Officials broke ground in Downtown Brooklyn Thursday on a housing development meant to address the area's affordable housing crisis.

The current building at 50 Nevins St. will be completely renovated and a new 10-story building will rise out of the empty lot next to it. The complex will feature nearly 130 affordable units, 78 of which will be supportive homes for people suffering from mental illnesses.

"Often times for people who need additional services, being able to stay and live in a stable environment is key to them being able to live an active life and being able to contribute to neighborhoods like this," says Ruthanne Visnauskas, of NYS Homes & Community Renewal. "So it's important for us to be able to provide housing with services in places like Downtown Brooklyn."

The building is expected to be completed around the winter of 2021.