As proposed the project would add 7,600 apartments, a major retail complex and parks to the neighborhood.

It has since been reconstructed within to add many more apartments.

And while the town is seeking to add more affordable apartments, it is also trying to get rid of any illegal ones.

From 1981 to 1999, the city grew by 350,000 people but added only 42,000 rental apartments.

The redesign added nine three-bedroom apartments, each 1,722 square feet.

Despite budget cuts, the renovation is still going on, and will soon be adding 1,900 apartments a year, city officials say.

Mr. Harris next bought the neighboring bank building, which is now a gift shop, and added four more apartments.

In 1993 the Housing Authority added only 250 apartments, through new construction and building renovations.

And in the process, the architect gave the owner an income-producing property, adding two rental apartments.

The increase would add 480 low-income apartments this year, she said.