The Kira

Organization Name: GF55 Architects

Project Title: The Kira

Project Location: Downtown Jamaica, Queens

Project Description:
The Kira is a 21-story building in Jamaica Queens of 139 Supportive units with 69 units for victims of domestic violence. It is built as a sustainable building per the Enterprise Green Building Standards. New Destiny Housing who provides the social services, co-developed the Kira with BFC Partners. GF55 Architects' design is forward looking that is clearly of today. The building's modern design is juxtaposed with the traditional buildings nearby. The building distinguishes between the front and the rear facades ergo between the commercial and the residential. Along Jamaica Avenue, it provides a dynamic streetscape with a retail area of 5,000 SF. The residential entry is in the rear through a quiet street, Grace Court. The building is connected to those smaller scale houses through an open courtyard that is a transition to the taller tower. Inspired by musical composition, a syncopated rhythm of fenestration is accented by buff gray brick on the tower. It rises up, taller than its neighbors and has an urban scale seen from a distance. The charcoal-colored brick base forms an intricate pattern offset by smooth metal panels on the building’s lower portion establishing the pedestrian human scale.

Community Impact:
There is a critical shortage of affordable housing in NYC. At the same time, domestic violence continues to be a leading cause of homelessness. The Kira provides 139 quality affordable apartments to New Yorkers; 20 units are 30% AMI, 49 are 40% AMI, and 69 are reserved for survivors of domestic violence. New Destiny Housing provides comprehensive support services. There are offices and a lobby for on-site supportive staff, and a large multi-purpose room for resident meetings, program events, and workshops. Amenities include a library-computer room, children’s recreational room, and a fitness room.

The Kira's impact goes beyond addressing the current housing shortage. Featured in NY State’s HCR Sustainability Guidelines, the Kira's sustainable design impacts downtown Jamaica on an urban scale and engages the community at a pedestrian level. The building design embraces both the busy energy of Jamaica avenue and the quieter neighborhood context behind the building while providing a safe harbor for its tenants. The location of the building is pedestrian-friendly and convenient to public transit. With easy access to a thriving downtown, the Kira supports an inclusive, urban living environment.

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
Developer: New Destiny Housing, BFC Partners, & SMJ Companies
Structural: Severud Assoc
MEP: Skyline Engineering
Accessibility: United Spinal Association
Energy: Steven Winter