Dattner Architects is a women-owned design firm. This is a milestone for our practice, which was founded 60 years ago. Our long-standing commitment to equity and inclusion has organically fostered women to thrive and achieve at the highest level of leadership. Today the firm is led by 10 partners, half of whom are women; and the women are the majority owners. We are a firm that continues to evolve and advance.
Our core mission is unwavering, and it unites our work and our practice. We proudly take on the planning and design of the region’s most essential projects, creating architecture that enriches the urban experience, transforms environments, and strengthens communities.
Today Dattner Architects is over 100 people, 59% of whom are women, 41% BIPOC, and 17% LGBTQ+ all working together from one office in New York City. A steadfast dedication to our mission, a strong and varied portfolio of that spans sectors, and a thoughtful leadership transition plan allows our 60-year-old practice to continue to remain vital and vibrant—reflecting the diversity and relevancy of our practice.
"Driven to work at the urban scale, I initially sought out Dattner Architects because the firm had designed many of the civic spaces that were formative in my life," notes Gia Maneiro, Principal and Corporate President. "This passion fueled my career here—from junior designer to Principal—supported by the confidence, camaraderie and mentorship that defines the culture of the office. Raising my daughter solidified my commitment to leadership in the future of sustainable public architecture, and I could not be more proud to share in a majority women owned partnership that embodies these values."
Dattner Architects is certified as a WBE with New York City, New York State, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the New York City School Construction Authority, and the City of Philadelphia.
Dattner Architects is proud to recognize the exceptional contributions of six distinguished professionals with promotions to new levels of leadership.
In recognition of their outstanding leadership and deep-seated passion for enriching urban environments with projects that respond to the needs of our time, Harriet Andronikides has been promoted to Associate. Heather McKinstry and Rem Bruhn are now Senior Associates. Patrick McAffrey, Shefali Sanghvi and Philippe Martelly have been elevated to Associate Principal. These advancements reflect the dedication, commitment to sustainable and innovative civic architecture, and the high level of professionalism these architects bring to our firm.
“Each of these professionals has excelled in remarkable and individual ways. They all successfully lead complex projects with ease and joy, while providing opportunities for others to shine. We are pleased to be able to recognize their achievements and their commitment with these promotions, and we are excited about their evolved role in the leadership of our firm.”—Kirsten Sibilia, Managing Principal.
Harriet Andronikides, AIA, Associate has worked on a variety of project types, including parks, multi-family residential, and performing arts venues. She strives for clear and meaningful communication through all phases of a project, and particularly enjoys the Construction Administration phase where she can see the building come to life. As a New Yorker, Harriet has an endless fascination for the built environment and the inner workings of the city.
“When I joined Dattner Architects, I saw that I had the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on my home city and community. I knew that this firm was a special place where I could achieve that.”—Harriet
Heather McKinstry, AIA, LEED AP, CPHC, Studio Director, Senior Associate believes that architecture’s most important role is to create inclusive, healthy, and sustainable environments for our communities, helping to build a more equitable world. After completing her thesis on disaster relief housing, her commitment to environmentalism and community focused urbanism led her to work creating spaces for all New Yorkers while minimizing the environmental impact of new buildings.
“I'm so proud of how this office has evolved since I started. I was hired to work on the design of 425 Grand Concourse, our first Passive House project, and now we have become passive house experts with many of our housing projects in design aiming for that standard. I'm also thrilled by the progress the office has made to become a women owned business.”—Heather
Rem Bruhn, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Senior Associate joined Dattner Architects in 2015, eager to work in a mission-driven firm, designing projects positively influence people’s daily lives. He enjoys working with diverse stakeholder groups, and he takes pride in developing a concept that is carefully considered, from the macroscopic down to the smallest details. With each project he seeks to contribute to the sustainable evolution of our cities.
“When I joined Dattner Architects, I was drawn in by the firm’s mission, and the work we do to make New York City a better place to live for everyone, from affordable housing, to infrastructure, to schools and libraries, and so much more—and I was proud to go home and tell people where I worked and the type of work we did. Nine years later, this is as true as ever: as we grow and evolve, I’m still very proud of our work, and grateful for the brilliant and dedicated people that I work with.”—Rem
Patrick McAffrey, AIA, Studio Director, Associate Principal joined the firm as an emerging architect today leads our largest studio. He’s continued to grow with each challenge and excels at every opportunity. Formally trained in both architecture and product design, Patrick’s passion for intelligent urbanism has led him to focus his work on infrastructure and transportation projects, which he believes have profound impact on the building fabric and urban lifestyles they support.
“I am proud of the work we do as a firm, continuing to contribute to the built fabric of New York in a meaningful and civic way. Specifically, in our transportation and infrastructure studio, I have always found it fulfilling to be able to observe how appreciated and used our work is in the public realm. Looking back on my time here, I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given to work with so many talented individuals and the thoughtful mentorship provided by this firm. I am humbled and excited to be a part of this leadership group as we enter a new chapter as a women-owned business.”—Patrick
Shefali Sanghvi, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Fitwel Amb., ENV SP, Director of Sustainability, Associate Principal has over 15 years of experience working in sustainable projects, with an emphasis on resiliency, occupant health and comfort, and energy efficiency. An expert on urban Passive House projects, she is dedicated to designing buildings that are socially, environmentally, and financially sustainable. As the firm’s Director of Sustainability, Shefali serves as a thought leader across Dattner Architects’ studios, and beyond, championing sustainability as integral to architecture. She is a person who identifies opportunities to do things better—and puts in the work to develop a system to make it happen. Like each of the folks being promoted, Shefali is always looking out for the firm.
“Dattner Architects’ Sustainable Practice Group gave me a platform to research issues that I felt really passionate about and talk about them with people who felt the same drive to change the way we design our communities. The reality is that every time we do what we do, we have one chance to do it right, to lessen its impact on the planet. Every time we build a project, it is important that we build the most sustainable version of our project that we can. Dattner Architects provides the opportunity for us to do that, together.”—Shefali
With in-depth expertise managing large, multifaceted projects, Philippe Martelly, AIA, CPHC, Studio Director, Associate Principal is deeply invested in understanding the human experience and social impact of healthy, sustainable, and well-conceived affordable housing. Philippe has not only excelled as a project manager, studio director, mentor and coach but also used his skills for business development—cultivating new and existing clients to bring in new projects. He represents the firm on the board of the prestigious CHPC (Citizens Housing & Planning Council).
“I’ve always believed that Civic Architecture is about giving back, and practicing Architecture in service to society is a beautiful endeavor. It is a complex and difficult job, and we at Dattner Architects are among the privileged few in this society who can actually do it so well. The populations that our projects continue to serve are counting on all of us to get it right. They deserve our very best. They deserve that bright spark of ours that we let shine here each and every day. And our tremendous collective expertise and profound social consciousness places us in a position to give them our best. Our Firm is a very special place, and I am very proud of what we’re doing here. We operate successfully in one of the greatest Cities in the World, and the civic impact of our work extends beyond its borders, across generations, and beyond our own personal timelines.”—Philippe
We are honored to announce that The Architect’s Newspaper has selected Dattner Architects for the 2024 Best of Practice Award (XL Firm – Northeast). AN's Best of Practice program seeks to define an expansive meaning of excellence that not only considers the firm’s individual projects, values and culture but also inclusivity, social impact, sustainability, regional relevance, and technological innovation. This recognition highlights our commitment to addressing the complex challenges faced by the architecture industry today and acknowledges the collective efforts of our team.
As a mission-driven, women-owned design firm, we design impactful architecture that responds to the issues of our time. We have proudly taken on the planning and design of the region’s most essential projects, creating architecture that enriches the urban experience, transforms environments, and strengthens communities. Our approach involves integrating sustainable practices and prioritizing projects that serve the broader community, reflecting our dedication to inclusivity and social responsibility.
Dattner Architects has long fostered equity and inclusion, and we have championed employee professional growth and recognition. Our commitment to diversity includes a team of over 100 people, 59% women, 41% BIPOC, and 17% LGBTQ+.
Our innovative buildings have enriched NYC's urban fabric, positively impacting countless New Yorkers. We are humbled to see the warmth, appreciation, and life brought to our projects by those who inhabit, recreate, learn, and work in these buildings.
[caption id="attachment_21452" align="alignleft" width="2000"] Architectural League First Friday at Dattner Architects 2024[/caption]
View the full list of winners:
https://www.archpaper.com/2024/06/announcing-the-winners-of-ans-2024-best-of-practice-awards/
Chestnut Commons is the 2023 Multi-family/Mixed Use winner of the Metropolis Planet Positive Award! This awards program recognizes design for a regenerative and equitable future. Judged by four expert juries across project types, regions, and product categories, award winners represent “the highest achievements in design that addresses climate change, ecosystem health, human health, and equity.”
Chestnut Commons is an innovative and community-centric Passive House development that provides 275 critically needed affordable apartments to formerly homeless and low-income households in the Cypress Hill section of Brooklyn. This project is part of the East New York Neighborhood Plan and delivers on the commitment to provide meaningful affordable housing that allows residents to stay within their community.
A model for sustainable development through its community-centric approach, and in its Passive House systems and detailing, Chestnut Commons exemplifies an innovative affordable housing model. Projects such as Chestnut Commons provide not only urgently needed affordable housing for those that need it most, but a deep commitment to environmental equity by utilizing a building type that is both highly energy efficient and resilient.
Developed and operated in conjunction with local organizations, Chestnut Commons supports the neighborhood with economic development and educational opportunities, arts programs, and job training services. Programming includes a Brooklyn Cooperative Federal Credit Union branch, a café, and a kitchen incubator.
Chestnut Commons is the 2023 Multi-family/Mixed Use winner of the Metropolis Planet Positive Award! This awards program recognizes design for a regenerative and equitable future. Judged by four expert juries across project types, regions, and product categories, award winners represent “the highest achievements in design that addresses climate change, ecosystem health, human health, and equity.”
Chestnut Commons is an innovative and community-centric Passive House development that provides 275 critically needed affordable apartments to formerly homeless and low-income households in the Cypress Hill section of Brooklyn. This project is part of the East New York Neighborhood Plan and delivers on the commitment to provide meaningful affordable housing that allows residents to stay within their community.
A model for sustainable development through its community-centric approach, and in its Passive House systems and detailing, Chestnut Commons exemplifies an innovative affordable housing model. Projects such as Chestnut Commons provide not only urgently needed affordable housing for those that need it most, but a deep commitment to environmental equity by utilizing a building type that is both highly energy efficient and resilient.
Developed and operated in conjunction with local organizations, Chestnut Commons supports the neighborhood with economic development and educational opportunities, arts programs, and job training services. Programming includes a Brooklyn Cooperative Federal Credit Union branch, a café, and a kitchen incubator.
Dattner Architects’ Vital Brookdale won the ULI Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing last Thursday night at the Awards Gala. The Urban Land Institute’s New York Awards for Excellence in Development are a highly competitive program that recognizes best in class projects that excel in design, sustainability, and impact.
Vital Brookdale, developed through a public-private partnership sponsored by New York State, was applauded for demonstrating “how targeted interventions through supportive housing can change life trajectories.” The Passive House project includes deeply affordable apartments with a host of amenities, job training and empowerment facilities, and a new healthcare center.
Director of Sustainability and Project Manager, Shefali Sanghvi (right) receiving the award with Catherine Levenson from MDG construction
An exceptional model of affordable, sustainable, community-based housing, Vital Brookdale combines a f health-focused community resources and affordable apartments for the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn.
The low-carbon development is Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) certified, an international standard of building for maximized energy efficiency. The project includes a 100kW roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system, a series of green roofs and plantings, and other energy efficient measures to ensure the comfort and affordability for residents as well as sustainability of the building.
Videos of Vital Brookdale and the other 2023 Award winners are available on the ULI New York website:
2023 ULI New York Gala Winners | ULI New York Gala
Dattner Architects’ Vital Brookdale won the ULI Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing last Thursday night at the Awards Gala. The Urban Land Institute’s New York Awards for Excellence in Development are a highly competitive program that recognizes best in class projects that excel in design, sustainability, and impact.
Vital Brookdale, developed through a public-private partnership sponsored by New York State, was applauded for demonstrating “how targeted interventions through supportive housing can change life trajectories.” The Passive House project includes deeply affordable apartments with a host of amenities, job training and empowerment facilities, and a new healthcare center.
Director of Sustainability and Project Manager, Shefali Sanghvi (right) receiving the award with Catherine Levenson from MDG construction
An exceptional model of affordable, sustainable, community-based housing, Vital Brookdale combines a f health-focused community resources and affordable apartments for the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn.
The low-carbon development is Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) certified, an international standard of building for maximized energy efficiency. The project includes a 100kW roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system, a series of green roofs and plantings, and other energy efficient measures to ensure the comfort and affordability for residents as well as sustainability of the building.
Videos of Vital Brookdale and the other 2023 Award winners are available on the ULI New York website:
2023 ULI New York Gala Winners | ULI New York Gala
Open House New York (OHNY) is back with its annual citywide celebration of architecture! Offering a unique opportunity to experience New York City and the built environment, Dattner Architects will participate in this year’s OHNY Weekend with in-person tours at projects on Saturday, October 21, Chestnut Commons and Sunday, October 22, Broome Street Development.
Chestnut Commons
Located on an underused public land bounded by Dinsmore Place, Chestnut Street, and Atlantic Avenue, Chestnut Commons provides 275 affordable housing units to formerly homeless, extremely low-, very low-, and low-income households. This project is part of the East New York Neighborhood Plan, released in 2016 as part of the East New York new neighborhood rezoning, outlining a commitment to expedite the construction of deeply affordable housing.
This new 14-story development offers a variety of uses contributing to a self-sustaining community with activities that support, enhance, and stimulate the surrounding community. The residential portion of the building integrates programming throughout, including communal spaces on the second floor with direct access to a landscaped roof terrace for residents, extending indoor activities to the outdoors. A large portion of the 14th floor roof is a gardening area with raised planting beds to create opportunities for active planting and vegetable cultivation.
Broome Street Development
Our recently completed Suffolk and Norfolk buildings are located just South of the Essex Crossing in the Lower East Side. The 460,000 square foot mixed-use development encompasses a diverse mix of market-rate, affordable and senior housing, as well as a community facility, retail space and the headquarters for a well-known neighborhood social services organization.
The building covers most of the city block, fronting multiple streets. It incorporates a combination of different building heights, window proportions and careful brick detailing that relate to the mix of scales that characterize this vibrant and ever-changing neighborhood.
We can’t wait to celebrate OHNY Weekend with all of you. See you on October 21-22!
Open House New York (OHNY) is back with its annual citywide celebration of architecture! Offering a unique opportunity to experience New York City and the built environment, Dattner Architects will participate in this year’s OHNY Weekend with in-person tours at projects on Saturday, October 21, Chestnut Commons and Sunday, October 22, Broome Street Development.
Chestnut Commons
Located on an underused public land bounded by Dinsmore Place, Chestnut Street, and Atlantic Avenue, Chestnut Commons provides 275 affordable housing units to formerly homeless, extremely low-, very low-, and low-income households. This project is part of the East New York Neighborhood Plan, released in 2016 as part of the East New York new neighborhood rezoning, outlining a commitment to expedite the construction of deeply affordable housing.
This new 14-story development offers a variety of uses contributing to a self-sustaining community with activities that support, enhance, and stimulate the surrounding community. The residential portion of the building integrates programming throughout, including communal spaces on the second floor with direct access to a landscaped roof terrace for residents, extending indoor activities to the outdoors. A large portion of the 14th floor roof is a gardening area with raised planting beds to create opportunities for active planting and vegetable cultivation.
Broome Street Development
Our recently completed Suffolk and Norfolk buildings are located just South of the Essex Crossing in the Lower East Side. The 460,000 square foot mixed-use development encompasses a diverse mix of market-rate, affordable and senior housing, as well as a community facility, retail space and the headquarters for a well-known neighborhood social services organization.
The building covers most of the city block, fronting multiple streets. It incorporates a combination of different building heights, window proportions and careful brick detailing that relate to the mix of scales that characterize this vibrant and ever-changing neighborhood.
We can’t wait to celebrate OHNY Weekend with all of you. See you on October 21-22!
Dattner Architects' Brandon Wang and Pascale Baladi were invited and engaged participants at the inaugural METROPOLIS Arch 30 program, which recognizes the next generation of leadership in architecture. Collaborating with leading design firms in select cities, METROPOLIS identifies top talent under the age of 30 that share a commitment to sustainability and knowledge sharing. Each group meets for a workshop led by the magazine's editors, followed by networking opportunities with program partners.
Avi Rajagopal, editor in chief, and Verda Alexander, editor at large, were workshop facilitators. They "encouraged the young leaders in architecture to think about the challenges they face at work, how to find the support they need, and how to identify and pursue purposeful work." Pascale and Brandon found the evening energizing and the interactive experience connecting with peers, exchanging insights, and sharing thoughts about leadership, sustainability, and architecture practices at their respective workplaces incredibly valuable.
