Modular construction was supposed to solve the housing woes of New Yorkers but high rent and expensive overhead are making the business a tough sell.
According to NY Curbed, Capsys Corp., the builders of Carmel Place, the city's first all-micro-unit building which features 55 modular units was built at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The project, created in collaboration with the development team comprised of the Monadnock Development and nArchitects, took only four weeks to complete.
After finishing a modular development in East New York, Robby Kullman, manager of Capsys Corp said that the company is paying too much for about 100,000 square feet that they pay for around $4 per square foot. The large amount of space required for a modular construction factory would ideally be around 180,000 to 200,000 square feet. They will have until March to use the current facility and after that the Navy Yard will not renew their contract so Steiner Studios will have its chance to lease the space.
On the other hand, Forest City Modular will be the only manufacturer left in the city despite huge demands and announced potential layoffs this year. According to Susan Hayes, the president of FC Modular, "These potential layoffs are a reflection of a cyclical industry. However, it is our ultimate goal to create a pipeline of work at the factory that can support the workforce on an ongoing basis." She also said that the biggest problem she sees in the growth of modular in New York is "dearth of available, affordable space, which is necessary for a modular construction factory."
Meanwhile, in a report by Modular Institute Buiding, Michael Bloomberg, NYC Mayor said, "Modular construction...is faster, less expensive, allows for high levels of quality control and significantly reduces waste and truck traffic. It's also safer for workers as construction is done inside in controlled environments."
Although micro apartments are smaller compared to the typical apartment standards, between 270 and 350 feet, units are designed to maximize and elevate space. These feature a 9- and 10-foot ceilings, a 16-foot-long overhead loft space, Juliette balconies, ample hidden storage space, and numerous common areas to inspire resident interaction.