When did the Bronxdale Houses open its doors?
The Bronxdale Houses opened its doors in January 1955. This date marks the beginning of a new chapter for public housing in New York City.
Questions about Sotomayor Houses
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who designed the Sotomayor Houses complex in the Bronx?
Architects Leon and Lionel Levy designed the complex with a specific vision. Their work resulted in twenty-eight separate buildings standing on thirty point seven seven acres.
Why was the Bronxdale Houses renamed to Sotomayor Houses in June 2010?
Officials renamed the Bronxdale Houses to honor Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor who had spent part of her childhood growing up inside these very walls. The decision reflected a desire to connect local history with national leadership.
How many apartments are contained within the Sotomayor Houses development today?
The complex contains close to fifteen hundred apartments spread across its twenty-eight buildings. About three thousand five hundred people call this place home today.
Which famous musicians were born or raised at the Sotomayor Houses during the early Hip-Hop era?
Disco King Mario played a vital role in shaping early Hip-Hop culture from these halls while Andre Harrell and Bruse Wane also lived here as key figures in rap. These groups used the housing project as a base for their creative work.