115 S Macquesten

Organization Name: GF55 Architects

Project Title: 115 S Macquesten

Project Location: Mt Vernon, Westchester NY

Project Description:
115 S Macquesten is a mixed-use development in Mt Vernon, NY, providing 315 residential units in two connected buildings—an 8-story and a 13-story. The buildings share a base that offers amenities, recreation, community facilities, offices, retail, and parking. The various facades incorporate brick, metal panels, stucco, and glass; creating a dynamic rhythm and bridging the existing community to the envisioned future metropolis. Along the main Macquesten thoroughfare, which is part of the city’s planned promenade, the façade is a modern take on traditional materials. The S. Terrace Ave façade echoes a material palette commonly found throughout Mt Vernon. The recreational facility is situated as a distinct cornerstone of the two residential buildings, thereby having its own identity while at the same time unifying the two buildings into a cohesive language through material and texture. The design of the building provides visual interest and breaks down the scale of the buildings while drawing attention to the development as a modern ‘gateway’ that will push a new aesthetic for the Mt Vernon community.

Community Impact:
The design for 115 S Macquesten is the result of in-depth analysis for an urban design solution that will beneficially impact the aesthetic and social aspects of the Mt Vernon West community. The design of the mixed-use multifamily development allows the visual character of the neighborhood to support a new coherent and elegant architectural language.

115 S Macquesten is designed to meet LEED Gold standards. The sustainable development will support the needs of Mt Vernon’s growing community with 315 affordable units and 290 parking spaces. 5000 SF of commercial space will be available for local businesses. 13,000 SF of community facility offices and amenity spaces with selected organizations will provide programming for children and teenagers. The recreational facility with basketball court will be accessible to the public. A 24,000 SF courtyard above the garage podium will encourage tenants to socialize and relax while enjoying the outdoors. The building’s design and programming sets a new tone for the Mt Vernon West community and fully embraces the city’s vision and goal of sustainable, inclusive, and thoughtful development.

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
The NRP Group
JMC
McNamara Salvia Structural Engineers
Ettinger Engineering
Carlin Simpson Associates
Weintraub Diaz Landscape Architecture