“It is an honor to have been nominated for METROPOLIS' inaugural Arch30 Event and to have the chance to connect with many like-minded young professionals who are eager to learn and push the industry forward with ambition, innovation, and camaraderie. I came out of it feeling empowered to be part of such a capable generation of architects, who simultaneously have become a peer support network.” – Pascale Baladi
Read more:
METROPOLIS Honors its First Arch30 Cohort in New York - Metropolis (metropolismag.com)
Dattner Architects' Brandon Wang and Pascale Baladi were invited and engaged participants at the inaugural METROPOLIS Arch 30 program, which recognizes the next generation of leadership in architecture. Collaborating with leading design firms in select cities, METROPOLIS identifies top talent under the age of 30 that share a commitment to sustainability and knowledge sharing. Each group meets for a workshop led by the magazine's editors, followed by networking opportunities with program partners.
Avi Rajagopal, editor in chief, and Verda Alexander, editor at large, were workshop facilitators. They "encouraged the young leaders in architecture to think about the challenges they face at work, how to find the support they need, and how to identify and pursue purposeful work." Pascale and Brandon found the evening energizing and the interactive experience connecting with peers, exchanging insights, and sharing thoughts about leadership, sustainability, and architecture practices at their respective workplaces incredibly valuable.
“It is an honor to have been nominated for METROPOLIS' inaugural Arch30 Event and to have the chance to connect with many like-minded young professionals who are eager to learn and push the industry forward with ambition, innovation, and camaraderie. I came out of it feeling empowered to be part of such a capable generation of architects, who simultaneously have become a peer support network.” – Pascale Baladi
Read more:
METROPOLIS Honors its First Arch30 Cohort in New York - Metropolis (metropolismag.com)
A decade after being selected as the winning entry in the New Housing New York Legacy Competition, Via Verde continues to serve as an archetype for future subsidized housing in New York City and beyond.
The project set a precedent for how to achieve lofty design and sustainability goals for an affordable housing development while adhering to a strict budget. Ultimately creating 202 apartments spread across three distinct residential programs, Via Verde will continue to provide equitable, sustainable housing for South Bronx residents well into the future.
In celebration of Via Verde's 10-year anniversary of operation Jonathan Rose Companies and Phipps Neighborhoods compiled a video detailing the history of the community. Included below is a snippet from the video, along with a link to the full version. We teamed with Grimshaw Architects and Weintraub Diaz Landscape Architecture to bring this visionary building to life.
[video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://www.dattner.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Sequence-01.mp4"][/video]
To watch the full video please visit this link:
https://youtu.be/lFNdULp9xD4
A decade after being selected as the winning entry in the New Housing New York Legacy Competition, Via Verde continues to serve as an archetype for future subsidized housing in New York City and beyond.
The project set a precedent for how to achieve lofty design and sustainability goals for an affordable housing development while adhering to a strict budget. Ultimately creating 202 apartments spread across three distinct residential programs, Via Verde will continue to provide equitable, sustainable housing for South Bronx residents well into the future.
In celebration of Via Verde's 10-year anniversary of operation Jonathan Rose Companies and Phipps Neighborhoods compiled a video detailing the history of the community. Included below is a snippet from the video, along with a link to the full version. We teamed with Grimshaw Architects and Weintraub Diaz Landscape Architecture to bring this visionary building to life.
[video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://www.dattner.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Sequence-01.mp4"][/video]
To watch the full video please visit this link:
https://youtu.be/lFNdULp9xD4
Dattner Architects is excited to be the Architect on the team for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $1.24 billion contract to design and build John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Central Terminal Area Roadways, Utilities and Ground Transportation Center (GTC) in Queens, New York. Parsons Corporation is serving as lead designer to the Skanska Halmar JFK Joint Venture. The project is a key part of the $19 billion public-private transformation of JFK into a world-class airport. When complete, it will dramatically improve access to the airport by simplifying the existing complex roadway network, providing easier to navigate access to terminals with improved frontage areas, and building a new ground transportation center for passengers to connect to taxis, for-hire vehicles, mass transit and parking.
The design-build project consists of the design and construction of the on-airport roadway transportation network which includes roadway reconfiguration, maintenance and protection of traffic, intuitive wayfinding and enhanced traffic technologies, at-grade pavement, retaining walls and bridges as well as utility relocations and upgrades. The project will improve user connectivity and access to the surrounding terminals. Also included, is the design and construction of a modern Ground Transportation Center which features:
1,950-space multi-level vehicle parking facility equipped with electric vehicle charging stations and an eco-conscious timber façade
400-foot-long elevated pedestrian bridge with pedestrian canopies
Rainwater harvesting facility
Energy-efficient provisions for solar paneling
Read more below:
https://www.panynj.gov/port-authority/en/press-room/press-release-archives/2022-press-releases1/port-authority-signs--1-24-billion-contract-to-design-and-build-.html
Dattner Architects is excited to be the Architect on the team for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $1.24 billion contract to design and build John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Central Terminal Area Roadways, Utilities and Ground Transportation Center (GTC) in Queens, New York. Parsons Corporation is serving as lead designer to the Skanska Halmar JFK Joint Venture. The project is a key part of the $19 billion public-private transformation of JFK into a world-class airport. When complete, it will dramatically improve access to the airport by simplifying the existing complex roadway network, providing easier to navigate access to terminals with improved frontage areas, and building a new ground transportation center for passengers to connect to taxis, for-hire vehicles, mass transit and parking.
The design-build project consists of the design and construction of the on-airport roadway transportation network which includes roadway reconfiguration, maintenance and protection of traffic, intuitive wayfinding and enhanced traffic technologies, at-grade pavement, retaining walls and bridges as well as utility relocations and upgrades. The project will improve user connectivity and access to the surrounding terminals. Also included, is the design and construction of a modern Ground Transportation Center which features:
1,950-space multi-level vehicle parking facility equipped with electric vehicle charging stations and an eco-conscious timber façade
400-foot-long elevated pedestrian bridge with pedestrian canopies
Rainwater harvesting facility
Energy-efficient provisions for solar paneling
Read more below:
https://www.panynj.gov/port-authority/en/press-room/press-release-archives/2022-press-releases1/port-authority-signs--1-24-billion-contract-to-design-and-build-.html
Launched by the City of Hoboken, the Maritime Park Concept Design spans from March 2023 to November 2023 and includes a multi-disciplinary core team led by Dattner Architects, with SCAPE, Indigo River and Kimley Horn. As the final missing link in completing Hoboken's section of the New Jersey Hudson River Walkway, the site's conversion to the new Maritime Park will create a contiguous waterfront park from southern Pier A all the way north to Weehawken Cove.
The Hoboken Maritime Park Project is a visioning, planning, and community engagement process to re-imagine the former Union Dry Dock, the last remaining industrial site along the Hoboken waterfront.
The intent is to build sustainable and resilient pieces of public parks infrastructure for the visitors and residents while maintaining the city’s waterfront history.
The first of three planned public meetings was held April 4th, 2023. Its aim was to share and discuss the project team’s site analysis and include the community in the visioning process though science fair-style thematic stations. The feedback gathered in the first workshop as well as the online survey informed three design approaches that were presented in a Public Meeting on July 11, 2023.
We are excited to share the Design Approaches presented at the meeting.
By aligning the Hudson River Walkway with Frank Sinatra Drive, the Civic Pier Approach provides expansive spaces for gathering including a Civic Hub (building), Lookout Lawn, and a reconstructed Programmed Pier with berths for Event Barges. The Civic Pier Approach provides Hoboken with a civic waterfront destination centered around gathering and immersive river experiences.
You can view the presentation and work the team has done to date and stay informed for future updates at the following website: https://maritime-park-cityofhoboken.hub.arcgis.com/
The future Maritime Park site sits within a short walking distance to a series of well-loved public parks and open spaces. The close proximity of a number of existing programs and amenities should inform the program selection for the future park to avoid redundancy. The unique location of the site along the waterfront should be seen as an opportunity to establish a new relationship with the water.
“This is an important moment in Hoboken’s history, in which residents will help us build a beautiful waterfront park that will benefit generations of Hoboken residents to come... We’ve fought long and hard to ensure this site is preserved for resident access, and I’m excited to hear what amenities our community envisions for this world class park.” said Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla in his fourth State of the City address in March 2023.
Launched by the City of Hoboken, the Maritime Park Concept Design spans from March 2023 to November 2023 and includes a multi-disciplinary core team led by Dattner Architects, with SCAPE, Indigo River and Kimley Horn. As the final missing link in completing Hoboken's section of the New Jersey Hudson River Walkway, the site's conversion to the new Maritime Park will create a contiguous waterfront park from southern Pier A all the way north to Weehawken Cove.
The Hoboken Maritime Park Project is a visioning, planning, and community engagement process to re-imagine the former Union Dry Dock, the last remaining industrial site along the Hoboken waterfront.
The intent is to build sustainable and resilient pieces of public parks infrastructure for the visitors and residents while maintaining the city’s waterfront history.
The first of three planned public meetings was held April 4th, 2023. Its aim was to share and discuss the project team’s site analysis and include the community in the visioning process though science fair-style thematic stations. The feedback gathered in the first workshop as well as the online survey informed three design approaches that were presented in a Public Meeting on July 11, 2023.
We are excited to share the Design Approaches presented at the meeting.
By aligning the Hudson River Walkway with Frank Sinatra Drive, the Civic Pier Approach provides expansive spaces for gathering including a Civic Hub (building), Lookout Lawn, and a reconstructed Programmed Pier with berths for Event Barges. The Civic Pier Approach provides Hoboken with a civic waterfront destination centered around gathering and immersive river experiences.
You can view the presentation and work the team has done to date and stay informed for future updates at the following website: https://maritime-park-cityofhoboken.hub.arcgis.com/
The future Maritime Park site sits within a short walking distance to a series of well-loved public parks and open spaces. The close proximity of a number of existing programs and amenities should inform the program selection for the future park to avoid redundancy. The unique location of the site along the waterfront should be seen as an opportunity to establish a new relationship with the water.
“This is an important moment in Hoboken’s history, in which residents will help us build a beautiful waterfront park that will benefit generations of Hoboken residents to come... We’ve fought long and hard to ensure this site is preserved for resident access, and I’m excited to hear what amenities our community envisions for this world class park.” said Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla in his fourth State of the City address in March 2023.
Dattner Architects’ Principal Ruth Ro AIA is featured in Madame Architect, a platform that highlights and celebrates diverse and inspiring women that shape the architecture industry. In an interview with Madame Architect founder, Julia Gamolina, Ruth gives her thoughts on authenticity, inclusivity, and bringing your whole self to work.
“I’m always inserting my identity into casual conversation. It’s important. As a Partner, I try to create a work environment that is inclusive, to give everyone an opportunity to do their best work, and to encourage diverse perspectives.”
Ruth joined Dattner Architects in 2012 and was elevated to Principal in 2022. In 2020, Ruth founded the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion group at Dattner Architects — tackling intersectional issues that affect minority employees in the workplace. As a leader and mentor, she is dedicated to facilitating an inclusive and understanding workplace. Ruth leads many of the firm’s large mixed-use projects, which currently include Steiner Sequel in Sunset Park.
Dattner Architects’ Principal Ruth Ro AIA is featured in Madame Architect, a platform that highlights and celebrates diverse and inspiring women that shape the architecture industry. In an interview with Madame Architect founder, Julia Gamolina, Ruth gives her thoughts on authenticity, inclusivity, and bringing your whole self to work.
“I’m always inserting my identity into casual conversation. It’s important. As a Partner, I try to create a work environment that is inclusive, to give everyone an opportunity to do their best work, and to encourage diverse perspectives.”
Ruth joined Dattner Architects in 2012 and was elevated to Principal in 2022. In 2020, Ruth founded the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion group at Dattner Architects — tackling intersectional issues that affect minority employees in the workplace. As a leader and mentor, she is dedicated to facilitating an inclusive and understanding workplace. Ruth leads many of the firm’s large mixed-use projects, which currently include Steiner Sequel in Sunset Park.
Neighborhoods Now is a community-led design initiative to help NYC recover from the effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Launched in Spring 2020, by the Urban Design Forum and Van Alen Institute, the initiative taps into a collective network of architects, engineers, and designers to support local organizations leading their community’s recovery. Dattner Architects stepped forward to lend support, and we have been involved with the initiative ever since.
Through Neighborhoods Now, one of the groups we worked with is the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition (NWBCCC) – a member-led, grassroots organization fighting for racial and economic equity in the Bronx. They have completed a Community District Needs Assessment to illustrate the current challenges and opportunities for small businesses and tenants in the immediate vicinity of the Kingsbridge Armory as it undergoes a potential redevelopment. The report aims to highlight the features of urban life in the Kingsbridge Neighborhood and tell a story of the diversity, passion, and tenacity of this neighborhood and its residents.
“For us, the Bronx is home. It’s where we raise families, get an education, go to work, own businesses, create art, and find spiritual connection. We are people whose families have lived here for generations. And we are people who have come here from other boroughs and countries. Our community reflects a diversity of races, ethnicities, cultures, and faith traditions.”
-NWBCCC
In a joint effort to empower and uplift the Kingsbridge community, Dattner Architects joined Neighborhoods Now’s collective network of interdisciplinary partnerships, along with Scalar Architecture to support NWBCCC in their vision for a more resilient future.
Learn more about the initiative here.
Neighborhoods Now is a community-led design initiative to help NYC recover from the effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Launched in Spring 2020, by the Urban Design Forum and Van Alen Institute, the initiative taps into a collective network of architects, engineers, and designers to support local organizations leading their community’s recovery. Dattner Architects stepped forward to lend support, and we have been involved with the initiative ever since.
Through Neighborhoods Now, one of the groups we worked with is the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition (NWBCCC) – a member-led, grassroots organization fighting for racial and economic equity in the Bronx. They have completed a Community District Needs Assessment to illustrate the current challenges and opportunities for small businesses and tenants in the immediate vicinity of the Kingsbridge Armory as it undergoes a potential redevelopment. The report aims to highlight the features of urban life in the Kingsbridge Neighborhood and tell a story of the diversity, passion, and tenacity of this neighborhood and its residents.
“For us, the Bronx is home. It’s where we raise families, get an education, go to work, own businesses, create art, and find spiritual connection. We are people whose families have lived here for generations. And we are people who have come here from other boroughs and countries. Our community reflects a diversity of races, ethnicities, cultures, and faith traditions.”
-NWBCCC
In a joint effort to empower and uplift the Kingsbridge community, Dattner Architects joined Neighborhoods Now’s collective network of interdisciplinary partnerships, along with Scalar Architecture to support NWBCCC in their vision for a more resilient future.
Learn more about the initiative here.
Dattner Architects is proud to share that 425 Grand Concourse has won a 2023 Green Good Design Award! Organized by the European Centre and the Chicago Athenaeum, the Green Good Design Sustainability Awards recognizes "outstanding individuals, companies, organizations, governments, and institutions — together with their products, services, programs, ideas, and concepts — that have forwarded exceptional thinking and inspired greater progress toward a more healthier and more sustainable universe."
The largest PHIUS-certified Passive House project in North America, 425 Grand Concourse is a new mixed-use and mixed-income development, providing the Mott Haven neighborhood of the Bronx with 277 affordable housing apartments. The project also includes an educational student services center, health clinic, supermarket, cultural space, and other community amenities. The design of 425 Grand Concourse honors the history of the site, which sits on land formerly occupied by Public School 31, a Bronx institution originally built in 1899. The former property fell into disrepair and remained abandoned for many years. In tribute to the site’s rich history, the PS 31 sign and other decorative façade elements were salvaged and are on display in the lobby of 425 Grand Concourse.
The development implements high-efficiency building systems with an air-tight building envelope, energy recovery ventilation, and sustainable features to significantly reduce heat loss and gain. The project will surpass the Enterprise Green Communities Criteria and the design incorporates NYC Active Design Guidelines to encourage opportunities for physical activity. This benchmark sustainable project provides a model for healthy living environments in a district with one of the worst childhood asthma rates in the country.
Architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning projects, product, and graphic designs from over 32 nations were awarded with Green Good Design awards, representing the world’s most important design firms, manufacturers, and leading FORTUNE 500 corporations that are forwarding a new emphasis on a more sustainable design and environment worldwide.
Dattner Architects is proud to share that 425 Grand Concourse has won a 2023 Green Good Design Award! Organized by the European Centre and the Chicago Athenaeum, the Green Good Design Sustainability Awards recognizes "outstanding individuals, companies, organizations, governments, and institutions — together with their products, services, programs, ideas, and concepts — that have forwarded exceptional thinking and inspired greater progress toward a more healthier and more sustainable universe."
The largest PHIUS-certified Passive House project in North America, 425 Grand Concourse is a new mixed-use and mixed-income development, providing the Mott Haven neighborhood of the Bronx with 277 affordable housing apartments. The project also includes an educational student services center, health clinic, supermarket, cultural space, and other community amenities. The design of 425 Grand Concourse honors the history of the site, which sits on land formerly occupied by Public School 31, a Bronx institution originally built in 1899. The former property fell into disrepair and remained abandoned for many years. In tribute to the site’s rich history, the PS 31 sign and other decorative façade elements were salvaged and are on display in the lobby of 425 Grand Concourse.
The development implements high-efficiency building systems with an air-tight building envelope, energy recovery ventilation, and sustainable features to significantly reduce heat loss and gain. The project will surpass the Enterprise Green Communities Criteria and the design incorporates NYC Active Design Guidelines to encourage opportunities for physical activity. This benchmark sustainable project provides a model for healthy living environments in a district with one of the worst childhood asthma rates in the country.
Architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning projects, product, and graphic designs from over 32 nations were awarded with Green Good Design awards, representing the world’s most important design firms, manufacturers, and leading FORTUNE 500 corporations that are forwarding a new emphasis on a more sustainable design and environment worldwide.
Dattner Architects is proud to announce that Vital Brookdale is a recipient of a 2023 AIA New York State Excelsior Award! This prestigious award recognizes a project's overall performance, design excellence, and impact on the community — all within the context of a publicly funded project.
“It is an honor for our Vital Brookdale project to be recognized as a recipient of the 2023 AIA New York State Excelsior Award. Offering community-based healthcare, supportive services, and sustainable and modern features, Vital Brookdale has created a new standard for the future of affordable housing developments. Thank you to AIA, the Brooklyn community, the State, and all of our incredible partners for making this possible.” — Michael T. Rooney, Founding Principal, MDG Design + Construction
Vital Brookdale is located on a unique site that was originally an ineffectively-used surface parking lot for an adjacent hospital. Through an innovative public-private partnership, the site was transformed, creating 160 units of affordable housing and 25,000 square feet of health-focused community space in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn.
"Vital Brookdale is a successful example of how Passive House can be incorporated into our existing affordable housing framework in NYC. As the first project to be completed as part of NYS’ Vital Initiative, it’s been gratifying to work on a project that highlights health and wellness as just as critical to sustainability as energy efficiency. Construction started in April 2020, and it was a true team effort to get this project completed while navigating how to build a Passive House project when most people were working from home. We’re glad to see our collective hard work, the mission of the project, and the overall design, recognized by AIA NYS." — Shefali Sanghvi AIA, Director of Sustainability, Dattner Architects
This Passive House project has a 100kW roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system, green roof, high-performance mechanical systems, insulation and windows, LED lighting, low-flow water fixtures, and several other energy-efficient measures to ensure the comfort and affordability for residents as well as sustainability of the building. The design team also carefully selected interior materials while keeping in mind the ease of install, cost of material, maintenance, and impact on resident health. The end result is a project that is a model of affordable, community-based, sustainable multifamily housing in New York City.
"Smith & Henzy is proud to be a member of the amazing team of professionals that came together to make Vital Brookdale a leading example of affordable sustainable development in New York. We wish to commend Dattner Architects for their innovative design and vision for this project." — Timothy Henzy, Principal, Smith & Henzy
Dattner Architects is proud to announce that Vital Brookdale is a recipient of a 2023 AIA New York State Excelsior Award! This prestigious award recognizes a project's overall performance, design excellence, and impact on the community — all within the context of a publicly funded project.
“It is an honor for our Vital Brookdale project to be recognized as a recipient of the 2023 AIA New York State Excelsior Award. Offering community-based healthcare, supportive services, and sustainable and modern features, Vital Brookdale has created a new standard for the future of affordable housing developments. Thank you to AIA, the Brooklyn community, the State, and all of our incredible partners for making this possible.” — Michael T. Rooney, Founding Principal, MDG Design + Construction
Vital Brookdale is located on a unique site that was originally an ineffectively-used surface parking lot for an adjacent hospital. Through an innovative public-private partnership, the site was transformed, creating 160 units of affordable housing and 25,000 square feet of health-focused community space in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn.
"Vital Brookdale is a successful example of how Passive House can be incorporated into our existing affordable housing framework in NYC. As the first project to be completed as part of NYS’ Vital Initiative, it’s been gratifying to work on a project that highlights health and wellness as just as critical to sustainability as energy efficiency. Construction started in April 2020, and it was a true team effort to get this project completed while navigating how to build a Passive House project when most people were working from home. We’re glad to see our collective hard work, the mission of the project, and the overall design, recognized by AIA NYS." — Shefali Sanghvi AIA, Director of Sustainability, Dattner Architects
This Passive House project has a 100kW roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system, green roof, high-performance mechanical systems, insulation and windows, LED lighting, low-flow water fixtures, and several other energy-efficient measures to ensure the comfort and affordability for residents as well as sustainability of the building. The design team also carefully selected interior materials while keeping in mind the ease of install, cost of material, maintenance, and impact on resident health. The end result is a project that is a model of affordable, community-based, sustainable multifamily housing in New York City.
"Smith & Henzy is proud to be a member of the amazing team of professionals that came together to make Vital Brookdale a leading example of affordable sustainable development in New York. We wish to commend Dattner Architects for their innovative design and vision for this project." — Timothy Henzy, Principal, Smith & Henzy
Crain's New York has selected Dattner Architects' Principal John Woelfling as one of this year's sustainability pacesetters propelling New York toward a greener future. Crain's Notable Leaders in Sustainability features a list of 50 individuals who are pioneers in their fields, driving innovation, and advocating for sustainability in the areas of energy, real estate, technology, finance, and more.
"As a New Yorker that has dedicated the last two decades of my professional career to designing and delivering high performance, sustainable buildings, it is an honor to receive this recognition from Crain's. Reduction of our energy usage and altering the amount of greenhouse gas emitted by humans is the existential challenge of our times. I am glad to be honored with like-minded problem solvers." — John Woelfling AIA
John leads Dattner Architects' residential work, designing large-scale, urban affordable housing that embodies environmental responsibility and resident wellbeing. Under his leadership, the firm has developed specialized expertise in designing and building sustainable multi-family buildings; his commitment to sustainability and innovation has resulted in the completion of 961 new units of Passive House affordable housing for New Yorkers.
Crain's New York has selected Dattner Architects' Principal John Woelfling as one of this year's sustainability pacesetters propelling New York toward a greener future. Crain's Notable Leaders in Sustainability features a list of 50 individuals who are pioneers in their fields, driving innovation, and advocating for sustainability in the areas of energy, real estate, technology, finance, and more.
"As a New Yorker that has dedicated the last two decades of my professional career to designing and delivering high performance, sustainable buildings, it is an honor to receive this recognition from Crain's. Reduction of our energy usage and altering the amount of greenhouse gas emitted by humans is the existential challenge of our times. I am glad to be honored with like-minded problem solvers." — John Woelfling AIA
John leads Dattner Architects' residential work, designing large-scale, urban affordable housing that embodies environmental responsibility and resident wellbeing. Under his leadership, the firm has developed specialized expertise in designing and building sustainable multi-family buildings; his commitment to sustainability and innovation has resulted in the completion of 961 new units of Passive House affordable housing for New Yorkers.
Dattner Architects' Associate Wei Wang has been named the New York State Young Architect Representative (YAR) within AIA National's Young Architects Forum (YAF) program. She has also been selected as the Committee on the Environment (COTE) liaison for YAF.
The YAF program is organized to help emerging designers address important issues and serves as a collective voice for recently licensed architects. YAF's mission is to:
Engage recently licensed architects in leadership to become agents of change within the profession
Inspire professional growth among recently licensed architects through camaraderie and networking
Advocate for issues of particular relevance to recently licensed architects
Serve to make AIA memberships meaningful to recently licensed architects through programs and services
Promote mentorship at all career stages to enhance personal growth, community involvement, and professional development
As YAF's New York State representative, Wei will be an advocate for recently licensed designers at the local, state, and national levels as well as the bi-directional conduit of information from National to State; State to Local; and vice versa — providing monthly and bi-monthly update reports.
COTE is an AIA Knowledge Community working for architects, allied professionals, and the public to achieve climate action and climate justice through design. As YAF's COTE liaison, Wei will attend monthly COTE Leadership Group meetings, provide updates on YAF activities, identify collaboration opportunities and resource needs, and engage with the Next Generation Working Group. She will also participate in YAF coordination and communicate opportunities at the national level.
"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to represent the next generation of architects as the Young Architect Representative for New York State and the Committee on the Environment liaison for YAF, allowing me to collaborate with like-minded professionals to drive positive change in our industry. With sustainability and equity at the forefront of our goals, the AIA provides an ideal platform for us to translate these aspirations into tangible action. As the YAR, I am committed to fostering cross-disciplinary engagement and promoting innovative ideas that will transform the way we design and build. I look forward to working closely with YAF and COTE to advance our shared mission and make a meaningful impact in our communities." — Wei Wang AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Dattner Architects' Associate Wei Wang has been named the New York State Young Architect Representative (YAR) within AIA National's Young Architects Forum (YAF) program. She has also been selected as the Committee on the Environment (COTE) liaison for YAF.
The YAF program is organized to help emerging designers address important issues and serves as a collective voice for recently licensed architects. YAF's mission is to:
Engage recently licensed architects in leadership to become agents of change within the profession
Inspire professional growth among recently licensed architects through camaraderie and networking
Advocate for issues of particular relevance to recently licensed architects
Serve to make AIA memberships meaningful to recently licensed architects through programs and services
Promote mentorship at all career stages to enhance personal growth, community involvement, and professional development
As YAF's New York State representative, Wei will be an advocate for recently licensed designers at the local, state, and national levels as well as the bi-directional conduit of information from National to State; State to Local; and vice versa — providing monthly and bi-monthly update reports.
COTE is an AIA Knowledge Community working for architects, allied professionals, and the public to achieve climate action and climate justice through design. As YAF's COTE liaison, Wei will attend monthly COTE Leadership Group meetings, provide updates on YAF activities, identify collaboration opportunities and resource needs, and engage with the Next Generation Working Group. She will also participate in YAF coordination and communicate opportunities at the national level.
"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to represent the next generation of architects as the Young Architect Representative for New York State and the Committee on the Environment liaison for YAF, allowing me to collaborate with like-minded professionals to drive positive change in our industry. With sustainability and equity at the forefront of our goals, the AIA provides an ideal platform for us to translate these aspirations into tangible action. As the YAR, I am committed to fostering cross-disciplinary engagement and promoting innovative ideas that will transform the way we design and build. I look forward to working closely with YAF and COTE to advance our shared mission and make a meaningful impact in our communities." — Wei Wang AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Alafia is the recipient of a Merit Award in Community Impact from the American Society of Landscape Architects - New York (ASLA-NY) chapter. The Community Impact award recognizes built and unbuilt projects focused on landscape architecture in underserved communities or impacting disadvantaged populations.
Situated on a 28-acre site at the edge of New York City, Alafia is an ambitious master plan that transforms a decommissioned state psychiatric hospital into a new wellness-oriented resilient urban development designed to address the chronic social, economic, and health disparities in a historically underserved area. Once completed, Alafia will bring over 2,400 affordable apartments to the neighborhood, including units for the formerly homeless, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and seniors. This is the result of community engagement and the collaborative efforts of a public-private-nonprofit partnership.
This year's ASLA-NY Design Award winners will be recognized during a ceremony on April 19 as well as on display at the Center for Architecture through the month of April in celebration of World Landscape Architecture month.
Alafia is the recipient of a Merit Award in Community Impact from the American Society of Landscape Architects - New York (ASLA-NY) chapter. The Community Impact award recognizes built and unbuilt projects focused on landscape architecture in underserved communities or impacting disadvantaged populations.
Situated on a 28-acre site at the edge of New York City, Alafia is an ambitious master plan that transforms a decommissioned state psychiatric hospital into a new wellness-oriented resilient urban development designed to address the chronic social, economic, and health disparities in a historically underserved area. Once completed, Alafia will bring over 2,400 affordable apartments to the neighborhood, including units for the formerly homeless, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and seniors. This is the result of community engagement and the collaborative efforts of a public-private-nonprofit partnership.
This year's ASLA-NY Design Award winners will be recognized during a ceremony on April 19 as well as on display at the Center for Architecture through the month of April in celebration of World Landscape Architecture month.
On March 28, Dattner Architects hosted a panel discussion in collaboration with ArchNative — a women-owned platform that aims to celebrate and empower the dynamic women within the AEC and Real Estate industries.
Panelists included Gia Mainiero, Heather McKinstry, Kathy Mu, Gabriella Orsi, and Annabelle Swain with ArchNative's Diana Fedorkova as moderator. The group discussed their journeys into architecture, sustainability and the built environment, the future of technology and its impact on design, and the piece of advice they would give to their younger selves. The panel concluded with a Q&A from the audience, including students from local universities, followed by a tour of the Dattner Architects' office.
On March 28, Dattner Architects hosted a panel discussion in collaboration with ArchNative — a women-owned platform that aims to celebrate and empower the dynamic women within the AEC and Real Estate industries.
Panelists included Gia Mainiero, Heather McKinstry, Kathy Mu, Gabriella Orsi, and Annabelle Swain with ArchNative's Diana Fedorkova as moderator. The group discussed their journeys into architecture, sustainability and the built environment, the future of technology and its impact on design, and the piece of advice they would give to their younger selves. The panel concluded with a Q&A from the audience, including students from local universities, followed by a tour of the Dattner Architects' office.
Citizens Housing & Planning Council (CHPC) has honored 425 Grand Concourse with the Impact for Community Investment Award.
"After working with a village of collaborators for seven years, 425 Grand Concourse can now be a healthy, resilient, and sustainable home for hundreds of New Yorkers. It has been such an honor for our team at Dattner Architects to have worked on this project and to demonstrate that affordable, multi-family buildings can be designed and built to Passive House standards while at the same time respecting the neighborhood history and integrating with the context. Congratulations to our clients—Trinity Financial and MBD—and all the partners that have helped raise the bar for what New York City housing can be." — John Woelfling, Principal
425 Grand Concourse provides the Mott Haven neighborhood of the Bronx with 277 units of affordable housing, while the two-story base includes a medical facility; supermarket; community spaces for a local non-profit; comfort station for neighboring city park and playground—activating what was for nearly 20 years, an abandoned site; and a CUNY Hostos student services center.
The largest PHIUS-certified Passive House development in North America, 425 Grand Concourse is a model for healthy living environments in a district with one of the worst childhood asthma rates in the country. Active ventilation brings filtered fresh air to all bedrooms and living rooms, keeping a constant flow of clean air without pollutants, pollen, or respiratory virus particles, increasing interior comfort and air quality. Continuous insulation at the façade, lack of thermal breaks, and high-quality windows mean the building stays temperate no matter the weather outdoors, even with a temporary loss of power.
425 Grand Concourse is the result of the collaboration between the design and development team, city and local stakeholders, and community members to understand and address the community’s need for more high-quality affordable homes.
Citizens Housing & Planning Council (CHPC) has honored 425 Grand Concourse with the Impact for Community Investment Award.
"After working with a village of collaborators for seven years, 425 Grand Concourse can now be a healthy, resilient, and sustainable home for hundreds of New Yorkers. It has been such an honor for our team at Dattner Architects to have worked on this project and to demonstrate that affordable, multi-family buildings can be designed and built to Passive House standards while at the same time respecting the neighborhood history and integrating with the context. Congratulations to our clients—Trinity Financial and MBD—and all the partners that have helped raise the bar for what New York City housing can be." — John Woelfling, Principal
425 Grand Concourse provides the Mott Haven neighborhood of the Bronx with 277 units of affordable housing, while the two-story base includes a medical facility; supermarket; community spaces for a local non-profit; comfort station for neighboring city park and playground—activating what was for nearly 20 years, an abandoned site; and a CUNY Hostos student services center.
The largest PHIUS-certified Passive House development in North America, 425 Grand Concourse is a model for healthy living environments in a district with one of the worst childhood asthma rates in the country. Active ventilation brings filtered fresh air to all bedrooms and living rooms, keeping a constant flow of clean air without pollutants, pollen, or respiratory virus particles, increasing interior comfort and air quality. Continuous insulation at the façade, lack of thermal breaks, and high-quality windows mean the building stays temperate no matter the weather outdoors, even with a temporary loss of power.
425 Grand Concourse is the result of the collaboration between the design and development team, city and local stakeholders, and community members to understand and address the community’s need for more high-quality affordable homes.
On March 15, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) recognized the Conrad B. Duberstein U.S. Bankruptcy Courthouse with a Citation Award in Workplace Design at an awards ceremony in Washington DC. During the event, GSA and its Administrator Robin Carnahan presented the agency's top design awards for 19 federal projects, representing the best in architecture and arts.
"Through these awards, we are reaffirming our belief that excellence in design means creating spaces in which the federal government can deliver government effectively while also providing great overall experiences for the people who work in and visit federal facilities." — Robin Carnahan, GSA Administrator
Duberstein, a four-story Romanesque revival structure, was originally completed in 1892 with a subsequent seven-story expansion in 1933. Today, the U.S. Courts Bankruptcy and Probation Consolidation aims to reactivate the Johnson Street entrance and upgrade the workplace through a phased approach to design and construction. This renovation reimagines the workplace environment for each U.S. Courts department and bridges the historic elements of the building with contemporary state-of-the-art office needs for future flexibility. The investment on integrated design such as energy efficiency and smart building technologies was key to the design philosophy.
"The spaces are understated and straightforward, letting the building's history and its architecture speak for themselves." — Kay Sargent, GSA Design Awards Juror
"On behalf of the entire AE team, I am so proud to receive this GSA Workplace award for the U.S. Courthouse consolidation project at the Conrad B. Duberstein U.S. Post Office and Courthouse in conjunction with GSA project manager, Robert Olohan. [Dattner Architects' Principal] Paul Bauer and I were excited to connect with GSA leadership, the jury, and fellow award recipients after the event in DC. Dattner looks forward to continuing these conversations on current and future endeavors." — Catherine Selby, Dattner Architects' Principal
On March 15, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) recognized the Conrad B. Duberstein U.S. Bankruptcy Courthouse with a Citation Award in Workplace Design at an awards ceremony in Washington DC. During the event, GSA and its Administrator Robin Carnahan presented the agency's top design awards for 19 federal projects, representing the best in architecture and arts.
