In a milestone event for the City of Mount Vernon, officials from the State, County and City joined together to celebrate the “topping off” of QWest Towers, a new, $158 million workforce housing development that is nearing completion in the city.
Located at 1 and 25 North MacQuesten Parkway, the project is being developed by QWest Towers LLC, a joint venture between Simone Development Companies and Stagg Group, in collaboration with the Rev. Dr. L’Judie Matt-Simmons. The project, which will consists of 15-story tower and 12-story tower, will feature 228 rental units for households earning between 40% and 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). The 228 affordable units will be comprised of 58 studios, 91 one-bedroom units, 78 two-bedroom units and 1 three-bedroom unit. In addition, the building will include a separate unit for the superintendent.
The first tower will be completed later this year with second tower to follow within a few months.
“As someone who grew up in Mount Vernon, seeing QWest Towers reach this milestone is incredibly meaningful. This project represents over a decade of collaboration and a shared commitment to creating high-quality affordable workforce housing while helping transform the gateway to this city. We’re proud to partner with Rev. Dr. L’Judie Matt-Simmons, Stagg Group and our public-sector partners to deliver a development that will serve residents and strengthen the Mount Vernon community for generations to come,” said Joe Simone, president of Simone Development Companies.
Construction financing for the project includes support from New York State Housing and Community Renewal (HCR), Westchester County’s New Homes Land Acquisition (NHLA) program, and Westchester County’s Housing Flex Fund. The project also received financial incentives from the Mount Vernon Industrial Development Agency (IDA).
QWest Towers is an energy-efficient property that will enable the city to attract new workforce housing into the area and provide residents with amenities including laundry rooms, recreation space, and a green roof. The project also created roughly 250 construction jobs and 20 permanent jobs.
The development team for QWest Towers – Simone Development, Stagg Group, and the Rev. Dr. L’Judie Matt-Simmons – has long and deep ties to the Mount Vernon community.
“As someone who grew up in Mount Vernon, seeing QWest Towers reach this milestone is incredibly meaningful. This project represents over a decade of collaboration and a shared commitment to creating high-quality affordable workforce housing while helping transform the gateway to this city. We’re proud to partner with Rev. L’Judie Matt-Simmons, Stagg Group and our public-sector partners to deliver a development that will serve residents and strengthen the Mount Vernon community for generations to come,” said Joe Simone, president of Simone Development Companies.
Stagg Group, which specializes in high-quality affordable housing in the Bronx and Westchester County, has developed more than 5,000 affordable units over the last 20 years. Mark Stagg’s personal family ties to the city that go back more than 40 years.
“QWest Towers demonstrates what can be accomplished when the public and private sectors work together toward a common goal,” said Stagg.
Matt-Simmons has a significant background in social services and urban management, inclusive of housing development, crisis management, community services, mental health program administration, staff training and leadership, human resources, multi-million-dollar budget management and fund raising. She was successfully appointed to multiple positions by the Governor of New York and Mayors of New York City and Yonkers. An ordained Baptist minister, she is a member of the New Rochelle NAACP and member of Riverside Church since 2011.
