The Trust Selects Progressive Design-Build Team to Modernize Hylan Houses

On July 7, the NYC Public Housing Preservation Trust announced a contract execution with Technico Construction Services, the progressive design-builder to plan the modernization of apartments and shared spaces at Hylan Houses in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Following the Trust Board’s approval on June 10, 2026, execution of the contract with Technico represents the first use of the progressive design-build project delivery method at a NYCHA property and a major milestone for the project, which encompasses renovations to 209 apartments across a single, 19-story building. This project will ultimately deliver holistic repairs to the fourth NYCHA development to vote for the Trust, a resident vote that took place in April 2025. Residents of Hylan Houses have been involved in robust engagement efforts since August 2024 and will provide valuable input to the selected progressive design-build team to inform the design process, including finishes, colors, and other design elements.

“The selection of a progressive design-build team for Hylan Houses — a first for the Trust and NYCHA — marks an important step forward in delivering the comprehensive renovations residents deserve,” said NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “The Trust was created to provide new tools capable of accelerating critical investments and renovations in residents’ homes and buildings, and progressive design-build is a prime example of that innovation in action. By bringing all parties — including residents, designers, and builders — together from the outset, this collaborative approach will help ensure the project reflects community priorities while delivering the best value through a transparent, efficient, and coordinated process.”

“The execution of this contract is a major milestone not only for Hylan Houses, but also for the Trust, as it marks the launch of our first progressive design-build partnership,” said NYC Public Housing Preservation Trust President Vlada Kenniff. “This innovative delivery method was specifically authorized through the Trust legislation to support greater collaboration, transparency, and efficiency in delivering large-scale capital improvements. We look forward to working alongside residents and our project partners to advance a modernization plan that reflects community priorities and delivers lasting improvements to Hylan Houses.” 

“The selection of a design-build team is an exciting step forward for Hylan Houses and for the residents who have been advocating for improvements to our homes,” said Hylan Houses Tenant Association President Audrey Fraser. “When our community voted for the Trust, we voted for the opportunity to bring meaningful investment to Hylan Houses. It is encouraging to see that work continue to move forward, and I look forward to ensuring residents remain part of the conversation as planning and design progress.”

The selection of the progressive design-build team followed a two-step procurement process. The first step was a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), which invited design-build teams to submit their qualifications. After identifying a short list of three teams, the Trust issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) in February 2026 with an invitation to submit detailed proposals outlining their approach to the project. The selection committee, including resident representatives, NYCHA property management, and capital projects professionals, evaluated these proposals to determine which one offered the best value to the residents of Hylan Houses.

Progressive design-build is a collaborative, multi-phased project delivery method where the owner retains a design-builder early in the project lifecycle using a primarily qualifications-based selection. This alternative delivery contract method was authorized by the Public Housing Preservation Trust legislation, which gave additional tools and capabilities to deliver large-scale capital investments to this new entity. After a preliminary scoping and site validation phase, the project team, including the design-builder, “progresses” toward a final design and construction contract price together, emphasizing transparency and partnership in developing the project’s final scope, schedule, and cost. The goal of the initial phase is to develop a scope that offers the best value to the residents of Hylan Houses and the Trust, followed by project delivery in an efficient, coordinated, and safe manner. 

Beginning in the months immediately following contract award, efforts will be guided by a robust stakeholder engagement process to identify resident priorities and implement their input in the modernization project, ensure that the final scope will address all pillar areas identified in the 2019 Agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and support continued communication during renovation through an advisory council made up of Hylan Houses residents. After the vote concluded, and to prepare for the design-build team selection, the Trust gathered input from residents, resident leadership, and property management to inform the RFP issued to the short list of design and construction firms, which ultimately led to the selection of Technico Construction Services. A dedicated liaison serves as the main point of contact for residents, regularly attending tenant association meetings and development-wide events.  

Technico Construction Services, a full-service general contractor with more than 25 years of experience delivering complex, multimillion-dollar projects, is partnering with STV, one of North America’s top infrastructure-focused professional services firms, to lead the comprehensive modernization of Hylan Houses. The Technico team will also partner with Preservation Logistics, LLC, to deliver the project safely, efficiently, and at scale, using a fully integrated approach that combines design and construction. 

As part of the modernization of Hylan Houses, the Trust will oversee design and construction. Under the Trust, the development is kept 100 percent public and converted to the more stable, federally funded Project-Based Section 8 program, while residents maintain their rights, including permanently affordable rent. The design, financing, and construction process for this property is expected to be completed in 2029.