"Through these awards, we are reaffirming our belief that excellence in design means creating spaces in which the federal government can deliver government effectively while also providing great overall experiences for the people who work in and visit federal facilities." — Robin Carnahan, GSA Administrator
Duberstein, a four-story Romanesque revival structure, was originally completed in 1892 with a subsequent seven-story expansion in 1933. Today, the U.S. Courts Bankruptcy and Probation Consolidation aims to reactivate the Johnson Street entrance and upgrade the workplace through a phased approach to design and construction. This renovation reimagines the workplace environment for each U.S. Courts department and bridges the historic elements of the building with contemporary state-of-the-art office needs for future flexibility. The investment on integrated design such as energy efficiency and smart building technologies was key to the design philosophy.
"The spaces are understated and straightforward, letting the building's history and its architecture speak for themselves." — Kay Sargent, GSA Design Awards Juror
"On behalf of the entire AE team, I am so proud to receive this GSA Workplace award for the U.S. Courthouse consolidation project at the Conrad B. Duberstein U.S. Post Office and Courthouse in conjunction with GSA project manager, Robert Olohan. [Dattner Architects' Principal] Paul Bauer and I were excited to connect with GSA leadership, the jury, and fellow award recipients after the event in DC. Dattner looks forward to continuing these conversations on current and future endeavors." — Catherine Selby, Dattner Architects' Principal
On March 8, Dattner Architects' Principal Gia Mainiero participated in a panel discussion on the future of collaborative project delivery in New York City as part of this year's New York Build Expo. Gia was joined on the panel by Alison Landry (Associate Commissioner, NYC Department of Design & Construction), Kimberlee Toscano (Senior Principal, Toscano Clements Taylor), and Raquel Diaz (Public Sector Area Manager, Gilbane) with Dennis Sanschagrin (Senior Vice President, PULLMAN SST) as panel moderator.
"Our panel at New York Build was an invigorating discussion on the future of collaborative delivery in New York. Bringing together leaders from all stages of the process embodied the spirit of partnership and communication that is so core to the success of the delivery model." — Gia Mainiero, Principal
New York Build is the largest construction and design show for New York and the Tri-State area, bringing together thousands of senior-level decision-makers, buyers, experts, and thought leaders from the AEC and real estate industries. The expo features 350+ high-level speakers across 12 tracks; workshops; 300+ exhibitors; live demonstrations; and networking events.
On March 8, Dattner Architects' Principal Gia Mainiero participated in a panel discussion on the future of collaborative project delivery in New York City as part of this year's New York Build Expo. Gia was joined on the panel by Alison Landry (Associate Commissioner, NYC Department of Design & Construction), Kimberlee Toscano (Senior Principal, Toscano Clements Taylor), and Raquel Diaz (Public Sector Area Manager, Gilbane) with Dennis Sanschagrin (Senior Vice President, PULLMAN SST) as panel moderator.
"Our panel at New York Build was an invigorating discussion on the future of collaborative delivery in New York. Bringing together leaders from all stages of the process embodied the spirit of partnership and communication that is so core to the success of the delivery model." — Gia Mainiero, Principal
New York Build is the largest construction and design show for New York and the Tri-State area, bringing together thousands of senior-level decision-makers, buyers, experts, and thought leaders from the AEC and real estate industries. The expo features 350+ high-level speakers across 12 tracks; workshops; 300+ exhibitors; live demonstrations; and networking events.
On January 26, AIA New York (AIANY)'s Women in Architecture (WIA) Committee celebrated women architects, who became licensed in the past year, during the committee's annual new year party at Brickworks Design Studio. As part of the festivities, the committee also honored Dattner Architects' Dana Moore with their Women in Architecture Recognition Award. This awards program highlights a recently licensed architect who demonstrates strong leadership skills and a commitment to the growth and advancement of the profession. Dana will receive a $1,000 stipend towards travel and miscellaneous expenses at this year's AIA National Conference in San Francisco.
"Thank you to the Women in Architecture Committee! I'm honored to have been recognized among so many dedicated and accomplished candidates. I look forward to attending the AIA Conference in June and connecting with more sustainability-minded architects." — Dana Moore AIA
Committed to socially responsible and sustainable design, Dana is an active member of the firm's Sustainable Practice Group where she has helped develop research, publications, and other knowledge-sharing initiatives. Beyond the office, Dana has taken part in the NYC Department of Sanitation's 2021 Zero Waste Academy and currently serves as an Urban Design Forum Forefront Fellow.
On January 26, AIA New York (AIANY)'s Women in Architecture (WIA) Committee celebrated women architects, who became licensed in the past year, during the committee's annual new year party at Brickworks Design Studio. As part of the festivities, the committee also honored Dattner Architects' Dana Moore with their Women in Architecture Recognition Award. This awards program highlights a recently licensed architect who demonstrates strong leadership skills and a commitment to the growth and advancement of the profession. Dana will receive a $1,000 stipend towards travel and miscellaneous expenses at this year's AIA National Conference in San Francisco.
"Thank you to the Women in Architecture Committee! I'm honored to have been recognized among so many dedicated and accomplished candidates. I look forward to attending the AIA Conference in June and connecting with more sustainability-minded architects." — Dana Moore AIA
Committed to socially responsible and sustainable design, Dana is an active member of the firm's Sustainable Practice Group where she has helped develop research, publications, and other knowledge-sharing initiatives. Beyond the office, Dana has taken part in the NYC Department of Sanitation's 2021 Zero Waste Academy and currently serves as an Urban Design Forum Forefront Fellow.
On February 8, Associate Heather McKinstry will take part in Passive House Accelerator (PHA) Live's Next Gen series for "Scale: Exploring the Extents of Passive House." Heather will discuss how large buildings can lower energy use, while overcoming the challenges presented by the density of urban housing. As real world solutions have been developed to meet Passive House standards, new opportunities have been created to build more efficiently across all building types. Join us as we talk about how Passive House has helped rapidly transform the market.
PHA Live is a weekly series that brings together Passive House experts and those curious about Passive House to share lessons learned and best practices. PHA Live's Next Gen edition highlights the work of the next generation of practitioners and how their contributions are shaping the future of Passive House.
On February 8, Associate Heather McKinstry will take part in Passive House Accelerator (PHA) Live's Next Gen series for "Scale: Exploring the Extents of Passive House." Heather will discuss how large buildings can lower energy use, while overcoming the challenges presented by the density of urban housing. As real world solutions have been developed to meet Passive House standards, new opportunities have been created to build more efficiently across all building types. Join us as we talk about how Passive House has helped rapidly transform the market.
PHA Live is a weekly series that brings together Passive House experts and those curious about Passive House to share lessons learned and best practices. PHA Live's Next Gen edition highlights the work of the next generation of practitioners and how their contributions are shaping the future of Passive House.
In recognition of their demonstrated leadership, dedication to our firm and our values, and passion for civic architecture, Dattner Architects is proud to announce the promotions of our four new Associates: Gustavo Munoz, Brandon Wang, Kristy Phillips, and Matthew Barlow.
“Our four new associates each bring a unique perspective to our practice. We are grateful for their commitment and accomplishments—and quite excited to have them join the leadership of our associates group.” — Kirsten Sibilia, Managing Principal
Gustavo Munoz AIA
With over 30 years of experience, Gustavo Munoz’s architectural expertise is in constructability and detailing. He is passionate about seeing projects come together in the field, and uses this passion to bring mixed-use, affordable housing developments to life. Gus has previous experience working directly for general contractors, developers, as well as having his own firm.
Brandon Wang RA
Brandon Wang approaches design with conceptual tact and environmental sensitivity. He is invested in architecture that supports and propels the infrastructural operations of cities, and promotes civic spaces. Brandon has contributed to infrastructure projects and competitions of different scales in forms of research, working drawings, visualizations, and fieldwork. He serves as a Studio Resource Leader for the firm’s Transportation and Infrastructure studio as well as a Co-Chair for the Sustainable Practice Group.
Kristy Phillips AIA
Kristy Phillips is interested in the environmental and social implications of her work, and focuses on designing spaces that educate, inspire, and expose people to humanized design, natural materials, and thoughtful craftsmanship. She has experience working on a variety of projects types, including schools, community centers, office buildings, and mixed-use residential developments.
Matthew Barlow
As Proposal and Business Development Director, Matthew Barlow leads new business development initiatives and works closely with firm leadership, design teams, and clients to develop thoughtful, tailored proposals. He is dedicated to fostering and promoting the vitality of the design process, and the evolving impact it has on the communities and environments it serves.
In recognition of their demonstrated leadership, dedication to our firm and our values, and passion for civic architecture, Dattner Architects is proud to announce the promotions of our four new Associates: Gustavo Munoz, Brandon Wang, Kristy Phillips, and Matthew Barlow.
“Our four new associates each bring a unique perspective to our practice. We are grateful for their commitment and accomplishments—and quite excited to have them join the leadership of our associates group.” — Kirsten Sibilia, Managing Principal
Gustavo Munoz AIA
With over 30 years of experience, Gustavo Munoz’s architectural expertise is in constructability and detailing. He is passionate about seeing projects come together in the field, and uses this passion to bring mixed-use, affordable housing developments to life. Gus has previous experience working directly for general contractors, developers, as well as having his own firm.
Brandon Wang RA
Brandon Wang approaches design with conceptual tact and environmental sensitivity. He is invested in architecture that supports and propels the infrastructural operations of cities, and promotes civic spaces. Brandon has contributed to infrastructure projects and competitions of different scales in forms of research, working drawings, visualizations, and fieldwork. He serves as a Studio Resource Leader for the firm’s Transportation and Infrastructure studio as well as a Co-Chair for the Sustainable Practice Group.
Kristy Phillips AIA
Kristy Phillips is interested in the environmental and social implications of her work, and focuses on designing spaces that educate, inspire, and expose people to humanized design, natural materials, and thoughtful craftsmanship. She has experience working on a variety of projects types, including schools, community centers, office buildings, and mixed-use residential developments.
Matthew Barlow
As Proposal and Business Development Director, Matthew Barlow leads new business development initiatives and works closely with firm leadership, design teams, and clients to develop thoughtful, tailored proposals. He is dedicated to fostering and promoting the vitality of the design process, and the evolving impact it has on the communities and environments it serves.
Ruth Ro Joins Dattner Architects’ Partners Group
Dattner Architects is pleased to announce that Ruth Ro AIA, LEED AP BD+C has been elevated to Principal in recognition of her contributions to the firm and her evolving role in the practice.
“After 11 years at Dattner Architects, Ruth Ro is joining our partnership, becoming our fifth woman owner. To each endeavor, she brings her characteristic energy and optimism, her commitment to diversity and social equity, and her talent as a designer and project leader—I am excited to see what she creates with this expanded platform.” — Kirsten Sibilia, Managing Principal
Naturally adept at bringing people together and facilitating dialogue, Ruth Ro leads the planning and architectural design of large-scale mixed-use projects. Her approach to working with clients and consultants is characterized by a commitment to problem solving through design and the belief in successful collaboration. Ruth is part of Dattner Architects’ Design and Technology Committee and she is one of the leaders in the firm’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee.
“I am proud to be joining a partnership of colleagues whose combined strengths, shared mission, and commitment to great design continue to reinforce Dattner Architects’ reputation as good neighbors to the communities we serve and respected leaders in the profession.” — Ruth Ro
Keith Engel is Elevated to Associate Principal
Dattner Architects is also pleased to announce that Keith Engel AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CPHD has joined the Associate Principals group.
“Keith’s professional work and advocacy for providing housing for those most in need is remarkable. As a Studio Leader at Dattner Architects, he has created an environment where professionals at all levels flourish. We are pleased to welcome him to our Associates Principals group.” — Kirsten Sibilia, Managing Principal
Keith Engel values architecture’s ability to affect change and provide meaningful and equitable experiences, and he has dedicated his career to practicing socially responsible design with a focus on affordable and supportive housing. Keith has a nuanced perspective of a city in constant transition, and a personal commitment to a collaborative practice that invigorates neighborhoods and promotes constructive dialogue within the urban realm. He also currently serves as one of the firm’s Housing Studio Directors.
“I am grateful and honored to join the Associate Principals and Principals in leading the civic mission of Dattner Architects. Consideration for essential and socially-engaged architecture is what drew me to Dattner 10 years ago, and I’m excited to continue to evolve a practice in service of those most vulnerable members of society—the unhoused in particular, and those that experience housing insecurity writ large.” — Keith Engel
Ruth Ro Joins Dattner Architects’ Partners Group
Dattner Architects is pleased to announce that Ruth Ro AIA, LEED AP BD+C has been elevated to Principal in recognition of her contributions to the firm and her evolving role in the practice.
“After 11 years at Dattner Architects, Ruth Ro is joining our partnership, becoming our fifth woman owner. To each endeavor, she brings her characteristic energy and optimism, her commitment to diversity and social equity, and her talent as a designer and project leader—I am excited to see what she creates with this expanded platform.” — Kirsten Sibilia, Managing Principal
Naturally adept at bringing people together and facilitating dialogue, Ruth Ro leads the planning and architectural design of large-scale mixed-use projects. Her approach to working with clients and consultants is characterized by a commitment to problem solving through design and the belief in successful collaboration. Ruth is part of Dattner Architects’ Design and Technology Committee and she is one of the leaders in the firm’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee.
“I am proud to be joining a partnership of colleagues whose combined strengths, shared mission, and commitment to great design continue to reinforce Dattner Architects’ reputation as good neighbors to the communities we serve and respected leaders in the profession.” — Ruth Ro
Keith Engel is Elevated to Associate Principal
Dattner Architects is also pleased to announce that Keith Engel AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CPHD has joined the Associate Principals group.
“Keith’s professional work and advocacy for providing housing for those most in need is remarkable. As a Studio Leader at Dattner Architects, he has created an environment where professionals at all levels flourish. We are pleased to welcome him to our Associates Principals group.” — Kirsten Sibilia, Managing Principal
Keith Engel values architecture’s ability to affect change and provide meaningful and equitable experiences, and he has dedicated his career to practicing socially responsible design with a focus on affordable and supportive housing. Keith has a nuanced perspective of a city in constant transition, and a personal commitment to a collaborative practice that invigorates neighborhoods and promotes constructive dialogue within the urban realm. He also currently serves as one of the firm’s Housing Studio Directors.
“I am grateful and honored to join the Associate Principals and Principals in leading the civic mission of Dattner Architects. Consideration for essential and socially-engaged architecture is what drew me to Dattner 10 years ago, and I’m excited to continue to evolve a practice in service of those most vulnerable members of society—the unhoused in particular, and those that experience housing insecurity writ large.” — Keith Engel
Dattner Architects had the recent honor of receiving two significant awards at the Queens & Bronx Building Association (QBBA) Gala.
Located in the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn, our design for 50 Penn was recognized with a QBBA Building Award for its elegant design on a complicated site. The transit-oriented, mixed-use development sits adjacent to the elevated J/Z Subway and the below-grade A/C Subway. As a former industrial site, it was remediated through the Brownfield Cleanup Program. 50 Penn includes 218 apartments, 42 of which are dedicated to formerly homeless and elderly households. Commercial and retail spaces activate the ground floor, including a health-food grocery store developed through New York City's FRESH program which promotes nutritious, affordable, and fresh food in underserved neighborhoods.
We were also honored with the first-ever QBBA Bronx Borough President's Award for 425 Grand Concourse. Borough President Gibson's Deputy BP, Janet Peguero, complimented the building design in her remarks as a gateway to the Bronx and an appropriate replacement for the former PS 31 school that previously occupied the site. 425 Grand Concourse is a model for dense urban development with 277 all-affordable apartments, a mixed-use podium that includes a CUNY Hostos student center, community medical center, and grocery store. At 26 stories and over 300,000 square feet, 425 Grand Concourse is the largest certified PHIUS Passive House project to date.
"Thank you to QBBA for this great honor. We are so proud to have our work recognized for the impact that can be made through reinvesting in our New York City neighborhoods." — John Woelfling
Dattner Architects had the recent honor of receiving two significant awards at the Queens & Bronx Building Association (QBBA) Gala.
Located in the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn, our design for 50 Penn was recognized with a QBBA Building Award for its elegant design on a complicated site. The transit-oriented, mixed-use development sits adjacent to the elevated J/Z Subway and the below-grade A/C Subway. As a former industrial site, it was remediated through the Brownfield Cleanup Program. 50 Penn includes 218 apartments, 42 of which are dedicated to formerly homeless and elderly households. Commercial and retail spaces activate the ground floor, including a health-food grocery store developed through New York City's FRESH program which promotes nutritious, affordable, and fresh food in underserved neighborhoods.
We were also honored with the first-ever QBBA Bronx Borough President's Award for 425 Grand Concourse. Borough President Gibson's Deputy BP, Janet Peguero, complimented the building design in her remarks as a gateway to the Bronx and an appropriate replacement for the former PS 31 school that previously occupied the site. 425 Grand Concourse is a model for dense urban development with 277 all-affordable apartments, a mixed-use podium that includes a CUNY Hostos student center, community medical center, and grocery store. At 26 stories and over 300,000 square feet, 425 Grand Concourse is the largest certified PHIUS Passive House project to date.
