Constructing an Urban Reservation

When Greywolf Richards talks about his building’s journey through the city’s Tenant Interim Lease (TIL) program, he still admits disbelief. 

“We didn’t actually think this would work,” Mr. Richards said. “We had no trust in the city, because we’re pretty much reservation Indians, and you know what happened there with trusting the government. They stood by their word.” 

The Urban Reservation HDFC became a full-fledge co-op in 2007.  Nowadays, these once-beleaguered tenants make a regular point of visiting city officials. 

The shareholders named the building for what they feel it represents: a place designated as theirs, protected for future generations, after so much struggle.

For Greywolf Richards, the HDFC’s secretary, earlier experiences renting derelict buildings in the Bronx led him to take interest in TIL. He was sick of having no control over deteriorating conditions.

By participating in the city co-op conversion program with 400 E. 161^st St., and taking the mandatory training courses with UHAB, Mr. Richards learned about the responsibilities and empowerment that comes with co-op life.

Six years later, the building went co-op.

Greywolf credits UHAB for what we see as model success with the TIL program.

“UHAB was the reason why everything worked out so well,” he said. “Going to the different classes there, speaking to the different people there about the things you must do to maintain the building…things to stay in compliance.”

Mr. Richards also noted that having UHAB staff on hand to assist tenants with technical problems made all the difference.

“We took a bigger interest in what was happening with the building. We didn’t trust the city to do everything alone - we actually were involved with them. We asked questions,” he said. “UHAB was reality. And they told you in no uncertain terms, ‘Look you have to do this if you want to get this.’”  And, indeed, the Urban Reservation HDFC did get "this" in the end.