Washington Houses Community Center, New York
RETROFIT TEAM
ARCHITECT: Andrew Franz Architect
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: SPK | Lewis
MEP ENGINEER: Plus Group Consulting Engineers
LIGHTING CONSULTANT: Design One Lighting Design
MURALIST: Alice Mizrachi
INSTALLATION ARTIST: Kristy McCarthy
ART CONSULTANT: Angel Bellaran
MATERIALS
Established in 1895, Union Settlement is an on-the-ground resource for East Harlem residents of all ages and a passionate advocate for the needs of underserved communities. Its Washington Houses Community Center was built in the 1950s and Union Settlement has inhabited the facility since it was completed. Today, however, the facility is much more open and welcoming. For example, an enlarged glass-clad entry and expanded reception area, full of natural light from new skylights, opens to a multiuse space with stepped bleacher-style wood seating and pops of brightly colored art and finish accents.
This fresh, positive start then extends to various function rooms: There is a library, education center, classrooms, computer lab and senior center by the entry lounge, as well as offices and services with varied opportunities for non-profit Union Settlement to serve its different constituencies. Colorful and exuberant, the community center presents work by local artists.
Throughout the building, glass-partition hallways offer ample openness and views between staff members and visitors, improving Union Settlement’s team communications and client safety while encouraging friendly interactions.
Welcoming new designs for the facility’s classrooms, conference areas, and workrooms transformed the spaces from cramped quarters into spacious, bright and modern learning zones. Furnished with new light-toned wood tables and desks, along with colorful chairs—and new electrical and mechanical systems—the stage is set for community and staff engagement, comfort and productivity.
THE RETROFIT
Completely transformed from the original structure, the 11,000-square-foot youth and senior center brings together the East Harlem community it serves in a state-of the-art, visually impactful and gracious setting. The enhanced experience epitomizes Union Settlement’s engaging learning atmosphere and the creativity and warmth essential to its service mission. Funded by the Criminal Justice Investment Initiative of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, the 1-story center delivers on its mission to serve as a powerful magnet for area teens and seniors.
“Union Settlement is thrilled to see the Washington Houses Community Center transformed into such an amazing space, and we are delighted to now welcome children, youth, adults and seniors back into this wonderful new space,” says David Nocenti, Union Settlement’s executive director. “We are grateful to Andrew Franz Architect for the firm’s innovative design that will provide an open and airy space for the East Harlem community to enjoy for years to come.”
PHOTOS: Albert Vecerka/ESTO, Courtesy Andrew Franz Architect unless otherwise noted