"Thank you to QBBA for this great honor. We are so proud to have our work recognized for the impact that can be made through reinvesting in our New York City neighborhoods." — John Woelfling
Dattner Architects joined MDG Design & Construction, Smith & Henzy Advisory Group, The New York Foundling, City and State officials, and local community partners for the ribbon cutting ceremony at Vital Brookdale, a new mixed-use Passive House development in Brooklyn.
"Vital Brookdale is a superb example of affordable, multifamily passive house housing in NYC. The unique site created some challenges, but the design and construction teams worked together to create a beautiful project. This building integrates well into the community and furthers many of the State's goals in the Vital Brooklyn initiative. We are honored to be part of this team and excited to celebrate this milestone." — Shefali Sanghvi, Director of Sustainability
Vital Brookdale is the first building to be completed under New York State’s Vital Brooklyn Initiative—an ongoing community development program for underserved neighborhoods in Central Brooklyn. An exemplary model of affordable Passive House and community-based housing with healthcare, Vital Brookdale brings 160 units of affordable housing and 25,000 square feet of health-focused community space to the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn. Alongside deeply affordable apartments, Vital Brookdale provides resources that promote health and wellness, job training, outdoor green space, and opportunities for recreation, supporting residents and the surrounding community.
Tenants have access to a second floor terrace, and front and rear-courtyards, which includes landscaping, a dog run, play area as well as passive recreation and seating areas. Additional amenities include complimentary building-wide wireless-internet access, a multi-purpose community room, game room, library/co-working space, fitness room, laundry room, cold-storage locker and package rooms, and a bike storage room. This Passive House project has a 100kW roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system, green roof, high-performance mechanical systems, insulation and windows, LED lighting, low-flow water fixtures, and several other energy-efficient measures to ensure the comfort and affordability for residents as well as sustainability of the building.
Dattner Architects joined MDG Design & Construction, Smith & Henzy Advisory Group, The New York Foundling, City and State officials, and local community partners for the ribbon cutting ceremony at Vital Brookdale, a new mixed-use Passive House development in Brooklyn.
"Vital Brookdale is a superb example of affordable, multifamily passive house housing in NYC. The unique site created some challenges, but the design and construction teams worked together to create a beautiful project. This building integrates well into the community and furthers many of the State's goals in the Vital Brooklyn initiative. We are honored to be part of this team and excited to celebrate this milestone." — Shefali Sanghvi, Director of Sustainability
Vital Brookdale is the first building to be completed under New York State’s Vital Brooklyn Initiative—an ongoing community development program for underserved neighborhoods in Central Brooklyn. An exemplary model of affordable Passive House and community-based housing with healthcare, Vital Brookdale brings 160 units of affordable housing and 25,000 square feet of health-focused community space to the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn. Alongside deeply affordable apartments, Vital Brookdale provides resources that promote health and wellness, job training, outdoor green space, and opportunities for recreation, supporting residents and the surrounding community.
Tenants have access to a second floor terrace, and front and rear-courtyards, which includes landscaping, a dog run, play area as well as passive recreation and seating areas. Additional amenities include complimentary building-wide wireless-internet access, a multi-purpose community room, game room, library/co-working space, fitness room, laundry room, cold-storage locker and package rooms, and a bike storage room. This Passive House project has a 100kW roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system, green roof, high-performance mechanical systems, insulation and windows, LED lighting, low-flow water fixtures, and several other energy-efficient measures to ensure the comfort and affordability for residents as well as sustainability of the building.
Dattner Architects' Associate Heather McKinstry has been named one of Professional Women in Construction (PWC)'s 20 under 40. The recipients represent a diverse group of 20 individuals excelling in their respective careers.
"I’m honored to have been selected as one of PWC’s 20 under 40 Women in Construction. The tireless work of organization like PWC have changed the culture of the construction industry, and I’m proud to be able to contribute to the work of building our cities."— Heather McKinstry
Heather believes that architecture's most important role is to create inclusive, healthy, and sustainable buildings for communities, while minimizing their impact on the natural environment. As a leader in the firm's Sustainable Practice Group, she chairs the committee on building energy usage. Heather was most recently the Project Manager for 425 Grand Concourse, the largest Passive House (PHIUS) certified building in North America.
The 2022 20 Under 40 Class will be honored and celebrated at a ceremony during PWC's holiday party on December 8.
Dattner Architects' Associate Heather McKinstry has been named one of Professional Women in Construction (PWC)'s 20 under 40. The recipients represent a diverse group of 20 individuals excelling in their respective careers.
"I’m honored to have been selected as one of PWC’s 20 under 40 Women in Construction. The tireless work of organization like PWC have changed the culture of the construction industry, and I’m proud to be able to contribute to the work of building our cities."— Heather McKinstry
Heather believes that architecture's most important role is to create inclusive, healthy, and sustainable buildings for communities, while minimizing their impact on the natural environment. As a leader in the firm's Sustainable Practice Group, she chairs the committee on building energy usage. Heather was most recently the Project Manager for 425 Grand Concourse, the largest Passive House (PHIUS) certified building in North America.
The 2022 20 Under 40 Class will be honored and celebrated at a ceremony during PWC's holiday party on December 8.
Dattner Architects is proud to share that 425 Grand Concourse and Santaella Gardens were big winners at this year's PhiusCon in Chicago. 425 Grand Concourse took home the award for Best Overall Project as well as Best High-Rise Multifamily, while Santaella Gardens won the Best Project by a Young Professional.
425 Grand Concourse is the largest Passive House (PHIUS) certified project in North America. The 26-story building implements high efficiency building systems with an air-tight building envelope, energy recovery ventilation, and sustainable features to significantly reduce heat loss and gain. The development will consume up to 70% less energy than a conventional housing project.
Santaella Garden's super-insulated, virtually air-tight building envelope includes thermally broken, high-performance windows and advanced air sealing details to eliminate condensation and air exfiltration. The high-performance envelope offers residents enhanced thermal comfort while lowering heating and cooling costs.
The 8th Annual Passive Projects Design Competition recognized fully certified passive building projects of all types and in all climate zones. Competition categories included: Best Overall Project; Best Single Family; Best High-Rise Multifamily; Best Low-Rise Multifamily; Best Commercial / Institutional; Best Retrofit; Best Source Zero; and Best Project by a Young Professional.
Dattner Architects is proud to share that 425 Grand Concourse and Santaella Gardens were big winners at this year's PhiusCon in Chicago. 425 Grand Concourse took home the award for Best Overall Project as well as Best High-Rise Multifamily, while Santaella Gardens won the Best Project by a Young Professional.
425 Grand Concourse is the largest Passive House (PHIUS) certified project in North America. The 26-story building implements high efficiency building systems with an air-tight building envelope, energy recovery ventilation, and sustainable features to significantly reduce heat loss and gain. The development will consume up to 70% less energy than a conventional housing project.
Santaella Garden's super-insulated, virtually air-tight building envelope includes thermally broken, high-performance windows and advanced air sealing details to eliminate condensation and air exfiltration. The high-performance envelope offers residents enhanced thermal comfort while lowering heating and cooling costs.
The 8th Annual Passive Projects Design Competition recognized fully certified passive building projects of all types and in all climate zones. Competition categories included: Best Overall Project; Best Single Family; Best High-Rise Multifamily; Best Low-Rise Multifamily; Best Commercial / Institutional; Best Retrofit; Best Source Zero; and Best Project by a Young Professional.
Dattner Architects is proud to celebrate the grand opening of the Stanley Manne Research Institute! Located at the Bronx High School of Science, the Manne Institute is a new state-of-the-art research building named after, and generously funded by, Bronx Science alumnus Stanley Manne. The donation from Mr. Manne represents the largest individual gift to The Bronx High School of Science Alumni Foundation ever, and the largest gift to a New York City public school in history. This university-level facility will allow high school students from across the Bronx to conduct long-term experiments, preparing them for college or professional settings.
The building houses three multidisciplinary labs, a walk-in cold room, tissue culture room, microscopy room, sterilization room, animal room, and a multi-purpose room for special events. Like a professional lab, spaces are modular and flexible, as equipment and science requirements change over time. Each lab is served by a computational room for group meetings, lectures, and experiment data review.
“The Manne Institute is a transformative project for Bronx Science and our biggest undertaking ever as a Foundation. We needed an architecture firm who could go beyond design. We needed a firm with true expertise, tremendous respect in the industry and the capabilities to help advise through all steps of the project. As we did our research, it became apparent that Daniel Heuberger and his team at Dattner checked all of those boxes and more. We simply could have never done this project without Dattner Architects and their talents.” — Eleanor Coufus, VP - Alumni Foundation, Bronx High School of Science
Offering summer study programs and faculty mentorship opportunities, the Manne Institute will also enable promising students from Bronx Science and other area public high schools additional advanced research opportunities in Microbiology, Animal Behavior, and Genetics.
“This is more than a unique research facility, but a wonderful Bronx story as well. A graduate of the school, Stanley Manne, has given another generation of ambitious and bright students an opportunity to embark on a lifetime of scientific inquiry.” — Daniel Heuberger, Principal, Dattner Architects
Although its footprint is modest in size, this research center is a highly visible place-making addition to the school campus. Along with the much larger main building, it completes the outdoor courtyard where students gather between classes. The lab is visible from all sides, and subtle offsets in the massing and screening of the roof top mechanical plant give each façade a unique visual proportion and contextual relationship. The building is conceived as a precise, finely detailed scientific object.
The façade is composed of tightly spaced, fiber-reinforced concrete panels, punctuated by modular openings that respond to the compact and rational laboratory plans. The three-dimensional panels cast changing and dynamic shadows on the façade over the course of the day. Bright green brick accents representing the school color mark the entrances and line the main stair and lobby.
“The Stanley Manne Research Institute provides a unique opportunity for talented NYC public high school students to be trained in a university-level laboratory. Who knows what important breakthroughs in biology or medicine will be made by these future scientists?” — Brian Nesin, Senior Associate, Dattner Architects
Dattner Architects is proud to celebrate the grand opening of the Stanley Manne Research Institute! Located at the Bronx High School of Science, the Manne Institute is a new state-of-the-art research building named after, and generously funded by, Bronx Science alumnus Stanley Manne. The donation from Mr. Manne represents the largest individual gift to The Bronx High School of Science Alumni Foundation ever, and the largest gift to a New York City public school in history. This university-level facility will allow high school students from across the Bronx to conduct long-term experiments, preparing them for college or professional settings.
The building houses three multidisciplinary labs, a walk-in cold room, tissue culture room, microscopy room, sterilization room, animal room, and a multi-purpose room for special events. Like a professional lab, spaces are modular and flexible, as equipment and science requirements change over time. Each lab is served by a computational room for group meetings, lectures, and experiment data review.
“The Manne Institute is a transformative project for Bronx Science and our biggest undertaking ever as a Foundation. We needed an architecture firm who could go beyond design. We needed a firm with true expertise, tremendous respect in the industry and the capabilities to help advise through all steps of the project. As we did our research, it became apparent that Daniel Heuberger and his team at Dattner checked all of those boxes and more. We simply could have never done this project without Dattner Architects and their talents.” — Eleanor Coufus, VP - Alumni Foundation, Bronx High School of Science
Offering summer study programs and faculty mentorship opportunities, the Manne Institute will also enable promising students from Bronx Science and other area public high schools additional advanced research opportunities in Microbiology, Animal Behavior, and Genetics.
“This is more than a unique research facility, but a wonderful Bronx story as well. A graduate of the school, Stanley Manne, has given another generation of ambitious and bright students an opportunity to embark on a lifetime of scientific inquiry.” — Daniel Heuberger, Principal, Dattner Architects
Although its footprint is modest in size, this research center is a highly visible place-making addition to the school campus. Along with the much larger main building, it completes the outdoor courtyard where students gather between classes. The lab is visible from all sides, and subtle offsets in the massing and screening of the roof top mechanical plant give each façade a unique visual proportion and contextual relationship. The building is conceived as a precise, finely detailed scientific object.
The façade is composed of tightly spaced, fiber-reinforced concrete panels, punctuated by modular openings that respond to the compact and rational laboratory plans. The three-dimensional panels cast changing and dynamic shadows on the façade over the course of the day. Bright green brick accents representing the school color mark the entrances and line the main stair and lobby.
“The Stanley Manne Research Institute provides a unique opportunity for talented NYC public high school students to be trained in a university-level laboratory. Who knows what important breakthroughs in biology or medicine will be made by these future scientists?” — Brian Nesin, Senior Associate, Dattner Architects
Chestnut Commons was recently featured in Bloomberg CityLab's Look at That Building — a weekly series about everyday and not-so-everyday architecture.
Located in the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn, this new mixed-use residential project is a model for healthy and sustainable urban living. Community-centric in both design and development, Chestnut Commons provides affordable housing for formerly homeless and low-income households and integrates a satellite Community College campus, a food manufacturing incubator offering job training, and a credit union.
Principal John Woelfling gave Bloomberg writer Lizzie Kane a tour of the Passive House project, discussing how the design team sought to challenge the traditional model for affordable housing in New York City.
Chestnut Commons was recently featured in Bloomberg CityLab's Look at That Building — a weekly series about everyday and not-so-everyday architecture.
Located in the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn, this new mixed-use residential project is a model for healthy and sustainable urban living. Community-centric in both design and development, Chestnut Commons provides affordable housing for formerly homeless and low-income households and integrates a satellite Community College campus, a food manufacturing incubator offering job training, and a credit union.
Principal John Woelfling gave Bloomberg writer Lizzie Kane a tour of the Passive House project, discussing how the design team sought to challenge the traditional model for affordable housing in New York City.
On November 10, Principal John Woelfling will be on the "Decarbonization of Affordable Housing" panel at the Javits Center for Propel by MIPIM NYC — a conference and expo event gathering game changers of the built environment for two days of innovation and opportunities in the real estate industry.
John will be joined by James Lloyd (Director of Policy, New York State Association for Affordable Housing), Tibita Kaneene (Vice President, Green Bank), and Laura Humphrey (Director of Sustainability, L+M Development Partners). Panelists will discuss governmental policy, financing green buildings, challenges and solutions in achieving state-of-the-art low carbon and carbon neutral affordable housing, and much more.
On November 10, Principal John Woelfling will be on the "Decarbonization of Affordable Housing" panel at the Javits Center for Propel by MIPIM NYC — a conference and expo event gathering game changers of the built environment for two days of innovation and opportunities in the real estate industry.
John will be joined by James Lloyd (Director of Policy, New York State Association for Affordable Housing), Tibita Kaneene (Vice President, Green Bank), and Laura Humphrey (Director of Sustainability, L+M Development Partners). Panelists will discuss governmental policy, financing green buildings, challenges and solutions in achieving state-of-the-art low carbon and carbon neutral affordable housing, and much more.
"This building has given me and my daughter Isabella a chance to have a fresh start." — Chasity, 425 Grand Concourse resident
On November 2, Dattner Architects joined Trinity Financial, MBD Community Housing Corporation, City and State officials, local community partners, and 425 Grand Concourse residents to celebrate the grand opening of the largest Passive House (PHIUS) project in North America. Located at one of the Bronx's great boulevards, 425 Grand Concourse provides the Mott Haven neighborhood with affordable housing, community support space, a medical facility, supermarket, and a new student services center for CUNY Hostos.
"Dattner Architects has had the privilege of working for the last seven years on what is an exceptional project in so many ways. The building provides luxury, affordable housing for 277 families in a high-quality, low carbon building that addresses the health inequities that too often occur in our cities. The building’s energy efficient Passive House design drives down the utility costs for the residents and reduces the building’s greenhouse gas emissions-well ahead of LL97’s requirements. The project is an example of smart redevelopment and investment in the Bronx and is replicable in any part of our City to simultaneously address both the affordable housing crisis and the climate crisis." — John Woelfling, Principal
This benchmark sustainable project provides a model for healthy living environments in a district with one of the worst childhood asthma rates in the country. Each apartments' living rooms and bedrooms receive filtered, ventilated air, increasing interior comfort and air quality. The project's expansive windows provide abundant amounts of daylight while balancing the window-to-wall ratio that is critical in achieving Passive House performance levels.
"425 Grand Concourse is proof that an environmentally just world is possible. Visible from across the Bronx and beyond, it is a beacon, lighting the way for a brighter future of healthy buildings, cleaner air, and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. Like all of our affordable housing work, this building is transforming the lives of middle and low income New Yorkers, providing brightly daylit and energy efficient homes for them to call their own." — Heather McKinstry, Associate
"This building has given me and my daughter Isabella a chance to have a fresh start." — Chasity, 425 Grand Concourse resident
On November 2, Dattner Architects joined Trinity Financial, MBD Community Housing Corporation, City and State officials, local community partners, and 425 Grand Concourse residents to celebrate the grand opening of the largest Passive House (PHIUS) project in North America. Located at one of the Bronx's great boulevards, 425 Grand Concourse provides the Mott Haven neighborhood with affordable housing, community support space, a medical facility, supermarket, and a new student services center for CUNY Hostos.
