The site formerly housed a 1950s library that was past its useful life. The idea to co-locate the library and affordable housing dovetails with the rezoning of Inwood in 2018 to increase affordable housing, encourage economic development, and create parks along the Harlem River. The Eliza provides much needed and protected affordable housing, as well as flexible, multi-use interior spaces that support evolving community needs and ensure long-term functionality. Creating an open library with a rationalized column grid beneath an apartment building had its challenges. The architects coordinated with the library’s interior architect to offset mechanical and plumbing elements and transfer columns to align with their desired layout.

The architects used a structural grid that enhanced the library and residential spaces equally. The brick and fluted terracotta paneled façade is a contemporary interpretation of the surrounding Art Deco architecture. Grey metal panels, matching canopies, and slat ceilings integrate the different entrances into a cohesive architectural design, carving out distinct identities while creating a unified streetscape. Color schemes highlight the separate entrances and lobbies for each program. Daylight is brought in via double-height north facing windows and a large-scale central skylight. The library is connected back to the neighborhood with views to Broadway, and the adjacent school and park to the south.

An HPD building, The Eliza was designed in compliance with rigorous Enterprise Green Communities criteria, which promotes sustainable, energy-efficient, and healthy affordable housing. The EGC’s requirements go beyond energy efficiency criteria alone, addressing issues such as indoor air quality, durable and low-impact materials, site improvements, stormwater management, and social equity. The Eliza features a large state-of-the-art energy recovery ventilator roof-top unit that captures and re-uses thermal energy. It also replaces conditioned indoor air with fresh outdoor air without wasting energy. The Eliza integrates biophilic design, such as shared green spaces on an expansive rooftop featuring large planters, common dining spaces under a wood trellis, and multiple seating areas.

After engaging with Inwood residents and collaborating with a coalition of community organizers, elected officials, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, services benefiting the community were added to the Eliza’s program that further the revitalization of the neighborhood and Inwood residents.

Inspired by the clean lines of the International Style, the building’s exterior features a taupe-gray brick with custom concrete panels. With a nod to the Art Deco buildings prevalent in the area, fluted terracotta panels accentuate the verticality of the windows. Grey metal panels are used to differentiate separate entrances for residents and library users and the building’s other public amenities. Double-height glazing on the street facing façade reveals the new library’s open floor plan and flexible spaces for reading, study, collaborative working, areas for kids, teens, and adults, and a community room with kitchen. Warm woods, concrete, and terrazzo create an inviting, natural, yet durable environment. A long skylight cuts through both levels and brings even more light into a space large enough to function as an interior public square. Amenities that benefit the community include a Universal Pre-K center, the ACTS Center with job training, classes, and cultural activities, and a STEM Center, serving neighborhood youth. Residents-only amenities include a lounge, gym, and outdoor terrace, along with a rooftop for recreation and a community garden.

“The Eliza is the embodiment of CLOTH’s holistic approach to community development,” said Yvonne Stennett, Executive Director of CLOTH (Community League of the Heights). “The project brings together key components that are the foundation for building a strong community: affordable housing, educational opportunities, health and wellness programming, and workforce development all under one roof. Residents will have a home that is beautifully designed with access to the services they need.”

Credits

Città: New York
Stato: New York, USA
Cliente: Ranger Properties, CLOTH (Community League of the Heights), The Children’s Village, Housing Workshop, Alembic Community Development, NYPL
Data Completamento:  08/2024
Superficie Lorda: 16536 m²
Costo: Confidential
Architetti: Fogarty Finger in collaboration with Andrew Berman Architect
Design Team: Chris Fogarty, AIA John Zimmer, AIA Max Berger, AIA Kevin Wu Jo Bodansky Ashley O’Neill Fernando Alvarez, AIA Jacob Sandmann, AIA Katy Giblin Taylor Fleming Bradley Miller Sophia Cosenza Elva Ye Callie Forsythe
Main Contractor: Mega Contracting
Consulenti: Structural Engineer – Thornton Tomasetti Mechanical Engineer – Concessi Engineering General Contractor – Mega Contracting
Fornitori: x

Bio

Fogarty Finger is an award-winning, interdisciplinary design studio of over 115 architects and designers dedicated to placemaking within the urban built environment. The forward-thinking design firm is responsible for prominent residential and commercial projects in New York City, Atlanta, Boston and elsewhere. Each project is informed by strong contextual references distinguished by a layered sense of materiality and refinement. The practice's recent projects include the redevelopment of the former Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburg – The Dime, 141 Willoughby in Downtown Brooklyn, five new buildings totaling over one million square feet in Gowanus, Brooklyn, Savoy Club at the GM Building, and Dock 72 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Founded in 2003, the firm is led by Chris Fogarty, AIA, and Robert Finger, AIA, who are industry leaders in full-service commercial architecture and interior design.