A Queens affordable housing complex ravaged by Hurricane Sandy is getting a multi-million dollar touch up.

With the help of federal, state, and private investments, the city's housing authority is using more than 500 million dollars to upgrade the Ocean Bay Apartments in Arverne.

The restoration effort will make improvements to the site's infrastructure to help prepare for future weather events.

That includes a secure flood wall.

"I think it is imperative that all levels of government, but also the public sector recognize the value of the residents who live here, the folks who actually power this city," said Shola Olatoye, Chair & CEO, NYCHA.

"We are hoping a lot of people see what is happening here and know that public housing can be transformed," said Michael Rooney, MDG Design and Construction.

The apartments currently house about four thousand people.

Housing officials say the entire project is expected to be complete in two and a half years.