The brick walls of the former Academy of St. Joseph in Brentwood, New York, have stood for more than a century, quietly witnessing students in bustling hallways, neighborhood celebrations, and the everyday rhythms of this corner of Long Island.

For generations, the Academy’s brick exterior and Spanish Colonial details anchored the neighborhood’s landscape. Inside its classrooms, students learned, built friendships, and marked milestones that became part of the community’s shared memory. The academy was more than an educational space; it hosted ceremonies, religious gatherings, and concerts that drew residents together.

Now, those walls are set for a new role. A redevelopment project by nonprofit Concern Housing will convert the former school into housing for veterans, seniors, and working Long Islanders priced out of the local market. Classrooms will become kitchens and living spaces, offering stability for those who need it most.

This project is part preservation, part problem-solving. It reuses a historic building rather than replacing it, while addressing a shortage of affordable housing. The approach keeps the school’s character intact, updates it for present needs, and strengthens the surrounding community.

A Vision Rooted in History

The Academy of St. Joseph opened in 1903, with a 1913 expansion adding Spanish Colonial Revival design elements such as ornate terracotta trim and inviting courtyards. It educated students from kindergarten through 12th grade, fostering both academic and personal growth.

When the academy closed in 2009, the loss was felt well beyond its gates. In the years that followed, the property remained in use for pre-kindergarten programs, after-school care, and English-as-a-second-language classes. By 2021, the Sisters of St. Joseph began exploring how the site could make a lasting impact once more. Sister Tesa Fitzgerald explained, “When you hear needs like that, it’s our responsibility to respond if we can. We felt strongly that we could do something concrete to make that happen.”

The Plan for Joseph’s Village

The Town of Islip has approved a $120 million redevelopment to create Joseph’s Village, a 500,000-square-foot housing community. It will feature 176 apartments: 139 studios, 33 one-bedrooms, and four two-bedrooms. The unit mix reflects the demand for smaller residences while fostering a range of tenants.

Half the apartments will be supportive housing for veterans with behavioral health conditions, seniors, and adults with disabilities. Residents will have access to services that promote stability and independence, and the design will integrate all units to avoid isolating specific groups.

Affordability with Integrity

Joseph’s Village will be open to those earning up to 60% of Long Island’s area median income; that is, $69,300 for an individual and $79,200 for a couple. Projected rents are $1,275–$1,575 for studios, $1,365–$1,665 for one-bedrooms, and $1,620–$1,995 for two-bedrooms, well below regional averages that often exceed $2,500. By tying rents to income benchmarks instead of market rates, the project offers residents a level of financial predictability.

Meeting Demand

Affordable housing remains scarce on Long Island. Concern Housing’s Estella development in Hempstead received nearly 1,700 applications for just 53 units which is a sign of the challenge Joseph’s Village will face in meeting demand. The application process will use a lottery system to ensure fairness, though the number of available units will fall far short of the need.

Preserving Architectural Heritage

The academy’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places means Joseph’s Village will retain its defining features: the brick façade with terracotta trim, marble-walled entryway, and stained glass windows. Preservation volunteer and real estate investor Rob Beyer notes that these details do more than beautify; they keep a tangible link to the past.

Adaptive Reuse with Purpose

Repurposing existing buildings cuts waste, reduces the environmental footprint, and preserves cultural landmarks. For many in Brentwood, the academy is part of their personal history. Seeing it restored and put to use again affirms that old structures can continue to serve the public while meeting modern needs.

A Faith-Based Commitment

The Sisters of St. Joseph have agreed to sell the property to Concern Housing for $6.8 million, pending state approval. The decision aligns with a growing trend in which religious organizations put underused properties to work for social benefit. In this case, the outcome will be new homes for people who might otherwise face housing insecurity.

Economic and Social Impact

The development will contribute to neighborhood stability, bringing more customers to nearby businesses and even improving health outcomes, particularly for those in supportive housing who may have faced homelessness. It will also help maintain Brentwood’s diversity by keeping housing accessible to a mix of income levels.

Looking Ahead

Construction is expected to start next year, with completion in 2028. While it cannot solve Long Island’s housing shortage on its own, Joseph’s Village demonstrates what can be achieved when historic preservation, social responsibility, and coordinated action come together.

For Brentwood, the project is not just another development; it is a continuation of the academy’s legacy in a new form, offering both shelter and a sense of belonging to those who will call it home.

To learn more about the vision behind Joseph’s Village and what it means for the Brentwood community, read the full Newsday article. It offers an in-depth look at how this transformative project is honoring the past while building for the future.

FAQ

What is Joseph’s Village in Brentwood, NY?

Joseph’s Village is a 176-unit affordable housing community opening in 2028 in Brentwood, NY. Built within the historic Academy of St. Joseph, it will offer studios, one-, and two-bedroom apartments while preserving the building’s original architectural features.

When will Joseph’s Village open?

Joseph’s Village is scheduled to open in 2028 after redevelopment of the former Academy of St. Joseph.

Who can live in Joseph’s Village?

Residents will include veterans, seniors, adults with disabilities, and income-qualified individuals and couples.

How many units will Joseph’s Village have?

The development will feature 176 apartments—studios, one-, and two-bedroom layouts.

Will the building keep its historic character?

Yes. Key features like the brick façade, marble entryway, and stained glass windows will be preserved.

What makes this project significant?

It combines affordable housing creation with historic preservation, addressing community needs while honoring local heritage.