Introducing the Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation Project
The Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDco) has embarked on a significant project titled Bronx Commons – Building Resident & Community Wellness. This initiative is located in Melrose, The Bronx and is a key player in promoting community wellness within the region.
About the Bronx Commons Project
The Bronx Commons initiative is a partnership between WHEDco, Peloton, and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). Together, they’ve created a $165 million mixed-use campus spanning a half-city-block. The campus dedicates itself to affordable housing, education, health, culture, and small business support. This project’s key focus is the promotion of fitness, health, and wellness among its 700+ residents.
Facilities at Bronx Commons include 305 apartments of varying sizes, catering to both formerly homeless households and those earning 30% – 110% AMI. A NYC Dept. of Ed-operated 3K and pre-K program is also available on-site, as well as a café/deli and the Bronx Music Hall community arts venue. The Melrose Community Access Support and Training Center, a hub for small business and family support services, is also part of the campus. Bronx Commons is certified LEED Gold and features a fitness center, bike parking, four different roof uses, two public-facing plazas, and a nearby city park.
The Impact on the Community
The partnership between WHEDco, Peloton, and LISC has transformed Bronx Commons into a vibrant hub for health, wellness, and community development in the South Bronx. The project has successfully built a healthy residential ecosystem that encourages active living, supports mental and physical health, and fosters community connections. Included in the fitness center are Peloton bikes and Precor equipment, and since 2022, residents aged 18+ have been eligible for free Peloton digital memberships. The extension of free universal Wi-Fi aids resident access to education, employment, and wellness resources.
WHEDco’s Wellness Coordinator delivers engaging, health-enhancing programming that combines physical activity, nutrition, and social connection. This holistic approach to wellness makes Bronx Commons a benchmark for health-centered development, creating a supportive environment for over 700 residents.
About WHEDco, Peloton, and LISC
WHEDco is a community development organization specializing in mixed-use affordable housing. Partnering with Peloton, a leading fitness technology company, and LISC, a national nonprofit that invests in underserved neighborhoods, WHEDco aims to create thriving neighborhoods in the South Bronx.
The Team Behind the Project
The leadership team of the project includes:
WHEDco: Davon Russell, President
Peloton, Inc.: Alia McCants, Senior Director of Global Inclusion & Impact, Social Impact Lead
LISC: Valerie White, Senior Executive Director, LISC NY
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