"Dattner Architects has had the privilege of working for the last seven years on what is an exceptional project in so many ways. The building provides luxury, affordable housing for 277 families in a high-quality, low carbon building that addresses the health inequities that too often occur in our cities. The building’s energy efficient Passive House design drives down the utility costs for the residents and reduces the building’s greenhouse gas emissions-well ahead of LL97’s requirements. The project is an example of smart redevelopment and investment in the Bronx and is replicable in any part of our City to simultaneously address both the affordable housing crisis and the climate crisis." — John Woelfling, Principal
This benchmark sustainable project provides a model for healthy living environments in a district with one of the worst childhood asthma rates in the country. Each apartments' living rooms and bedrooms receive filtered, ventilated air, increasing interior comfort and air quality. The project's expansive windows provide abundant amounts of daylight while balancing the window-to-wall ratio that is critical in achieving Passive House performance levels.
"425 Grand Concourse is proof that an environmentally just world is possible. Visible from across the Bronx and beyond, it is a beacon, lighting the way for a brighter future of healthy buildings, cleaner air, and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. Like all of our affordable housing work, this building is transforming the lives of middle and low income New Yorkers, providing brightly daylit and energy efficient homes for them to call their own." — Heather McKinstry, Associate
On November 10, Principal Daniel Heuberger will be speaking at this year's Small Firm Symposium. Hosted by AIA New York State, AIA New Jersey, and AIA Pennsylvania, the symposium is a two-day virtual program packed with resources for small firms to learn how to operate more effectively and efficiently.
Titled, "Lessons Learned for Small Firms that Want to Become Bigger Firms," Daniel's session will cover Dattner Architects' journey from a small, sole practitioner office to a 125-person firm, and offer lessons learned for how to not only cope with change, but embrace it. Symposium attendees will also hear about the firm's transition planning, adaptation to new technology, diversification of our portfolio, and more.
On November 10, Principal Daniel Heuberger will be speaking at this year's Small Firm Symposium. Hosted by AIA New York State, AIA New Jersey, and AIA Pennsylvania, the symposium is a two-day virtual program packed with resources for small firms to learn how to operate more effectively and efficiently.
Titled, "Lessons Learned for Small Firms that Want to Become Bigger Firms," Daniel's session will cover Dattner Architects' journey from a small, sole practitioner office to a 125-person firm, and offer lessons learned for how to not only cope with change, but embrace it. Symposium attendees will also hear about the firm's transition planning, adaptation to new technology, diversification of our portfolio, and more.
On November 16, Principal John Woelfling joins Passive House Accelerator (PHA) Live for "Affordable Multi-Family Passive House: A Denser Path to Clean" — an in-depth discussion on how the density associated with urban multi-family buildings can make achieving Passive House performance more attainable, even on an affordable housing budget. Specifically, John will discuss the design and construction of three Dattner-designed, mixed-use Passive House projects: Vital Brookdale, Santaella Gardens, and 425 Grand Concourse.
PHA Live is a virtual weekly series that explores how to slash greenhouse gas emissions and make buildings more resilient to climate change. The series brings together Passive House experts and those simply curious about Passive House to share lessons learned and best practices.
On November 16, Principal John Woelfling joins Passive House Accelerator (PHA) Live for "Affordable Multi-Family Passive House: A Denser Path to Clean" — an in-depth discussion on how the density associated with urban multi-family buildings can make achieving Passive House performance more attainable, even on an affordable housing budget. Specifically, John will discuss the design and construction of three Dattner-designed, mixed-use Passive House projects: Vital Brookdale, Santaella Gardens, and 425 Grand Concourse.
PHA Live is a virtual weekly series that explores how to slash greenhouse gas emissions and make buildings more resilient to climate change. The series brings together Passive House experts and those simply curious about Passive House to share lessons learned and best practices.
On October 25, Dattner Architects joined the West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing (WSFSSH), City officials, and partnering community leaders for the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for WSFSSH at West 108.
This new, mixed-use residential development provides an integrated approach to urban housing, offering 119 permanent supportive housing units, 80 affordable family apartments, and a 110-bed transitional shelter. On-site support services include case management, crisis intervention counseling, and medication and nutrition services.
Charming cut metal tree guards, window guards, fences, and gates are seen throughout the development and were created by artist Béatrice Coron. The theme, ROOTS AND SEASONS, is about the way human beings and trees adapt to the change of seasons. The artwork depicts the "balance between strength and flexibility like trees that sink their roots into the earth so they can bend in the wind without breaking."
"Dattner Architects congratulates the West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing and the entire project team on the completion of WSFSSH at West 108. This transformative project provides urgently needed affordable and supportive housing, transitional housing for homeless seniors and a primary care clinic. WSFSSH at West 108 is a model for mixed-use, community oriented housing that enhances its neighborhood. We are honored to be the architects for this outstanding project." — William Stein FAIA, Principal
The project also provides spaces that are accessible to the community. The community room is available for scheduled use by community residents, and the dining room serves as a multipurpose space for movie nights, concerts, and other neighborhood events. Other community features include a primary care clinic serving the public, storage space for Central Park Medical Unit ambulances, and a comfort station for the adjacent Anibal Aviles playground. This mix of uses integrates the building with the neighborhood and enhances the quality of life in the community. The project’s sustainable features—including solar panels, energy efficient envelope and systems, and use of healthy materials—contribute to its positive neighborhood impact.
"It was an exciting day seeing all of our collective hard work come to fruition—Dattner Architects is honored to be part of the team. WSFSSH at West 108 is already a cornerstone of the community, bringing much needed affordable and transitional housing to the neighborhood, without looking like typical affordable housing. The interior and exterior of the building came out fantastic, and it is plain to see that residents are proud to call the building home." — Shefali Sanghvi AIA, Director of Sustainability
On October 25, Dattner Architects joined the West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing (WSFSSH), City officials, and partnering community leaders for the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for WSFSSH at West 108.
This new, mixed-use residential development provides an integrated approach to urban housing, offering 119 permanent supportive housing units, 80 affordable family apartments, and a 110-bed transitional shelter. On-site support services include case management, crisis intervention counseling, and medication and nutrition services.
Charming cut metal tree guards, window guards, fences, and gates are seen throughout the development and were created by artist Béatrice Coron. The theme, ROOTS AND SEASONS, is about the way human beings and trees adapt to the change of seasons. The artwork depicts the "balance between strength and flexibility like trees that sink their roots into the earth so they can bend in the wind without breaking."
"Dattner Architects congratulates the West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing and the entire project team on the completion of WSFSSH at West 108. This transformative project provides urgently needed affordable and supportive housing, transitional housing for homeless seniors and a primary care clinic. WSFSSH at West 108 is a model for mixed-use, community oriented housing that enhances its neighborhood. We are honored to be the architects for this outstanding project." — William Stein FAIA, Principal
The project also provides spaces that are accessible to the community. The community room is available for scheduled use by community residents, and the dining room serves as a multipurpose space for movie nights, concerts, and other neighborhood events. Other community features include a primary care clinic serving the public, storage space for Central Park Medical Unit ambulances, and a comfort station for the adjacent Anibal Aviles playground. This mix of uses integrates the building with the neighborhood and enhances the quality of life in the community. The project’s sustainable features—including solar panels, energy efficient envelope and systems, and use of healthy materials—contribute to its positive neighborhood impact.
"It was an exciting day seeing all of our collective hard work come to fruition—Dattner Architects is honored to be part of the team. WSFSSH at West 108 is already a cornerstone of the community, bringing much needed affordable and transitional housing to the neighborhood, without looking like typical affordable housing. The interior and exterior of the building came out fantastic, and it is plain to see that residents are proud to call the building home." — Shefali Sanghvi AIA, Director of Sustainability
Open House New York (OHNY) promotes broad, unparalleled access to the city—to the places, people, projects, systems, and ideas that define New York and its future. Every October, OHNY Weekend takes center stage. This annual festival opens the doors to hundreds of significant places across NYC to deepen the public's understanding of how design can strengthen communities. This year, OHNY Weekend turned 20, and Dattner Architects was proud to participate in this milestone celebration with tours at Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage, Spring Street Salt Shed, Chestnut Commons, and Riverbank State Park.
M125 Garage & Salt Shed
On October 22, Principals Paul Bauer and Gia Mainiero led tours at M125 Garage and Salt Shed alongside members of NYC's Department of Sanitation. A staple site during each OHNY Weekend, these critical civic architecture buildings remain popular with OHNY visitors. The in-person tours included discussions about the design and construction of both buildings, the difficulties of safely storing 5,000 pounds of corrosive material, and addressing the community's previous concerns about safety and aesthetics.
"Like many of the OHNY attendees, this was also my first chance to get a glimpse into the celebrated work that allows our city to support its essential functions. Hearing firsthand from the users of the space and seeing our design in action was an opportunity that underscored the importance of the work we do every day and how it contributes to a better NYC." — Gabriella Orsi, Dattner Architects' Designer and first time OHNY Weekend volunteer
Chestnut Commons
Chestnut Commons recently opened their doors to the community this year, and we were happy to provide behind-the-scenes access to OHNY visitors. One of the first developments stemming from the East New York Neighborhood Plan, Chestnut Commons is a new Passive House, mixed-use development providing affordable housing, a community center, and retail space. Principal John Woelfling and Senior Associates Keith Engel and David Levine led visitors through the residential lobby and up to the roof, stopping at the second floor roof terrace and some apartments along the way. The group also went to the community center, learning about the rich array of programming the center offers including a satellite campus for CUNY Kingsborough Community College, a construction-oriented job training center, gym, café, and a food manufacturing incubator that also provides culinary training. Visitors on the tours also heard from two of our clients, MHANY Management and Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation.
Riverbank State Park
For the second year in a row, our founder Richard Dattner led OHNY visitors through Riverbank State Park—NYC's first public green roof, and one of the largest still today. Richard was joined on the tours by Leslie Wright, NYC Regional Director for New York State's Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. Together, Richard and Leslie discussed Riverbank's inception, design, and construction as well as the critical importance of creating public open space accessible to all.
"It was a remarkable opportunity to tour the park with Richard, hear his stories dating back to the very early days of the park as a community ideal, and together witnessing how the extraordinary park has aged and accommodated a glorious variety of community programs and recreation opportunities for all these past nearly 30 years. Looking at the park's past, present, and future is a testament to Riverbank's original design success." — Leslie Wright, New York State Office of Parks' NYC Regional Director
Open House New York (OHNY) promotes broad, unparalleled access to the city—to the places, people, projects, systems, and ideas that define New York and its future. Every October, OHNY Weekend takes center stage. This annual festival opens the doors to hundreds of significant places across NYC to deepen the public's understanding of how design can strengthen communities. This year, OHNY Weekend turned 20, and Dattner Architects was proud to participate in this milestone celebration with tours at Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage, Spring Street Salt Shed, Chestnut Commons, and Riverbank State Park.
M125 Garage & Salt Shed
On October 22, Principals Paul Bauer and Gia Mainiero led tours at M125 Garage and Salt Shed alongside members of NYC's Department of Sanitation. A staple site during each OHNY Weekend, these critical civic architecture buildings remain popular with OHNY visitors. The in-person tours included discussions about the design and construction of both buildings, the difficulties of safely storing 5,000 pounds of corrosive material, and addressing the community's previous concerns about safety and aesthetics.
"Like many of the OHNY attendees, this was also my first chance to get a glimpse into the celebrated work that allows our city to support its essential functions. Hearing firsthand from the users of the space and seeing our design in action was an opportunity that underscored the importance of the work we do every day and how it contributes to a better NYC." — Gabriella Orsi, Dattner Architects' Designer and first time OHNY Weekend volunteer
Chestnut Commons
Chestnut Commons recently opened their doors to the community this year, and we were happy to provide behind-the-scenes access to OHNY visitors. One of the first developments stemming from the East New York Neighborhood Plan, Chestnut Commons is a new Passive House, mixed-use development providing affordable housing, a community center, and retail space. Principal John Woelfling and Senior Associates Keith Engel and David Levine led visitors through the residential lobby and up to the roof, stopping at the second floor roof terrace and some apartments along the way. The group also went to the community center, learning about the rich array of programming the center offers including a satellite campus for CUNY Kingsborough Community College, a construction-oriented job training center, gym, café, and a food manufacturing incubator that also provides culinary training. Visitors on the tours also heard from two of our clients, MHANY Management and Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation.
Riverbank State Park
For the second year in a row, our founder Richard Dattner led OHNY visitors through Riverbank State Park—NYC's first public green roof, and one of the largest still today. Richard was joined on the tours by Leslie Wright, NYC Regional Director for New York State's Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. Together, Richard and Leslie discussed Riverbank's inception, design, and construction as well as the critical importance of creating public open space accessible to all.
"It was a remarkable opportunity to tour the park with Richard, hear his stories dating back to the very early days of the park as a community ideal, and together witnessing how the extraordinary park has aged and accommodated a glorious variety of community programs and recreation opportunities for all these past nearly 30 years. Looking at the park's past, present, and future is a testament to Riverbank's original design success." — Leslie Wright, New York State Office of Parks' NYC Regional Director
World-Architects editor John Hill recently visited Dattner Architects, touring the new office and speaking with Principal Daniel Heuberger about a few projects currently in design and construction.
Occupied in the spring of 2022, our new office space reflects our adaptation to hybrid work schedules, and was conceived as a platform for the next decade of our evolution as a firm. Daniel spoke with John about the adaptability of the office layout saying: "We wanted to be very flexible, very open. In the old office, we had pods that were associated with studios. And because we work on a really wide variety of different typologies, there's danger of becoming a little bit siloed."
In the new office, we opted for a furniture-based solution instead of fixed bays or partitions. Instead, each person has a sit/stand desk to maximize comfort, a lockable pedestal, cubby for private belongings, and mobile laptops. The space is organized around project teams with the studios mixed together to better share experiences across sectors.
During the office tour, John and Daniel discussed two in-progress projects: Alafia and Shefa School.
A new wellness-oriented resilient development, Alafia is part of New York State's Vital Brooklyn initiative. The master plan outlines the phased redevelopment of a 25+ acre decommissioned site. Once completed, Alafia will bring over 2,400 units of affordable housing to the neighborhood, including apartments for the formerly homeless, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and seniors. The first buildings of the master plan are currently under construction.
Located in Manhattan's Upper West Side, the Shefa School is an adaptive reuse of a 1920s office building into a new home for this expanding Jewish day-school. The program is organized vertically on 12 floors. Administration and public assembly spaces occupy the lowest levels. The primary school is separated by two art and science floors from the middle schoolers at the upper floors. A double height gym, office floor for teacher training, and an outdoor rooftop play yard occupy an addition at the top of the building.
World-Architects editor John Hill recently visited Dattner Architects, touring the new office and speaking with Principal Daniel Heuberger about a few projects currently in design and construction.
Occupied in the spring of 2022, our new office space reflects our adaptation to hybrid work schedules, and was conceived as a platform for the next decade of our evolution as a firm. Daniel spoke with John about the adaptability of the office layout saying: "We wanted to be very flexible, very open. In the old office, we had pods that were associated with studios. And because we work on a really wide variety of different typologies, there's danger of becoming a little bit siloed."
In the new office, we opted for a furniture-based solution instead of fixed bays or partitions. Instead, each person has a sit/stand desk to maximize comfort, a lockable pedestal, cubby for private belongings, and mobile laptops. The space is organized around project teams with the studios mixed together to better share experiences across sectors.
During the office tour, John and Daniel discussed two in-progress projects: Alafia and Shefa School.
A new wellness-oriented resilient development, Alafia is part of New York State's Vital Brooklyn initiative. The master plan outlines the phased redevelopment of a 25+ acre decommissioned site. Once completed, Alafia will bring over 2,400 units of affordable housing to the neighborhood, including apartments for the formerly homeless, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and seniors. The first buildings of the master plan are currently under construction.
Located in Manhattan's Upper West Side, the Shefa School is an adaptive reuse of a 1920s office building into a new home for this expanding Jewish day-school. The program is organized vertically on 12 floors. Administration and public assembly spaces occupy the lowest levels. The primary school is separated by two art and science floors from the middle schoolers at the upper floors. A double height gym, office floor for teacher training, and an outdoor rooftop play yard occupy an addition at the top of the building.
On October 4, Dattner Architects joined MHANY Management (MHANY), Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation (CHLDC), Urban Builders Collaborative, New York City Department of Housing Preservation (HPD), Housing Development Corporation (HDC), and Department of City Planning (DCP) for the ribbon cutting ceremony at Chestnut Commons.
Credit: Summer Shower Productions
One of the first developments stemming from the East New York Neighborhood Plan, Chestnut Commons provides 275 permanently affordable apartments, 55 of which are set aside for formerly homeless households. On the ground floor, a new Cypress Hills East New York Community Center offers rich, multi-layered programming by Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation, CUNY Kingsborough Community College, and more.
A model for healthy and sustainable urban living, Chestnut Commons is designed to Passive House standards. The development integrates many healthy living, resiliency, and sustainability features, including rooftop solar panels, rooftop farming for residents, and other recreational spaces. Passive solar shading is provided by deeply recessed windows and projected solar shades at the eastern and southern facades.
“There are times where a project’s very name speaks volumes in underscoring the aspirations that were poured into it. Chestnut Commons is such an example, as 'Commons' is defined as ‘land or resources belonging to or affecting the whole of a community’. Therein lies the project's motivation - to provide resources in service of, and responsive to, the needs of the community. Resources for gathering, for education, for housing, and for opportunity. The affects that this development will have on the community are wide-ranging and necessary: increasing the level of deeply affordable housing for underserved populations, and decreasing a reliance on fossil fuels with deeply sustainable and resilient strategies.”—Keith Engel AIA, Senior Associate
On October 4, Dattner Architects joined MHANY Management (MHANY), Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation (CHLDC), Urban Builders Collaborative, New York City Department of Housing Preservation (HPD), Housing Development Corporation (HDC), and Department of City Planning (DCP) for the ribbon cutting ceremony at Chestnut Commons.
