The Beacon

Organization Name: Ascendant (AND)+The Community Builders (TCB)

Project Title: The Beacon

Project Location: East Harlem, Manhattan

Project Description:
The Beacon reimagines a historic school building as a community hub combined with new affordable housing. Located at 413 East 120th Street, the site will include a new 282-unit affordable residential building with 15% of units designated for formerly homeless households, addressing critical housing needs. The East Harlem Multi-Service Center will be transformed into a dynamic, adaptive reuse facility that embodies sustainability, resilience, and historic preservation while creating a home for community resources. A 6th floor will be added to the building housing solar panels generating 280 kW—enough to offset 20% of the building’s energy—while providing a greenhouse, gym, and other amenities that make the site a true “beacon” in the neighborhood. The project’s residential and community facility components are thoughtfully interconnected. A new covered walkway called the “Wagner Way” will connect the residential building with the surrounding NYCHA Wagner Houses, allowing residents and community members to easily access shared resources. Through these facilities, the Beacon fosters a cohesive environment that unites housing with neighorhood-wide resources and social services.

Community Impact:
Once completed, The Beacon will have a transformative impact on East Harlem. It will provide much-needed affordable housing and space for community resources while honoring the neighborhood’s rich history and architectural legacy. The project stands as a testament to the power of adaptive reuse and sustainable design in fostering community resilience and reducing environmental impact. Through careful planning, collaboration, and innovative design, The Beacon will become a model for future developments in New York City, demonstrating that affordable housing can be sustainable, community-centered, and deeply rooted in local history.

Organization Description:
Ascendant Neighborhood Development (AND) and The Community Builders (TCB) have partnered with Paul Castrucci Architect (PCA) to bring The Beacon to life. This collaboration joins PCA, a community-focused architecture firm specializing in multi-family and mixed-use projects, with AND and TCB, nonprofit community developers in NYC. The project combines PCA’s award-winning Passive House expertise, TCB’s mastery in large scale projects, and AND’s hyperlocal knowledge. We form a unique team dedicated to creating much-needed affordable housing in East Harlem.

Team Members:

Ascendant Neighborhood Development, The Community Builders, Paul Castrucci Architects, Lettire Construction, TerrainNYC