By Carol P. Bartold

Oct. 7, 2015:  Known for years by Bronxville residents as the Kensington Road project, the 54-unit condominium residence with a below-grade parking structure currently under construction has been named VillaBXV.

Developers Fareri and Associates of Greenwich, Connecticut, are converting the former Brownfield site on Kensington Road parallel to the Metro-North Railroad from a potential liability to the village to a property that will generate revenue from two sources, property taxes and parking.

First to be completed and opened will be the 300-unit below-grade parking structure. Part of the site plan approved by the village stipulated that approximately 200 of the parking spaces in the garage be devoted to public use. Completion and opening of the parking garage is expected in the summer of 2016. The projected opening date for the condos is spring of 2017.

Challenged in January by Westchester Residential Opportunities, Inc. for potential housing discrimination against families with children on the basis of the project's design and description as targeted toward empty nesters, the developer and the village recently reached a settlement. The one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences and penthouses will no longer be targeted to a specific age group and will be marketed to all people.

Mayor Mary Marvin noted that a recent change in the village zoning code no longer provides for an age-targeted special permit.

VillaBXV blends a Mediterranean style with European architectural features and offers units ranging in size from 1,300 to 2,000 square feet. Penthouse units will have rooftop terraces, while garden level units will have patios.

Amenities will include a 24-hour concierge and direct access to the Metro-North Railroad platform via a private platform extension. The club room will feature a fireplace, a baby grand piano, a walk-in bar, game tables, and flat screen televisions. The fitness center will be outfitted with state-of-the-art exercise equipment.

A preview sales center on Park Place in Bronxville, currently under construction, is scheduled to be opened mid-October.

Pictured here:  Current construction site on Kensington Road. 

Photo by A. Warner