[3] The area to become the Riis houses was destroyed through urban renewal beginning in August 1943 but construction was delayed because of World War II.

[7] Later that year, it received a First Honor Award for design excellence by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

[9] During Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the development was hit by a storm surge that left it without electricity and other services.

[10][11] In 2018, NYCHA received a grant for $71 million to fund necessary infrastructure repairs from Sandy anticipated to begin in 2022.

Upgrades include: emergency generators, electrical distribution equipment, waterproofing of structures and finishes, upgrades to sewer/storm management systems, new roadways, pedestrian lighting, rehabilitation of building entrances and lobbies.