Credit: Summer Shower Productions
One of the first developments stemming from the East New York Neighborhood Plan, Chestnut Commons provides 275 permanently affordable apartments, 55 of which are set aside for formerly homeless households. On the ground floor, a new Cypress Hills East New York Community Center offers rich, multi-layered programming by Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation, CUNY Kingsborough Community College, and more.
A model for healthy and sustainable urban living, Chestnut Commons is designed to Passive House standards. The development integrates many healthy living, resiliency, and sustainability features, including rooftop solar panels, rooftop farming for residents, and other recreational spaces. Passive solar shading is provided by deeply recessed windows and projected solar shades at the eastern and southern facades.
“There are times where a project’s very name speaks volumes in underscoring the aspirations that were poured into it. Chestnut Commons is such an example, as 'Commons' is defined as ‘land or resources belonging to or affecting the whole of a community’. Therein lies the project's motivation - to provide resources in service of, and responsive to, the needs of the community. Resources for gathering, for education, for housing, and for opportunity. The affects that this development will have on the community are wide-ranging and necessary: increasing the level of deeply affordable housing for underserved populations, and decreasing a reliance on fossil fuels with deeply sustainable and resilient strategies.”—Keith Engel AIA, Senior Associate
Today, October 10, marks World Homeless Day. World Homeless Day has been observed internationally—across several different countries—since its inception in 2010. The purpose is to draw attention to the needs of the people who experience homelessness locally and provide opportunities for the community to get involved in responding to homelessness, while taking advantage of the stage afforded by an 'international day' to advocate for an end to homelessness through improved policy and funding.
There is a local and national homelessness crisis that continues to grow. At Dattner Architects, we have sought out ways to contribute as design professionals in this urgent effort to meet the housing crisis. As individuals and through our work as a firm, we have increased our active participation on Community Boards, zoning, code committees, and architectural review boards; we have undertaken, on behalf of our clients, more and more large-scale rezoning efforts to add more affordable housing; and we have deepened our formal commitment to consider how our projects engage both the population served, and the community in which they are sited.
Healthy, sustainable, and affordable housing is a critical focus for our firm. Dattner Architects believes that the solution to the housing affordability crisis is through providing varied layers of housing and programming developed to help the most vulnerable members of society. We are proud to be designing such projects: shelter housing, transitional housing, supportive housing, and permanent affordable housing.
We believe that housing in service to vulnerable populations goes beyond mere provision for shelter. We support our clients by integrating supportive program components into our transitional, supportive, shelter, and affordable housing projects:
At Allie's Place Family Residence, a 99-unit transitional housing project for formerly homeless families, we collaborated with our client to integrate a culinary vocational program into the heart of the facility; not only providing residents with job training skills, but the self-confidence to support their exit from the cycle of homelessness.
At our purpose-built shelter projects, we worked with our clients to incorporate public-facing medical clinics in service to both the shelter residents and the community-at-large.
At our recently completed Chestnut Commons mixed-use Passive House project, we are proud that 55 of our 275 permanently affordable housing units have been set aside for formerly homeless households. And within the Community Center at the base of the project, in addition to other program in support of the local community, a homeless services provider will provide support for these households.
At our Nevins Street Apartments project, this reinvigorated building features 129 permanently affordable units, with 78 units reserved for formerly homeless individuals, including formerly homeless veterans, individuals with histories of substance use, and people with serious mental health concerns, including young adults who have aged out of foster care. On-site supportive services are included in the project providing case management and mental health services, designed to address the holistic health of residents.
Our Cooper Gardens affordable and supportive housing project features 181 permanently affordable apartments, with 95 supportive units set aside for formerly homeless New Yorkers. The base of the building features a local pharmacy, an Ambulatory Care Center and a Mind-Body Center that is equipped with indoor and outdoor fitness areas and a teaching kitchen.
And at our WSFSSH at West 108 shelter and supportive housing project, 119 permanently supportive housing units, 80 affordable family units, and a 110-bed transitional shelter address the varied facets of the housing affordability issue. On-site supportive services are provided that include case management, crisis intervention counseling, and medication and nutrition services.
At Dattner Architects, we strive to find ways for our projects to function as community resource centers, integrating themselves into the existing community. We believe that housing design for a just and equitable city incorporates projects that are well-designed, sustainable, resilient, and supportive of the communities and populations they serve.
In recognizing that the ability to intervene within the homelessness crisis is only possible through many scales of sustained, collective, and incremental efforts, we encourage all to become engaged at the local level in this critical, humanitarian issue. Between a call to attention, action, and continued advocacy across a range of capacities, we can hope to make a difference. A few suggestions where such efforts can be directly engaged:
Community Boards are presently formulating their FY 2024 Budget Priorities. Sign up to attend your October Community Board meeting to advocate that affordable and supportive housing be included in your community's Capital Budget priorities, and that funding for homeless and supportive housing services be included as Expense Budget priorities.
Contact your elected representatives and request their advocacy on behalf of these issues within your community.
Support your local homeless services street outreach provider through volunteering and/or donating.
Utilize your voice on social media platforms to advocate on behalf of, and educate peers to, local homelessness issues.
Today, October 10, marks World Homeless Day. World Homeless Day has been observed internationally—across several different countries—since its inception in 2010. The purpose is to draw attention to the needs of the people who experience homelessness locally and provide opportunities for the community to get involved in responding to homelessness, while taking advantage of the stage afforded by an 'international day' to advocate for an end to homelessness through improved policy and funding.
There is a local and national homelessness crisis that continues to grow. At Dattner Architects, we have sought out ways to contribute as design professionals in this urgent effort to meet the housing crisis. As individuals and through our work as a firm, we have increased our active participation on Community Boards, zoning, code committees, and architectural review boards; we have undertaken, on behalf of our clients, more and more large-scale rezoning efforts to add more affordable housing; and we have deepened our formal commitment to consider how our projects engage both the population served, and the community in which they are sited.
Healthy, sustainable, and affordable housing is a critical focus for our firm. Dattner Architects believes that the solution to the housing affordability crisis is through providing varied layers of housing and programming developed to help the most vulnerable members of society. We are proud to be designing such projects: shelter housing, transitional housing, supportive housing, and permanent affordable housing.
We believe that housing in service to vulnerable populations goes beyond mere provision for shelter. We support our clients by integrating supportive program components into our transitional, supportive, shelter, and affordable housing projects:
At Allie's Place Family Residence, a 99-unit transitional housing project for formerly homeless families, we collaborated with our client to integrate a culinary vocational program into the heart of the facility; not only providing residents with job training skills, but the self-confidence to support their exit from the cycle of homelessness.
At our purpose-built shelter projects, we worked with our clients to incorporate public-facing medical clinics in service to both the shelter residents and the community-at-large.
At our recently completed Chestnut Commons mixed-use Passive House project, we are proud that 55 of our 275 permanently affordable housing units have been set aside for formerly homeless households. And within the Community Center at the base of the project, in addition to other program in support of the local community, a homeless services provider will provide support for these households.
At our Nevins Street Apartments project, this reinvigorated building features 129 permanently affordable units, with 78 units reserved for formerly homeless individuals, including formerly homeless veterans, individuals with histories of substance use, and people with serious mental health concerns, including young adults who have aged out of foster care. On-site supportive services are included in the project providing case management and mental health services, designed to address the holistic health of residents.
Our Cooper Gardens affordable and supportive housing project features 181 permanently affordable apartments, with 95 supportive units set aside for formerly homeless New Yorkers. The base of the building features a local pharmacy, an Ambulatory Care Center and a Mind-Body Center that is equipped with indoor and outdoor fitness areas and a teaching kitchen.
And at our WSFSSH at West 108 shelter and supportive housing project, 119 permanently supportive housing units, 80 affordable family units, and a 110-bed transitional shelter address the varied facets of the housing affordability issue. On-site supportive services are provided that include case management, crisis intervention counseling, and medication and nutrition services.
At Dattner Architects, we strive to find ways for our projects to function as community resource centers, integrating themselves into the existing community. We believe that housing design for a just and equitable city incorporates projects that are well-designed, sustainable, resilient, and supportive of the communities and populations they serve.
In recognizing that the ability to intervene within the homelessness crisis is only possible through many scales of sustained, collective, and incremental efforts, we encourage all to become engaged at the local level in this critical, humanitarian issue. Between a call to attention, action, and continued advocacy across a range of capacities, we can hope to make a difference. A few suggestions where such efforts can be directly engaged:
Community Boards are presently formulating their FY 2024 Budget Priorities. Sign up to attend your October Community Board meeting to advocate that affordable and supportive housing be included in your community's Capital Budget priorities, and that funding for homeless and supportive housing services be included as Expense Budget priorities.
Contact your elected representatives and request their advocacy on behalf of these issues within your community.
Support your local homeless services street outreach provider through volunteering and/or donating.
Utilize your voice on social media platforms to advocate on behalf of, and educate peers to, local homelessness issues.
On November 3, Principal Daniel Heuberger will be speaking about Low-Carbon Affordable Communities for a Sustainable and Equitable Society at this year's Greenbuild Conference in San Francisco, California.
Faced with affordable housing shortages and a rapid need for decarbonization, new residential developments need to address both social and environmental issues. This Greenbuild session addresses technologies and design strategies utilized in Alafia that can be replicated in future projects to achieve affordable and sustainable communities.
Greenbuild Conference
Panel: Low-Carbon Affordable Communities for a Sustainable and Equitable Society
Date: November 3, 2022
Time: 2:45 - 3:45pm (PST)
Daniel will be joined on this panel by Jessica Yoon (L+M Development Partners) and Christopher Kolb (Cosentini Associates) with Lois Arena (Steven Winter Associates) as moderator.
The Greenbuild International Conference & Expo is presented in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council—a mission-focused organization committed to a sustainable, prosperous future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. The Greenbuild Conference is designed to keep participants at the forefront of the industry covering sustainability, resilience, health, and wellness.
On November 3, Principal Daniel Heuberger will be speaking about Low-Carbon Affordable Communities for a Sustainable and Equitable Society at this year's Greenbuild Conference in San Francisco, California.
Faced with affordable housing shortages and a rapid need for decarbonization, new residential developments need to address both social and environmental issues. This Greenbuild session addresses technologies and design strategies utilized in Alafia that can be replicated in future projects to achieve affordable and sustainable communities.
Greenbuild Conference
Panel: Low-Carbon Affordable Communities for a Sustainable and Equitable Society
Date: November 3, 2022
Time: 2:45 - 3:45pm (PST)
Daniel will be joined on this panel by Jessica Yoon (L+M Development Partners) and Christopher Kolb (Cosentini Associates) with Lois Arena (Steven Winter Associates) as moderator.
The Greenbuild International Conference & Expo is presented in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council—a mission-focused organization committed to a sustainable, prosperous future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. The Greenbuild Conference is designed to keep participants at the forefront of the industry covering sustainability, resilience, health, and wellness.
With the start of October comes the return of Open House New York (OHNY)'s citywide public celebration of architecture! Launched in 2003, OHNY Weekend is an annual festival that opens hundreds of noteworthy and significant places across New York City's five boroughs to foster discovery and delight for all New Yorkers and deepen the public’s understanding of how design can strengthen communities and improve quality of life. And this year, OHNY is celebrating a milestone year—20 years of access, exploration, and discovery!
A long-time supporter of OHNY, Dattner Architects is proud to participate again with in-person tours at Riverbank State Park, Chestnut Commons, Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage, and Spring Street Salt Shed on Sunday, October 22.
Riverbank State Park
A first-of-its-kind recreation facility, Riverbank State Park is New York City's first public green roof and continues to be one of New York State's busiest parks. Housed in five major buildings are an Olympic-size swimming complex, a covered skating rink for rolling skating in the summer and ice skating in the winter, an 800-seat cultural theater, an indoor athletic complex with fitness facilities, and a 150-seat restaurant. Outdoor amenities include a 25-yard lap pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, a softball field, a playground, and an eight-lane running track surrounding a football/soccer field.
Chestnut Commons
A model for healthy and sustainable urban living, Chestnut Commons is a Passive House-designed, mixed-use residential development in the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn. Community-centric in both design and development, Chestnut Commons provides affordable housing for formerly homeless and low-income households, and it integrates a satellite Community College campus, a food manufacturing incubator that offers job training, and much more as part of the rich, multi-layered community center programming.
Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage & Spring Street Salt Shed
The Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage houses three district garages for the NYC Department of Sanitation, while the 70’ tall Spring Street Salt Shed is home to 5,000 tons of road salt. Although municipal infrastructure projects are often targeted as undesirable uses, the community has embraced these projects and applauded the use of design to successfully integrate critical services into the neighborhood. This pair of public buildings serves close to 300,000 residents.
All tours at Riverbank State Park, Chestnut Commons, and Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage & Spring Street Salt Shed will require advanced reservations. Reservation Day is October 13.
With the start of October comes the return of Open House New York (OHNY)'s citywide public celebration of architecture! Launched in 2003, OHNY Weekend is an annual festival that opens hundreds of noteworthy and significant places across New York City's five boroughs to foster discovery and delight for all New Yorkers and deepen the public’s understanding of how design can strengthen communities and improve quality of life. And this year, OHNY is celebrating a milestone year—20 years of access, exploration, and discovery!
A long-time supporter of OHNY, Dattner Architects is proud to participate again with in-person tours at Riverbank State Park, Chestnut Commons, Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage, and Spring Street Salt Shed on Sunday, October 22.
Riverbank State Park
A first-of-its-kind recreation facility, Riverbank State Park is New York City's first public green roof and continues to be one of New York State's busiest parks. Housed in five major buildings are an Olympic-size swimming complex, a covered skating rink for rolling skating in the summer and ice skating in the winter, an 800-seat cultural theater, an indoor athletic complex with fitness facilities, and a 150-seat restaurant. Outdoor amenities include a 25-yard lap pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, a softball field, a playground, and an eight-lane running track surrounding a football/soccer field.
Chestnut Commons
A model for healthy and sustainable urban living, Chestnut Commons is a Passive House-designed, mixed-use residential development in the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn. Community-centric in both design and development, Chestnut Commons provides affordable housing for formerly homeless and low-income households, and it integrates a satellite Community College campus, a food manufacturing incubator that offers job training, and much more as part of the rich, multi-layered community center programming.
Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage & Spring Street Salt Shed
The Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage houses three district garages for the NYC Department of Sanitation, while the 70’ tall Spring Street Salt Shed is home to 5,000 tons of road salt. Although municipal infrastructure projects are often targeted as undesirable uses, the community has embraced these projects and applauded the use of design to successfully integrate critical services into the neighborhood. This pair of public buildings serves close to 300,000 residents.
All tours at Riverbank State Park, Chestnut Commons, and Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage & Spring Street Salt Shed will require advanced reservations. Reservation Day is October 13.
On October 27, Principal John Woelfling will be one of this year's keynote speakers at PhiusCon 2022. Joining him is Trinity Financial VP of Design & Construction, Christoph Stump. John and Christoph will use 425 Grand Concourse and other Passive House projects to discuss Passive House certification and what it means for the future of multifamily housing developments.
The core principles of Passive House design establish a framework for healthy, energy-efficient, low-carbon buildings—buildings that are consistently comfortable in all seasons.
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Integrated during design and implemented in the construction of 425 Grand Concourse, these principles allow the building to be one of the largest Passive House developments in North America: minimized thermal bridging, energy recovery ventilation systems, an airtight building envelope, and high-performance glazing and thermal insulation.
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Paired with an informed approach to building orientation/form and solar shading, this benchmark sustainable project provides a model for healthy living environments in a district with one of the worst childhood asthma rates in the country. Each apartments’ living rooms and bedrooms directly receives filtered, ventilated air, increasing interior comfort and air quality. The project’s expansive windows provide abundant amounts of daylight into the apartments while balancing the window to wall ratio that is critical to achieving Passive House performance levels.
While design and construction will be at the heart of this PhiusCon conversation, John and Christoph will also take a wider view, examining business solutions and opportunities for these types of projects throughout the country.
Formerly North American Passive House Conference, PhiusCon is the leading passive building conference for climate-specific zero energy design, construction, and building science expertise. Now in its 16th year, the conference is slated for October 25-28 at the historic Palmer House in Chicago.
On October 27, Principal John Woelfling will be one of this year's keynote speakers at PhiusCon 2022. Joining him is Trinity Financial VP of Design & Construction, Christoph Stump. John and Christoph will use 425 Grand Concourse and other Passive House projects to discuss Passive House certification and what it means for the future of multifamily housing developments.
The core principles of Passive House design establish a framework for healthy, energy-efficient, low-carbon buildings—buildings that are consistently comfortable in all seasons.
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Integrated during design and implemented in the construction of 425 Grand Concourse, these principles allow the building to be one of the largest Passive House developments in North America: minimized thermal bridging, energy recovery ventilation systems, an airtight building envelope, and high-performance glazing and thermal insulation.
