Odyssey House Tinton

Organization Name: Urban Architectural Initiatives (UAI)

Project Title: Odyssey House Tinton

Project Location: 880 Tinton Avenue, Bronx, New York

Project Goals:
Urban Architectural Initiatives assisted our client, Odyssey House, in the search and selection of the 880 Tinton Avenue property to provide perma- nent supportive housing for 65 low-income adults living with special needs. The goal of the project was then to design an environmentally friendly building containing counselling offices, floor lounges, meeting and class- room space, a workout facility, a commercial kitchen, a cafeteria, and ample exterior program space. Aside from the programming criteria, the building needed to act as an object of care to enrich the wellness and recovery of its tenants.

Project Description:
880 Tinton Avenue is a 4-story building in the Bronx for Odyssey House, sponsored by the OMH. It consists of 65 studios and common spaces that embrace the many programs that are part of the recovery and develop- ment process for the tenants. The design responds to the prominent corner site with a tower-like projection clad in a transparent curtain wall showcasing double-height tenant lounges and program spaces that can host the various art and computer workshops and counseling programs for the client. The rear yard has been designed with an amphitheater, including a performance platform and ascending levels of seating to accommodate the theater program. To create a sustainable, maintainable building for the owners, simple energy conservation features are planned for the building such as sunshades to limit excess solar gain at the south-facing lounges, low-flow plumbing fixtures and vacancy sensors in the public areas to turn off lighting when the spaces are not in use.

Community Impact:
This thoughtful modern building replaced a series of abandoned and underutilized 1-story commercial buildings which were a blight on the neighborhood that also included a preponderance of public housing projects and tenement structures. It provides much needed housing and security to the neighborhood.

Organization Description:
Urban Architectural Initiatives (UAI) was formed in 1996 and has since built its reputation on providing the best possible design services to clients. Based on a committed relationship with clients, the firm has successfully completed a variety of projects: residential, religious, educational, community, and commercial buildings. UAI has a great depth of experience in all facets of the field and remains informed of zoning, code and industry changes. We listen and respond to the specific challenges any particular site presents so that the solutions provided are unique to the project. UAI is thoroughly dedicated to excellence in design from the schematic phase through construction. Our strength lies not in any one individual, but in sharing our combined ability. We are knowledgeable and remain enthusiastic and curious about architecture, matching these qualities with a desire to bring positive change to the communities we work with.