STV’s long-standing partnership with the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) is entering an exciting new chapter. The New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust recently selected the firm to provide construction management as agent services for the first two design-build projects advancing under its portfolio: Nostrand Houses in Brooklyn and the Bronx River Addition in the Bronx. These modernization efforts will bring essential upgrades – ranging from apartment renovations and new heating and cooling systems to accessibility improvements, energy-efficient building components and advanced security features – to 18 buildings serving more than 2,300 residents.

This milestone builds on several decades of collaboration between STV and NYCHA across some of the authority’s most transformative initiatives, including post–Superstorm Sandy resilience upgrades, large-scale electrical and infrastructure improvements, award-winning capital projects, comprehensive modernization programs and a first-of-its-kind waste management system.

To discuss this new initiative and reflect on the evolution of the NYCHA/STV partnership, we sat down with Vincent Zito, senior vice president and project executive at STV.

1. These new projects at Nostrand Houses and Bronx River Addition represent major milestones for the Preservation Trust. From your perspective, what makes this an important moment for STV and NYCHA?

These projects represent real progress in addressing longstanding capital needs across public housing – and importantly, doing so in a way that is faster, more coordinated and more responsive to residents. STV has been a partner to NYCHA through many types of programs and challenges, so being entrusted with the first design-build efforts under the Preservation Trust underscores the confidence the agency has in our ability to deliver complex modernization work at scale. It’s an opportunity to help set the tone for what this program can achieve citywide.

2. STV’s portfolio with NYCHA is both deep and diverse. How would you describe the evolution of this partnership over the years?

Our relationship with NYCHA has grown through consistent collaboration and a shared commitment to improving the quality of life for residents. Early on, much of our work focused on upgrades to building systems and security installations across dozens of developments. Over time, we undertook increasingly complex and multi-site initiatives, such as electrical feeder replacements at Jackson Houses, the comprehensive modernization of Whitman and Ingersoll Houses and large-scale resiliency programs following Superstorm Sandy.

Across all of these projects, we’ve been able to bring technical rigor, resident-focused coordination and program-level management that helps NYCHA move critical improvements forward efficiently and safely. Every effort, large or small, contributes to stronger buildings and healthier communities.

3. The scope of work across past NYCHA programs has been extensive – from restoring buildings after Sandy to installing new security systems and advancing award-winning capital upgrades. What through-line connects these efforts?

Each project is ultimately about reliability, safety and dignity for residents. Whether we’re replacing electrical infrastructure at Jackson Houses to prevent future outages, managing the installation of CCTV and access control systems at dozens of developments, or delivering multi-phase modernizations at Whitman and Ingersoll, our focus is the same: understanding how people live in these buildings and seeing that the improvements we make have a lasting, positive impact.

We’ve also learned to work seamlessly within occupied environments, coordinating with resident councils, building management, utilities and city agencies. That collaborative approach has been essential to delivering results while minimizing disruptions.

4. How do the successes from past initiatives shape the way STV approaches the new design-build projects under the Preservation Trust?

The breadth of our previous work provides us with a deep understanding of NYCHA’s buildings, systems and operational constraints. Having managed everything from emergency electrical reconstruction to full-building rehabilitations, we know what it takes to coordinate dozens of trades, maintain resident services, mitigate schedule risks and execute work across large building portfolios.

That experience translates directly into how we approach design-build. We can anticipate complexities early, support the Trust’s goals for speed and quality and work closely with design and construction partners to deliver upgrades that reflect both technical best practices and resident needs. In many ways, these new projects build on the foundation we’ve established together over the past decade.

5. Public housing modernization continues to evolve, especially with growing focus on sustainability, resilience and community well-being. How is STV helping NYCHA advance these priorities?

Modernization today is not just about fixing what’s broken – it’s about making buildings healthier, more efficient and more adaptable for the future. Across our NYCHA programs, we’ve supported upgrades that reduce energy use, harden critical systems against climate impacts, improve accessibility and enhance security. Our work on resilient electrical systems, backup power solutions, new roofing and elevated equipment, for example, directly supports long-term reliability.

We’re also committed to solutions that address quality-of-life concerns, whether that’s helping to deliver new waste-management systems, like the one installed at Polo Grounds Towers, or coordinating apartment improvements that make everyday living safer and more comfortable.

6. Looking ahead, what excites you most about STV’s continued partnership with NYCHA and the Preservation Trust?

The Preservation Trust model has tremendous potential to accelerate improvements for tens of thousands of families. I’m excited for STV to help shape this first phase and demonstrate what high-quality, resident-centered modernization can look like. More broadly, I’m proud of the role our team plays in strengthening public housing communities. Every success we’ve had with NYCHA has been built on collaboration and trust. Continuing that legacy while helping usher in a new era of investment is incredibly rewarding.