This blog post analyzes the newly filed permits for an eight-story mixed-use building at 720 Elton Avenue in the Melrose neighborhood of the Bronx. It breaks down the project’s scope, design team, location, and potential neighborhood impact.
The post highlights what the development entails and what remains to be clarified as permitting moves forward.
Project Snapshot
Permits have been filed for an eight-story, mixed-use building at 720 Elton Avenue in the Melrose section of the Bronx. The site sits between East 155th and East 156th Streets.
It is close to the 3rd Avenue–149th Street subway station that serves the 2 and 5 trains. The project aims to rise to 80 feet and deliver a total floor area of 36,525 square feet.
- Residential space: 30,908 sq ft
- Commercial space: 5,344 sq ft
- Community facility: 272 sq ft
- Residential units: 35 residences
- Average unit size: about 883 sq ft
- Building type: concrete-based structure with a cellar
- Project owner: Sol Schwimmer, on behalf of 3991 Saxon Avenue LLC
- Architect of record: XPdite Group LLC, with Lester Katz listed as architect of record
The development appears designed to emphasize rental housing with a solid commercial component and a small community-use space.
No demolition permits have been filed yet for the existing parking lot on the site. No estimated completion date has been announced.
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Site Context and Transit Access
The Melrose location places the project within a dense, transit-accessible corridor of the Bronx. The site sits between East 155th and East 156th Streets, just steps from a major subway node connecting residents to Manhattan and other boroughs via the 2 and 5 lines.
This positioning aligns with urban strategies that favor transit-oriented development. Residential and commercial spaces cluster near rapid transit to reduce car use and support neighborhood amenities.
As an urban infill opportunity, the project could add new rental housing while contributing to street-level activity through its commercial space and community facility.
The small community component may align with local programs or services, though specifics remain to be clarified in future filings.
Design and Build Team
The project is led by Sol Schwimmer of 3991 Saxon Avenue LLC. Architecture services are provided by XPdite Group LLC, with Lester Katz as architect of record.
This team reflects a standard development process for mid-rise Bronx infill projects. The plan integrates structural, civil, and interior design considerations for an eight-story concrete building.
Program, Massing, and Spatial Outlook
The building will have a total gross floor area of 36,525 sq ft across 35 residences. The average unit size is around 883 sq ft, supporting rental apartments as the main housing model.
There will be 5,344 sq ft of commercial space and a 272 sq ft community facility. This suggests the building will serve as a small neighborhood hub, not just a residential tower.
The structure will be concrete-based with a cellar, following common practices for mid-rise Bronx construction. The final configuration, including retail frontage and entrances, will depend on later zoning and design approvals.
Status, Next Steps, and Neighborhood Impacts
At this stage, demolition permits for the existing parking lot have not been filed. There is no estimated completion date available.
Prospective residents and local stakeholders will be watching how the program evolves through the permitting process. This includes any changes to the number of units, the layout of the commercial frontage, and the type of community facility.
The project could influence nearby land values, parking demand, and retail activity along Elton Avenue. From an architectural and engineering perspective, the project will require careful coordination among structure, MEP, and life-safety teams.
The goal is to meet city codes while creating a transit-oriented urban infill building. The design aims to complement Melrose’s changing streetscape.
Here is the source article for this story: Permits Filed for 720 Elton Avenue in Melrose, The Bronx
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