Isn’t it remarkable that we are standing before the largest cooperative housing development in the world? This is Co-Op City. It is a place of affordable homes for New Yorkers. Co-Op City is located in the northeast section of the Bronx. It is a unique “city within a city”.
Co-Op City has a rich history. It was built on marshland. Before Co-Op City, an amusement park called Freedomland U.S.A. occupied this area. Freedomland operated from 1960 to 1964. Construction of Co-Op City began in 1966. The first residents moved in 1968. The project was completed in 1973.
The United Housing Foundation sponsored the construction. The New York State Housing Finance Agency provided a mortgage loan. Co-Op City is part of Bronx Community District 10. Its ZIP Code is 10475.
Co-Op City comprises 15,372 residential units. These units are in 35 high-rise buildings and seven townhouse clusters. This makes it the largest residential development in the United States. It sits on 320 acres. Only 20% of the land was developed. This leaves many green spaces. The apartment buildings range from 24 to 33 floors.
Co-Op City also includes eight parking garages. There are also three shopping centers. A 25-acre educational park serves the community. It includes a high school, two middle schools, and three grade schools. More than 40 offices are rented by professionals. There are 15 houses of worship. Six nursery schools and day care centers are spread throughout Co-Op City. You can also find four basketball courts and five baseball diamonds.
Most streets in Co-Op City are named after notable historical personalities. Streets in section one begin with “D”. Section two begins with “C”. Section three starts with “A”. Section four uses “B”. Section five streets start with “E”. For example, there is Darrow Place named for lawyer Clarence Darrow. Another is Einstein Loop named for physicist Albert Einstein.
In February 1965, plans were announced for Co-Op City. The plans did not include an amusement park. Construction began in May 1966. Some existing houses along Givans Creek were retained. This was due to opposition from residents.
Residents began moving into Co-Op City in December 1968. The complex defaulted on its loan in 1975. Mismanagement and shoddy construction led to this default. The state took over control. Cooperators organized a strike. It lasted 13 months. A compromise was reached through mediation.
Within the first decade of the 2000s, a $240 million renovation began. This included replacing piping and elevators. It also included upgrading the power plant. These efforts helped with the “greening” of the complex.
In 2007, the power plant was upgraded to a tri-generation facility. This allowed Co-Op City to produce its own energy. In December 2018, Co-Op City celebrated its 50th anniversary. It continues to provide affordable homes.
RiverBay Corporation operates Co-Op City. It is led by a 15-member board of directors. The complex has its own Public Safety Department. This department has more than 100 sworn officers.
Co-Op City is truly a unique community. It offers a blend of affordability and green spaces. It stands as a testament to cooperative living in New York City. As we conclude our visit, remember Co-Op City. It is a vibrant community with a rich history and a promising future.