Las Raices

Organization Name: Ascendant Neighborhood Development

Project Title: Las Raices

Project Location: East Harlem, New York, 10029

Project Description:
MDG Design and Construction (MDG) and Ascendant Neighborhood Development (AND) have established a joint venture partnership to collaboratively develop Las Raices East Harlem, the new construction of four buildings containing 78 affordable apartments and 10,000 sq. ft. of community facility space in East Harlem. Las Raices will meet the specific needs of the community by responding to local demographics and priorities laid out in recent housing and economic development plans. The development team has selected the name "Las Raices," meaning "The Roots" in Spanish, for this project to highlight the cultural history of the community and emphasize its role in preserving accessible housing opportunities that allow low and moderate-income New Yorkers to establish strong connections and deep roots in the city they love. The development team committed to maximizing affordability by setting income restrictions on all apartments, spanning from 30% to 80% AMI. Additionally, 12 apartments will be for individuals who were previously homeless. The community facility at Park Avenue will be home to Opus Dance Theater, the 3-story design will brighten and activate the commercial corridor.

Community Impact:
Environmental sustainability and green spaces are central to the Las Raices project, with all four buildings featuring green roofs and energy-efficient designs. Two of the sites neighbor community gardens, and the development team have built a strong relationship with the gardeners through a comprehensive outreach strategy. These efforts will result in garden enhancements, including improved lighting, accessible pathways, and new fences.
East Harlem, once a mix of salt marshes and meadows, faces high flood risk due to its former waterways. The Las Raices buildings meet strict resiliency standards, placing mechanical equipment on ground floors. To improve the streetscape, local artists will create vibrant murals in these windowless areas.

The new three-story community facility at Park Avenue will be occupied by Opus Dance Theater, whose mission is to integrate social values and celebrate cultural diversity through the artistic expression of the performing arts, by providing dance performances, professional development and educational and community programs for all people.

Organization Description:
MDG Design and Construction (MDG) and Ascendant Neighborhood Development (AND) have joined forces in a collaborative partnership to bring Las Raices to fruition. This partnership unites MDG Design and Construction, an experienced developer with a history of large-scale NYCHA projects, and Ascendant Neighborhood Development, a non-profit community development corporation based in East Harlem. Together, we form a distinctive team with the expertise and capability to directly develop much needed affordable housing within East Harlem.

Team Members:

Developers: Ascendant Neighborhood Development Corporation and MDG Design + Construction
Architect: GF55
Landscape Architect: Terrain
General Contractor: Lettire Construction Corporation