The Pearl

Organization Name: GF55 Architects

Project Title: The Pearl

Project Location: Staten Island, NY

Project Description:
The Pearl is a 12-story mixed-use building in the Stapleton neighborhood. The first large-scale project in the newly rezoned North Shore of Staten Island, this pioneering development provides 270 affordable units, including 138 for elderly New Yorkers. The ground floor includes a residential lobby, retail spaces, community facilities, and offices for Selfhelp, which offers community services and manages senior housing needs. The building signifies an important step toward a connected, resilient waterfront community. The building’s design breaks up its urban scale while making it easily identifiable in the busy Stapleton neighborhood. A diverse palette of materials composes the modern facade. Velour-textured brick in gray tones combine with charcoal colored aluminum frames, panels, and louvres to create a subtle grid that distinguishes the structure. Different patterns of brick delineate the building base from its tower. Retail frontage is articulated with glass curtain walls. Framed with wood paneling, the residential entrance on Bay Street welcomes elderly residents with an accessibility ramp. The building’s U-shaped design encloses a parking lot for tenants that can be accessed via Wave Street.

Community Impact:
Sustainability, affordability, and quality living accommodations for the elderly were essential to the design of The Pearl. Certified Enterprise Green Communities, the building complies with HPD and Selfhelp standards. It is entirely affordable and incorporates Supportive/ESSHI, MIH, and AIRS programs, with 68 inclusionary housing units at 30% and 80% AMI.

The Pearl is situated on a waterfront location. The building's design took advantage of the prime location with luxury views and overcame challenges presented by being in a flood zone. The sustainable design complies with FEMA floodproofing regulations and incorporates flood resilience strategies.

Generous amenities include multipurpose rooms with adjacent open terrace, computer stations, and pantry. Twelfth floor amenities include a large fitness space, children’s play area, and rooftop recreational spaces. The building’s outdoor terraces provide tenants and seniors with social areas to relax and enjoy views of the Upper Bay. Widened pedestrian sidewalks along Bay Street create an inviting public space on the waterfront. The Pearl is a transit-oriented development providing tenants with easy access to the wider metropolitan area.

Organization Description:
GF55 Architects is dedicated to the practice of architecture in a way that brings buildings from sculptural thought to spaces of functionality and beauty; crafting solutions for the needs of the people who live and work within the forms designed. The firm is spearheaded by partners David E. Gross AIA, Leonard Fusco AIA, and Shay Alster AIA. Of special importance to GF55 is its ongoing commitment to workforce and supportive housing where revitalization directly impacts people and neighborhoods.

Team Members:

GF55 Architects
BFC Partners
Severud Associates
Ettinger Engineering
GeoDesign Inc.
AKRF
Vidaris Inc.
Langan
Bright Power
Design2147
Frank Seta
United Spinal