks. All workable roof space is covered by a solar energy system, which addresses compliance requirements under Local Laws 92 and 94 while significantly improving energy efficiency. The installation is a foundation for the building’s energy sustainability by offsetting the power needed for common areas and essential building systems, thus contributing to healthier indoor living conditions for residents and long-term operational cost savings.
“Solar is more than an environmental choice; it is a foundational investment in the long-term resiliency of our urban infrastructure,” Brooklyn SolarWorks Senior Project Manager Cait Eggers said. “By utilizing every workable inch of roof space at Grace’s Place, we are ensuring that clean energy supports the building’s operations from day one, creating a sustainable model for affordable senior living in New York City.”
Read the full story here.
Cover photo credit: Brett Steinberg, King Contracting.
