Development

We consistently secure local approvals for our development projects—even in the face of organized opposition—by deeply engaging with each neighborhood’s unique strengths, aligning our plans with community goals, and building broad-based support through inclusive, on-the-ground outreach.

We build local support by ensuring our projects respond to the unique needs and opportunities in each neighborhood. We start by carefully studying neighborhood plans, community visioning reports, and quality of life data. We build relationships with the individuals and organizations already advancing quality of life in the neighborhood, and partner with impactful organizations to help them grow.

After drafting a development plan, we engage the broader community through inclusive, creative outreach. Recognizing that traditional public meetings fail to include many residents, we bring the conversation into the neighborhood—hosting free public concerts and supporting community events to share information widely and listen to community feedback. This approach builds authentic support and ensures our developments reflect the communities they serve.

Lantern has a proven track record assembling the complex capital stacks needed to develop supportive and affordable housing.

Lantern’s development team has been awarded over $300 million in capital funding from a wide range of public financing sources. These include:  9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits, 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credits, New York State Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development Supportive Housing Loan Program, New York State Homes and Community Renewal, New York State Office of Mental Health, New York City Housing Development Corporation, the Federal Home Loan Bank, New York City Council Member Capital (Reso A), Empire State Development Grants, New York State Energy Research and Development Agency Capital Funding,  the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Corporation for Supportive Housing; New Markets Tax Credits, and a mix of philanthropic and private sources/investors/sponsors.

Lantern has secure a wide range of rental subsidy and supportive housing social service contract funding sources, including: the New York 15/15 Supportive Housing Service and Rental Assistance funding, Shelter Plus Care, Section 8, SRO/Mod Rehab, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Supportive Housing for Families and Young Adults program; the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene NY/NY III ; HIV/AIDS Service Administration (HASA) programs; New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) programs; and others.

Lantern buildings are a source of pride for tenants and neighbors. On the inside and out, we design our buildings to inspire growth and well-being.

Lantern partners with exceptional architects to design buildings that are beautiful, functional, and sustainable because we believe all people and neighborhoods deserve thoughtful design. Each building draws inspiration from their surrounding neighborhoods, incorporating materials and design features that distinguish New York and each of its communities.

Every Lantern building’s architectural plans are informed by our 25 years of experience operating supportive and affordable housing. Our interior design strategy creates a calming environment by using materials and color palettes inspired by nature. We include amenities that support our innovative services and programming, including gardening spaces for our horticultural programs and spaces designed for community events and celebrations.

Lantern was among the first supportive and affordable housing developers to achieve LEED Gold and Platinum certification.

We continue to advance sustainability and climate resilience in our designs, pursuing Passive House standards and using innovative designs to mitigate heat hazards.