University Heights is in the midst of a housing building boom the likes of which it hasn’t seen in decades.

At least seven projects are under way or in the works in a neighborhood that developers have historically ignored. Many of the projects, which range from three-family homes to high-end rentals, already have waiting lists.

“The demand is absolutely there for quality, affordable housing that’s newly built,” said Jack Guttman, the developer of one of the condominiums.

Densely-populated Community Board 7 (CB7) has grown considerably over the years. The area saw a 10 percent population increase between 1990 and 2000, according to the census. Only 6.2 percent of CB7 was vacant land as of 2001— compared to 11.3 percent citywide — and that total has undoubtedly shrunk in the last three years.

The growing need for housing, along with a sense that the neighborhood is worth investing in, has encouraged developers to give the area a fresh look. Guttman, who has built 30 other high-end condo projects, chose University Heights for his first Bronx development. He is targeting professionals who work in the area, and said that potential buyers are already lining up.

“There hasn’t been much building in the area for years, and that’s why there is such a demand,” Guttman said.

Though the area is dominated by six-story apartment buildings, many of which are rent-controlled or subsidized, most of the new projects are for high-end renters or homeowners. Tony Freda, the designer of a three-family home project, says he already has a waiting list of 50 for his units despite their considerable price tag.

Freddy Gorant, a resident of 190th Street, thinks small-scale buildings are a healthy local addition. “People would rather live in three-family homes than in high-rise apartment complexes,” said Gorant, who feels that smaller homes are safer.

While Fidel Williams also supports new construction, he worries about taxing an already packed area. “The schools here are overcrowded … and where will all these new residents park their cars,” asked Williams, an Aqueduct Avenue resident. “University Heights is a small area that is already overcrowded.”

But most residents interviewed by the Norwood News agreed that new, safer housing was a positive trend. “There is a demand for housing here, so why shouldn’t we build?” asked Rowena Ishakut, a Kingsbridge Heights resident.

Here’s a brief look at seven projects in various stages of completion in University Heights.

 Three-family housing—
2549 Grand Ave.

This development is the furthest along and should be completed in the next two to three months. Units in the eight buildings of three homes each are for sale at $100,000.  According to a spokesperson for Bimod Realty. Bimod acquired the property last February, tearing down several old two-story homes and clearing a large, overgrown lot. This is the first project taken on by Manhattan-based Bimod.

People have already expressed interest in the units, according to the spokesperson. Bimod is also acquiring another parcel of land in the neighborhood to build additional homes of a similar price and style.

 Three-family housing—
2282 Sedgwick Ave.

This development of three three-family houses, begun in September, should wrap up by March. The homes are more luxurious than the Grand Avenue development, and include two to three bedrooms, two baths, balconies, a cathedral ceiling on the top floor, and two parking spots, according to Tony Freda, the designer. Such luxury will come with a steep $650,000 to $670,000 price tag per house, but owners will be responsible for renting out the two other units in their house.

 Housing in development—
2529 Grand Ave.

This lot once held a two-story home, which was demolished earlier this year. The property owner, Pedran Ryan of Queens, sold the space recently but had no information on its new owner. Given the parcel’s zoning, the space will probably house another three-family home.

 Condominiums—
233 Landing Road

The Harlem River waterfront will get a facelift if a 230-unit condo complex, near Fordham Landing Park, gets the green light. Currently the site of parking for the former Jimmy’s Bronx Café, the development would wrap an ambitious L-shaped building around the park.

“It’s a beautiful building and a beautiful project,” said Jack Guttman, the project’s developer.

Guttman acquired the lot two years ago, and is in the process of obtaining permits for the project. He presented the idea at CB7’s last meeting, and was met with a favorable response.

The Board was especially pleased that the design includes one parking spot per unit in a high-security garage, and full-time building security. The complex also boasts a gym, meeting room, exterior landscaping, and a lobby with marble floors.

The units, which will include sweeping views of the Harlem River, will rent for between $1,200 and $2,000.

If the deal is sealed, Guttman promised to make a 20-year commitment to improving Fordham Landing. He estimated that it will take a year to secure permits for completion by 2006.

Upscale Rentals—
2455 Sedgwick Ave.

Fordham Hill Owners Corporation realized a long-standing dream this year in acquiring the abandoned Department of Motor Vehicles building, a 25,000-square-foot site that sits across the street from the co-op complex. Empty for eight years, the three-story building will house 29 new units of upscale apartments by next year.

The project broke ground in October, and half of the building’s apartments already have takers, according to Everton Moore, the corporation’s general manager. The units will range in size, but all will include a video intercom system and other luxury amenities.

The building will also feature a laundry room on each floor and a community room. 

Fordham Hill’s board has not authorized the price range for the units, according to Moore, but corporation president Elizabeth Tillary said that they will be priced for middle class tenants.

 Six-story housing—
2620 University Ave.

The Kenneth Gladstone Building, a six-story complex commissioned by the Jewish Home and Hospital, will house low-income senior residents. Work began last summer, and the façade is now up on the 50-unit rent subsidized facility. The Hospital estimated that construction will be complete by next fall.

The building, funded by a $7.4 million federal grant and a private contribution, is intended for seniors aged 61 and older. Amenities will include medical and social services, programming, community space and centralized security. The Hospital plans to build a small parking lot and an exterior seating area.

 Community space—
2206 Andrews Ave.

After two decades planning for an expansion, the Bronx Household of Faith is building a youth center and assembly hall. The three-story building is already in construction and co-pastor Robert Hall hopes it will be completed next year.

The church, located at 2235 University Ave. for the past 30 years, acquired the lot in 1994. It’s taken a decade to raise the $900,000, primarily from the church’s 85 regular congregants, necessary for the construction.

“It’s a lot more than we thought it was going to cost,” said Hall, a neighborhood resident since 1972.

Hall intends to use the space to further the church’s work in youth ministries.