Source / NYC Housing Connect
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Junior Staff Writer
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June 21, 2026
Finding an affordable apartment in Manhattan can often feel impossible, but a newly launched NYC housing lottery is offering a rare opportunity in the heart of Midtown East.
Applications are now open for Willow Tree Residences, a brand-new affordable housing development on East 45th Street featuring studio apartments starting at just $1,122 per month.
Located steps from Grand Central and major subway lines, the building combines modern amenities—including high-speed internet, a landscaped outdoor terrace, laundry facilities, and recreation spaces—with easy access to some of Manhattan’s most connected transit options.
Eligible New Yorkers earning between $42,275 and $81,420 annually have until July 3, 2026, to apply.
🏡 Building Amenities and Local Features
Willow Tree Residences is a mixed-use supportive housing building designed with premium resident amenities and a ground-floor health clinic that offers primary care, dental care, and behavioral health services to the community.
Building Features
Outdoor Spaces: Landscaped outdoor terrace and recreational spaces.
Convenience: Shared laundry room, bike storage lockers, elevator, and an accessible entrance.
Technology & Security: High-speed in-unit broadband internet, common area Wi-Fi, intercom systems, and security cameras.
Unit Finishes: High-end countertops, modern finishes, and energy-efficient appliances with air-conditioning.
Transit and Neighborhood Access
Located just blocks from Grand Central Terminal, the building offers unparalleled transit connectivity to get you anywhere in the city or the tri-state area:
Subway Lines: B, D, F, M, 4, 5, 6, 7, E, S, 1, 2, N, Q, R, W
Regional Trains: Metro-North Railroad, Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)
Bus Routes: M15, M42, M101, M102, M103
Source / NYC Housing Connect
The application window closes in 15 days on July 3, 2026. There are no application fees or deposits required to apply.
Apply by Mail: To request a physical paper application, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
Willow Tree Residences c/o Settlement Housing Fund 247 West 37th Street, 19th Floor New York, NY 10018
Apply Online: Log into your account and apply directly via NYC Housing Connect.
Source / NYC Housing Connect