State, County and City Officials Celebrate ‘Topping Off’ of QWest Towers, a $158 Million Workforce Housing Project

State, County and City officials celebrated on August 11 the “topping off” of QWest Towers, a $158 million workforce housing project in Mount Vernon, NY.

MOUNT VERNON, NY, UNITED STATES, August 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — In a milestone event for the City of Mount Vernon, officials from the State, County and City joined together yesterday to celebrate the “topping off” of QWest Towers, a new $158 million workforce housing development that is nearing completion in Mount Vernon.

The highlight of the topping off, which symbolizes the completion of the final floor of the tower, was an American flag unfurled along the side of one of the towers to the tune of the National Anthem. The ceremony was followed by an on-site lunch for the labor force.

Located at 1 and 25 North MacQuesten Parkway, the project is being developed by QWest Towers LLC – a joint venture between Simone Development Companies and Stagg Group, in collaboration with the Rev. Dr. L’Judie Matt-Simmons. It will feature 228 rental units for households earning between 40% and 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). The project consists of a 15-story tower and 12-story tower. The 228 affordable units will be comprised of 58 studios, 91 one-bedroom units, 78 two-bedroom units and 1 three-bedroom unit. In addition, the building will include a separate unit for the superintendent.

The first tower will be completed later this year with second tower to follow within a few months.

Construction financing for the project includes support from New York State Housing and Community Renewal (HCR), Westchester County’s New Homes Land Acquisition (NHLA) program, and Westchester County’s Housing Flex Fund. The project also received financial incentives from the Mount Vernon Industrial Development Agency (IDA).

QWest Towers is an energy-efficient property that will enable the city to attract new workforce housing into the area and provide residents with amenities including laundry rooms, recreation space, and a green roof. The project also created roughly 250 construction jobs and 20 permanent jobs.

The development team for QWest Towers – Simone Development, Stagg Group, and the Rev. Dr. L’Judie Matt-Simmons – has long and deep ties to the Mount Vernon community.

Having grown up in the City of Mount Vernon as a graduate of the Mount Vernon public school system, Joe Simone is passionate in the development of this project as the “gateway” to his hometown. President of Simone Development Companies, Simone’s full-service real estate investment firm has fueled growth in Mount Vernon for decades, with hundreds of thousands of square feet in medical, retail, and warehouse space. Joe Simone is also on the board of directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Mount Vernon.

“As someone who grew up in Mount Vernon, seeing QWest Towers reach this milestone is incredibly meaningful. This project represents over a decade of collaboration and a shared commitment to creating high-quality affordable workforce housing while helping transform the gateway to this city. We’re proud to partner with Rev. Dr. L’Judie Matt-Simmons, Stagg Group, and our public-sector partners to deliver a development that will serve residents and strengthen the Mount Vernon community for generations to come,” said Simone.

Stagg Group, which specializes in high-quality affordable housing in the Bronx and Westchester County, has developed more than 5,000 affordable units over the last 20 years, not to mention Mark Stagg’s personal family ties to the city that go back more than 40 years.

“QWest Towers demonstrates what can be accomplished when the public and private sectors work together toward a common goal. Through our partnership with Simone Development Companies, Rev. Dr. L’Judie Matt-Simmons, New York State, Westchester County and the City of Mount Vernon, we’re not just building housing — we’re helping write the next chapter for this community. We’re proud of what this partnership has accomplished, and we’re proud to be part of Mount Vernon’s future,” said Stagg.

Rev. Dr. L’Judie Matt-Simmons has a significant background in social services and urban management, inclusive of housing development, crisis management, community services, mental health program administration, staff training and leadership, human resources, multi-million-dollar budget management and fund raising. She was successfully appointed to multiple positions by the Governor of New York and Mayors of New York City and Yonkers. An ordained Baptist Minister, she is a member of the New Rochelle NAACP and member of Riverside Church since 2011.

The development team of QWest Towers is also investing in key community improvements, including beautification along North MacQuesten Parkway, as well as investments in the Mount Vernon City School District and the Mount Vernon Fire Department.

PHOTO CAPTION: From left, Mount Vernon Corporation Counsel Brian Johnson; Mount Vernon Commissioner of Planning & Community Development James Rausse; Mount Vernon First Deputy Buildings Department Commissioner Hediye Mamak; Simone Development Director of Strategic Initiatives Kevin Plunkett; Rev. Dr. L’ Judie Matt-Simmons; Simone Development President Joe Simone; Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard; Council President Derrick Thompson; Stagg Group President Mark Stagg; Executive Director Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council Linda Malave; Downstate Development Director Russ Karp; Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins; Deputy County Executive Joan McDonald; Westchester County Planning Commissioner Bianca Lopez; Councilwoman Cynthia Turnquist; Mount Vernon Building Department Commissioner Patrick Holder; and Mount Vernon Comptroller Dr. Darren Morton

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