WINNER: Reaching New Heights Residence and Apartments at Landing Road

Organization Name: BRC (Bowery Residents' Committee)

Project Title: Reaching New Heights Residence and Apartments at Landing Road

Project Location: Bronx, NY

Project Description:
The inaugural project of Mayor Bill de Blasio's HomeStretch program, Reaching New Heights combines 135 units of affordable housing with a 200-bed homeless shelter. The two lower levels are occupied by the shelter, and the upper seven floors offer permanent housing. The differing needs of the two client user groups necessitated separating the main entrances of the two functions. Space requirements and zoning restrictions also led to the separate but referential articulation of the massing, wherein the shelter is the base of the housing above, supporting it structurally and financially. As the first ground-up shelter for the NYC Department of Homeless Services in 30 years, the building reflects the leading edge in workforce shelter architecture. The shelter includes 20-person dorms with en-suite bath and laundry facilities, multiple circulation paths, and clear sight lines for safety. The housing is oriented to take advantage of the sloping site, providing dramatic views of upper Manhattan and the Harlem River. Select units have economically constructed bay windows that enhance the studio units while creating a vibrant facade. It also features a visually striking solar panel array for energy efficiency.

Community Impact:
Located at the edge of the University Heights neighborhood in the Bronx and overlooking upper Manhattan, the Harlem River, and the Fordham Landing Playground, Landing Road provides a vibrant and welcoming environment for residents and clients. Both the Shelter portion and Residential portion of the building provide generous landscaped space and connection to the natural environment in addition to sweeping views and ample natural light. The Community Room and support offices in the lower level of the Residential portion provide employment services and training opportunities. The vibrant and dynamic building is well maintained; residents are proud of their homes and their community. Reaching New Heights Residence and the Apartments at Landing Road is a good neighbor to the community providing a model of affordable housing to be replicated throughout the city.

Organization Description:
BRC is among NYC’s leading nonprofit organizations providing housing and services to vulnerable New Yorkers, serving more than 10,000 individuals each year. BRC operates 30 programs and services ranging from outreach to the unsheltered homeless; transitional housing and shelter; permanent housing; substance abuse treatment; mental and physical health services; workforce development; and senior services. Its mission statement is: "Helping people reclaim lives lost: We restore hope and dignity by offering opportunities for health and self-sufficiency."

Team Members:

Architect: Edelman Sultan Knox Wood/Architects LLP.
Structural: Silman
Mechanical/Electrical: Loring Consulting Engineers
Landscape: Abel Bainnson Butz
Contractor: J Pilla Group