Pennrose, the New Brunswick Housing and Redevelopment Authority (NBHA), and project partners recently celebrated the groundbreaking of Hildebrand Commons, the transformation of the former Hoffman Pavilion public housing site into a 66-unit affordable housing community for older adults (55+) in New Brunswick.
Move ins are anticipated for the fall of 2026.
Hildebrand Commons was developed with the support of New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) construction-to-permanent financing, 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity, New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) state tax credit equity, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Healthy Homes funding, and City of New Brunswick RCA and HOME funds.
The six-story building will include a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments available at 20% to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), $21,480 to $64,440 for a one-person household.
Forty-eight units will serve as replacement public housing with RAD vouchers at 110% Fair Market Rents and 39 will be RCA units. Five apartments will be set aside for formerly homeless individuals.
The energy-efficient apartments will feature spacious floor plans; modern, fully equipped kitchens; large closets; ceramic-tiled baths; and individually controlled heating and cooling. In addition, residents will have access to robust on-site community amenities, including supportive services, inviting community room, fitness center, parking, outdoor courtyard, maintenance and management suite, and more.
“It’s an honor to begin another impactful initiative with NBHA to deliver much-needed affordable housing for New Brunswick’s seniors,” Jacob Fisher, regional vice president at Pennrose said. “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.”
“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,” 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.”
“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,” Danny Toto, executive director, New Brunswick Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
“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,” Tim Sullivan, chief executive officer, New Jersey Economic Development Authority said. “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.”
Located at 75 Neilson Street, 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. He is remembered for his deep community involvement and support of local seniors.
“We are one step closer to residents settling into their new homes at Hildebrand Commons,” Marsha Blunt, president at Pennrose Management Company said. “With thoughtfully designed apartments and integrated supportive services, we’re creating a place where seniors can truly thrive.”
Speakers at the groundbreaking celebration included: New Brunswick Mayor James Cahill; Zachary Wright, chairman of the board of commissioners, New Brunswick Housing & Redevelopment Authority; Terry Tucker, chief of staff, New Jersey Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency; Daniel Jennings, executive vice president, New Jersey Economic Development Authority; Michael Siroka, vice president, Hudson Housing Capital; Noah Freiberg, senior developer, Pennrose; and Timothy Henkel, chief executive officer & Partner, Pennrose.
