Business Details
38 Years
experience
Affordable Housing Development & Construction Experts
MDG Design & Construction has been a leader in affordable housing development and construction for over 35 years. Our tenant-first philosophy and innovative methodologies have established us as pioneers in rehabilitating occupied housing and constructing new affordable residential buildings. We specialize in navigating complex urban environments while maintaining resident satisfaction through minimal disruption and high-quality finishes.Our team's direct involvement in every project ensures long-term value for communities, partners, and residents. With a track record of over 980 buildings and $3.9 billion invested in underserved communities, we combine decades of experience with agile decision-making to deliver transformative housing solutions. Our commitment to ethical practices extends to workforce safety, wage compliance, and local hiring initiatives that strengthen the neighborhoods we serve.
Services
Affordable Housing Development
Occupied Rehabilitation
New Construction
Tenant Relocation Services
Community Outreach Programs
Historic Tax Credit Projects
RAD/PACT Conversions
Property Management
Social Services Integration
Sustainable Building Solutions
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- 35+ years of experience in affordable housing development
- Pioneered tenant-friendly occupied rehabilitation methodologies
- Completed $3.9 billion in hard costs across 23,500 units
- Direct principal involvement in every project
- Industry-leading wage compliance and local hiring programs
What people say
Feel safe now
Beautiful home upgrades
No more mold issues
Community feels revitalized
Tenant-friendly process
Services
Affordable Housing Development
MDG specializes in creating affordable residential communities through public-private partnerships. Our developments combine modern amenities with sustainable design while maintaining long-term affordability. We manage all aspects from financing to construction, ensuring compliance with federal and state housing regulations. Our approach prioritizes community input and economic diversity in urban revitalization efforts.
Occupied Rehabilitation
We pioneered tenant-friendly rehabilitation methods that allow residents to remain in their homes during upgrades. Our four proprietary strategies minimize disruption while modernizing kitchens, bathrooms, and building systems. Projects include complete infrastructure replacement while maintaining daily living conditions through temporary accommodations and phased construction schedules.
RAD/PACT Conversions
MDG facilitates seamless transitions from public housing to private management through HUD's RAD program. We maintain tenant protections while implementing comprehensive renovations and social service programs. Our process preserves affordability while upgrading properties to modern standards through structured financing and community engagement initiatives.
Community Engagement
We integrate social services and community-building activities into every project. Our initiatives include design centers for resident input, local hiring programs, and partnerships with social service organizations. These efforts ensure developments meet community needs while fostering long-term neighborhood stability and resident satisfaction.
Historic Preservation
MDG restores architecturally significant buildings while modernizing infrastructure for contemporary use. Our approach maintains historical integrity through careful restoration of facades and original features while implementing energy-efficient systems and accessibility upgrades that meet current standards for affordable housing developments.
People
Matthew Rooney
Chief Executive Officer
Matthew Rooney leads MDG's strategic growth initiatives with over 15 years of real estate finance experience. He oversees all development and construction operations while maintaining direct involvement in major projects. His leadership has doubled the company's capacity since joining in 2015.
Michael T. Rooney
Founding Principal
Michael Rooney established MDG in 1988 and has developed over 19,000 affordable housing units. He specializes in community partnerships and complex financing structures, maintaining hands-on involvement in every project while guiding the company's long-term vision.
Nicola DeAcetis
Principal in Charge of Design
Nicola DeAcetis leads MDG's architectural innovations with over 35 years of experience in urban construction. His design expertise transforms distressed properties into modern affordable housing while maintaining budgetary constraints and functional requirements for residents.
Questions
What types of housing projects does MDG specialize in?
We focus on affordable housing development including new construction, occupied rehabilitation, RAD/PACT conversions, and historic tax credit projects across New York and select USVI locations.
How does MDG handle tenant concerns during renovations?
Our tenant-friendly methodology includes four relocation strategies, hospitality suites, and continuous communication to minimize disruption while maintaining resident safety and comfort.
What community benefits do MDG projects provide?
Beyond housing improvements, we implement social service programs, local hiring initiatives, and community spaces that strengthen neighborhood ties and economic resilience.
How can residents request accommodations during construction?
Residents receive direct contact information for project managers and can access support through our open-door policy and dedicated community outreach teams.
What quality standards does MDG follow?
We exceed industry standards with market-rate finishes, energy-efficient upgrades, and strict compliance monitoring that has become the benchmark in governmentally assisted construction.
