A recent article in Gothamist spotlights a $50 million investment from New York State to explore modular and starter home construction as a potential response to the city’s ongoing housing affordability crisis. The Center for Offsite Construction (CfOC) at New York Institute of Technology is proud to be at the forefront of research that aligns directly with this moment of public commitment.

CfOC Executive Director Jason Van Nest was featured in the article, emphasizing both the promise and the persistent challenges of modular housing in the U.S. “It just hasn’t found traction yet in America, although we’ve been trying to do it for decades,” Van Nest noted, citing industry hurdles and past disappointments that have slowed widespread adoption. Despite these setbacks, Van Nest remains optimistic, especially as state funding and CfOC’s current research converge.

“The cost of a kitchen is greater per square foot than a nice sedan,” Van Nest pointed out—highlighting the inefficiencies that offsite construction can address. CfOC’s research is focused on developing standardized, factory-built components like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms that could be "rolled in" rather than constructed expensively on site. This approach aims to unlock the full potential of modular delivery by reducing costs, accelerating timelines, and improving quality.

At CfOC, we see this investment not as a silver bullet but as a critical step forward in creating a viable, scalable modular construction ecosystem in New York and beyond. Our mission is to develop the standards, technologies, and collaborations necessary to bring that ecosystem to life.

Read the full Gothamist article here:
https://gothamist.com/news/is-modular-building-a-fix-for-nys-housing-crisis-state-officials-hope-so