⠀
Paired with an informed approach to building orientation/form and solar shading, this benchmark sustainable project provides a model for healthy living environments in a district with one of the worst childhood asthma rates in the country. Each apartments’ living rooms and bedrooms directly receives filtered, ventilated air, increasing interior comfort and air quality. The project’s expansive windows provide abundant amounts of daylight into the apartments while balancing the window to wall ratio that is critical to achieving Passive House performance levels.
While design and construction will be at the heart of this PhiusCon conversation, John and Christoph will also take a wider view, examining business solutions and opportunities for these types of projects throughout the country.
Formerly North American Passive House Conference, PhiusCon is the leading passive building conference for climate-specific zero energy design, construction, and building science expertise. Now in its 16th year, the conference is slated for October 25-28 at the historic Palmer House in Chicago.
Chestnut Commons is the 2023 Multi-family/Mixed Use winner of the Metropolis Planet Positive Award! This awards program recognizes design for a regenerative and equitable future. Judged by four expert juries across project types, regions, and product categories, award winners represent “the highest achievements in design that addresses climate change, ecosystem health, human health, and equity.”
Chestnut Commons is an innovative and community-centric Passive House development that provides 275 critically needed affordable apartments to formerly homeless and low-income households in the Cypress Hill section of Brooklyn. This project is part of the East New York Neighborhood Plan and delivers on the commitment to provide meaningful affordable housing that allows residents to stay within their community.
A model for sustainable development through its community-centric approach, and in its Passive House systems and detailing, Chestnut Commons exemplifies an innovative affordable housing model. Projects such as Chestnut Commons provide not only urgently needed affordable housing for those that need it most, but a deep commitment to environmental equity by utilizing a building type that is both highly energy efficient and resilient.
Developed and operated in conjunction with local organizations, Chestnut Commons supports the neighborhood with economic development and educational opportunities, arts programs, and job training services. Programming includes a Brooklyn Cooperative Federal Credit Union branch, a café, and a kitchen incubator.
Dattner Architects’ Vital Brookdale won the ULI Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing last Thursday night at the Awards Gala. The Urban Land Institute’s New York Awards for Excellence in Development are a highly competitive program that recognizes best in class projects that excel in design, sustainability, and impact.
Vital Brookdale, developed through a public-private partnership sponsored by New York State, was applauded for demonstrating “how targeted interventions through supportive housing can change life trajectories.” The Passive House project includes deeply affordable apartments with a host of amenities, job training and empowerment facilities, and a new healthcare center.
Director of Sustainability and Project Manager, Shefali Sanghvi (right) receiving the award with Catherine Levenson from MDG construction
An exceptional model of affordable, sustainable, community-based housing, Vital Brookdale combines a f health-focused community resources and affordable apartments for the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn.
The low-carbon development is Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) certified, an international standard of building for maximized energy efficiency. The project includes a 100kW roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system, a series of green roofs and plantings, and other energy efficient measures to ensure the comfort and affordability for residents as well as sustainability of the building.
Videos of Vital Brookdale and the other 2023 Award winners are available on the ULI New York website:
2023 ULI New York Gala Winners | ULI New York Gala
Open House New York (OHNY) is back with its annual citywide celebration of architecture! Offering a unique opportunity to experience New York City and the built environment, Dattner Architects will participate in this year’s OHNY Weekend with in-person tours at projects on Saturday, October 21, Chestnut Commons and Sunday, October 22, Broome Street Development.
Chestnut Commons
Located on an underused public land bounded by Dinsmore Place, Chestnut Street, and Atlantic Avenue, Chestnut Commons provides 275 affordable housing units to formerly homeless, extremely low-, very low-, and low-income households. This project is part of the East New York Neighborhood Plan, released in 2016 as part of the East New York new neighborhood rezoning, outlining a commitment to expedite the construction of deeply affordable housing.
This new 14-story development offers a variety of uses contributing to a self-sustaining community with activities that support, enhance, and stimulate the surrounding community. The residential portion of the building integrates programming throughout, including communal spaces on the second floor with direct access to a landscaped roof terrace for residents, extending indoor activities to the outdoors. A large portion of the 14th floor roof is a gardening area with raised planting beds to create opportunities for active planting and vegetable cultivation.
Broome Street Development
Our recently completed Suffolk and Norfolk buildings are located just South of the Essex Crossing in the Lower East Side. The 460,000 square foot mixed-use development encompasses a diverse mix of market-rate, affordable and senior housing, as well as a community facility, retail space and the headquarters for a well-known neighborhood social services organization.
The building covers most of the city block, fronting multiple streets. It incorporates a combination of different building heights, window proportions and careful brick detailing that relate to the mix of scales that characterize this vibrant and ever-changing neighborhood.
We can’t wait to celebrate OHNY Weekend with all of you. See you on October 21-22!
Dattner Architects' Brandon Wang and Pascale Baladi were invited and engaged participants at the inaugural METROPOLIS Arch 30 program, which recognizes the next generation of leadership in architecture. Collaborating with leading design firms in select cities, METROPOLIS identifies top talent under the age of 30 that share a commitment to sustainability and knowledge sharing. Each group meets for a workshop led by the magazine's editors, followed by networking opportunities with program partners.
Avi Rajagopal, editor in chief, and Verda Alexander, editor at large, were workshop facilitators. They "encouraged the young leaders in architecture to think about the challenges they face at work, how to find the support they need, and how to identify and pursue purposeful work." Pascale and Brandon found the evening energizing and the interactive experience connecting with peers, exchanging insights, and sharing thoughts about leadership, sustainability, and architecture practices at their respective workplaces incredibly valuable.
“It is an honor to have been nominated for METROPOLIS' inaugural Arch30 Event and to have the chance to connect with many like-minded young professionals who are eager to learn and push the industry forward with ambition, innovation, and camaraderie. I came out of it feeling empowered to be part of such a capable generation of architects, who simultaneously have become a peer support network.” – Pascale Baladi
Read more:
METROPOLIS Honors its First Arch30 Cohort in New York - Metropolis (metropolismag.com)
A decade after being selected as the winning entry in the New Housing New York Legacy Competition, Via Verde continues to serve as an archetype for future subsidized housing in New York City and beyond.
The project set a precedent for how to achieve lofty design and sustainability goals for an affordable housing development while adhering to a strict budget. Ultimately creating 202 apartments spread across three distinct residential programs, Via Verde will continue to provide equitable, sustainable housing for South Bronx residents well into the future.
In celebration of Via Verde's 10-year anniversary of operation Jonathan Rose Companies and Phipps Neighborhoods compiled a video detailing the history of the community. Included below is a snippet from the video, along with a link to the full version. We teamed with Grimshaw Architects and Weintraub Diaz Landscape Architecture to bring this visionary building to life.
[video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://www.dattner.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Sequence-01.mp4"][/video]
To watch the full video please visit this link:
https://youtu.be/lFNdULp9xD4
Dattner Architects is excited to be the Architect on the team for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $1.24 billion contract to design and build John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Central Terminal Area Roadways, Utilities and Ground Transportation Center (GTC) in Queens, New York. Parsons Corporation is serving as lead designer to the Skanska Halmar JFK Joint Venture. The project is a key part of the $19 billion public-private transformation of JFK into a world-class airport. When complete, it will dramatically improve access to the airport by simplifying the existing complex roadway network, providing easier to navigate access to terminals with improved frontage areas, and building a new ground transportation center for passengers to connect to taxis, for-hire vehicles, mass transit and parking.
The design-build project consists of the design and construction of the on-airport roadway transportation network which includes roadway reconfiguration, maintenance and protection of traffic, intuitive wayfinding and enhanced traffic technologies, at-grade pavement, retaining walls and bridges as well as utility relocations and upgrades. The project will improve user connectivity and access to the surrounding terminals. Also included, is the design and construction of a modern Ground Transportation Center which features:
1,950-space multi-level vehicle parking facility equipped with electric vehicle charging stations and an eco-conscious timber façade
400-foot-long elevated pedestrian bridge with pedestrian canopies
Rainwater harvesting facility
Energy-efficient provisions for solar paneling
Read more below:
https://www.panynj.gov/port-authority/en/press-room/press-release-archives/2022-press-releases1/port-authority-signs--1-24-billion-contract-to-design-and-build-.html
Launched by the City of Hoboken, the Maritime Park Concept Design spans from March 2023 to November 2023 and includes a multi-disciplinary core team led by Dattner Architects, with SCAPE, Indigo River and Kimley Horn. As the final missing link in completing Hoboken's section of the New Jersey Hudson River Walkway, the site's conversion to the new Maritime Park will create a contiguous waterfront park from southern Pier A all the way north to Weehawken Cove.
The Hoboken Maritime Park Project is a visioning, planning, and community engagement process to re-imagine the former Union Dry Dock, the last remaining industrial site along the Hoboken waterfront.
The intent is to build sustainable and resilient pieces of public parks infrastructure for the visitors and residents while maintaining the city’s waterfront history.
The first of three planned public meetings was held April 4th, 2023. Its aim was to share and discuss the project team’s site analysis and include the community in the visioning process though science fair-style thematic stations. The feedback gathered in the first workshop as well as the online survey informed three design approaches that were presented in a Public Meeting on July 11, 2023.
We are excited to share the Design Approaches presented at the meeting.
By aligning the Hudson River Walkway with Frank Sinatra Drive, the Civic Pier Approach provides expansive spaces for gathering including a Civic Hub (building), Lookout Lawn, and a reconstructed Programmed Pier with berths for Event Barges. The Civic Pier Approach provides Hoboken with a civic waterfront destination centered around gathering and immersive river experiences.
You can view the presentation and work the team has done to date and stay informed for future updates at the following website: https://maritime-park-cityofhoboken.hub.arcgis.com/
The future Maritime Park site sits within a short walking distance to a series of well-loved public parks and open spaces. The close proximity of a number of existing programs and amenities should inform the program selection for the future park to avoid redundancy. The unique location of the site along the waterfront should be seen as an opportunity to establish a new relationship with the water.
“This is an important moment in Hoboken’s history, in which residents will help us build a beautiful waterfront park that will benefit generations of Hoboken residents to come... We’ve fought long and hard to ensure this site is preserved for resident access, and I’m excited to hear what amenities our community envisions for this world class park.” said Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla in his fourth State of the City address in March 2023.
Dattner Architects’ Principal Ruth Ro AIA is featured in Madame Architect, a platform that highlights and celebrates diverse and inspiring women that shape the architecture industry. In an interview with Madame Architect founder, Julia Gamolina, Ruth gives her thoughts on authenticity, inclusivity, and bringing your whole self to work.
“I’m always inserting my identity into casual conversation. It’s important. As a Partner, I try to create a work environment that is inclusive, to give everyone an opportunity to do their best work, and to encourage diverse perspectives.”
Ruth joined Dattner Architects in 2012 and was elevated to Principal in 2022. In 2020, Ruth founded the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion group at Dattner Architects — tackling intersectional issues that affect minority employees in the workplace. As a leader and mentor, she is dedicated to facilitating an inclusive and understanding workplace. Ruth leads many of the firm’s large mixed-use projects, which currently include Steiner Sequel in Sunset Park.
Neighborhoods Now is a community-led design initiative to help NYC recover from the effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Launched in Spring 2020, by the Urban Design Forum and Van Alen Institute, the initiative taps into a collective network of architects, engineers, and designers to support local organizations leading their community’s recovery. Dattner Architects stepped forward to lend support, and we have been involved with the initiative ever since.
Through Neighborhoods Now, one of the groups we worked with is the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition (NWBCCC) – a member-led, grassroots organization fighting for racial and economic equity in the Bronx. They have completed a Community District Needs Assessment to illustrate the current challenges and opportunities for small businesses and tenants in the immediate vicinity of the Kingsbridge Armory as it undergoes a potential redevelopment. The report aims to highlight the features of urban life in the Kingsbridge Neighborhood and tell a story of the diversity, passion, and tenacity of this neighborhood and its residents.
“For us, the Bronx is home. It’s where we raise families, get an education, go to work, own businesses, create art, and find spiritual connection. We are people whose families have lived here for generations. And we are people who have come here from other boroughs and countries. Our community reflects a diversity of races, ethnicities, cultures, and faith traditions.”
-NWBCCC
In a joint effort to empower and uplift the Kingsbridge community, Dattner Architects joined Neighborhoods Now’s collective network of interdisciplinary partnerships, along with Scalar Architecture to support NWBCCC in their vision for a more resilient future.
Learn more about the initiative here.
Dattner Architects is proud to share that 425 Grand Concourse has won a 2023 Green Good Design Award! Organized by the European Centre and the Chicago Athenaeum, the Green Good Design Sustainability Awards recognizes "outstanding individuals, companies, organizations, governments, and institutions — together with their products, services, programs, ideas, and concepts — that have forwarded exceptional thinking and inspired greater progress toward a more healthier and more sustainable universe."
The largest PHIUS-certified Passive House project in North America, 425 Grand Concourse is a new mixed-use and mixed-income development, providing the Mott Haven neighborhood of the Bronx with 277 affordable housing apartments. The project also includes an educational student services center, health clinic, supermarket, cultural space, and other community amenities. The design of 425 Grand Concourse honors the history of the site, which sits on land formerly occupied by Public School 31, a Bronx institution originally built in 1899. The former property fell into disrepair and remained abandoned for many years. In tribute to the site’s rich history, the PS 31 sign and other decorative façade elements were salvaged and are on display in the lobby of 425 Grand Concourse.
The development implements high-efficiency building systems with an air-tight building envelope, energy recovery ventilation, and sustainable features to significantly reduce heat loss and gain. The project will surpass the Enterprise Green Communities Criteria and the design incorporates NYC Active Design Guidelines to encourage opportunities for physical activity. This benchmark sustainable project provides a model for healthy living environments in a district with one of the worst childhood asthma rates in the country.
Architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning projects, product, and graphic designs from over 32 nations were awarded with Green Good Design awards, representing the world’s most important design firms, manufacturers, and leading FORTUNE 500 corporations that are forwarding a new emphasis on a more sustainable design and environment worldwide.
Dattner Architects is proud to announce that Vital Brookdale is a recipient of a 2023 AIA New York State Excelsior Award! This prestigious award recognizes a project's overall performance, design excellence, and impact on the community — all within the context of a publicly funded project.
“It is an honor for our Vital Brookdale project to be recognized as a recipient of the 2023 AIA New York State Excelsior Award. Offering community-based healthcare, supportive services, and sustainable and modern features, Vital Brookdale has created a new standard for the future of affordable housing developments. Thank you to AIA, the Brooklyn community, the State, and all of our incredible partners for making this possible.” — Michael T. Rooney, Founding Principal, MDG Design + Construction
Vital Brookdale is located on a unique site that was originally an ineffectively-used surface parking lot for an adjacent hospital. Through an innovative public-private partnership, the site was transformed, creating 160 units of affordable housing and 25,000 square feet of health-focused community space in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn.
"Vital Brookdale is a successful example of how Passive House can be incorporated into our existing affordable housing framework in NYC. As the first project to be completed as part of NYS’ Vital Initiative, it’s been gratifying to work on a project that highlights health and wellness as just as critical to sustainability as energy efficiency. Construction started in April 2020, and it was a true team effort to get this project completed while navigating how to build a Passive House project when most people were working from home. We’re glad to see our collective hard work, the mission of the project, and the overall design, recognized by AIA NYS." — Shefali Sanghvi AIA, Director of Sustainability, Dattner Architects
This Passive House project has a 100kW roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system, green roof, high-performance mechanical systems, insulation and windows, LED lighting, low-flow water fixtures, and several other energy-efficient measures to ensure the comfort and affordability for residents as well as sustainability of the building. The design team also carefully selected interior materials while keeping in mind the ease of install, cost of material, maintenance, and impact on resident health. The end result is a project that is a model of affordable, community-based, sustainable multifamily housing in New York City.
"Smith & Henzy is proud to be a member of the amazing team of professionals that came together to make Vital Brookdale a leading example of affordable sustainable development in New York. We wish to commend Dattner Architects for their innovative design and vision for this project." — Timothy Henzy, Principal, Smith & Henzy
Crain's New York has selected Dattner Architects' Principal John Woelfling as one of this year's sustainability pacesetters propelling New York toward a greener future. Crain's Notable Leaders in Sustainability features a list of 50 individuals who are pioneers in their fields, driving innovation, and advocating for sustainability in the areas of energy, real estate, technology, finance, and more.
"As a New Yorker that has dedicated the last two decades of my professional career to designing and delivering high performance, sustainable buildings, it is an honor to receive this recognition from Crain's. Reduction of our energy usage and altering the amount of greenhouse gas emitted by humans is the existential challenge of our times. I am glad to be honored with like-minded problem solvers." — John Woelfling AIA
John leads Dattner Architects' residential work, designing large-scale, urban affordable housing that embodies environmental responsibility and resident wellbeing. Under his leadership, the firm has developed specialized expertise in designing and building sustainable multi-family buildings; his commitment to sustainability and innovation has resulted in the completion of 961 new units of Passive House affordable housing for New Yorkers.
Dattner Architects' Associate Wei Wang has been named the New York State Young Architect Representative (YAR) within AIA National's Young Architects Forum (YAF) program. She has also been selected as the Committee on the Environment (COTE) liaison for YAF.
The YAF program is organized to help emerging designers address important issues and serves as a collective voice for recently licensed architects. YAF's mission is to:
Engage recently licensed architects in leadership to become agents of change within the profession
Inspire professional growth among recently licensed architects through camaraderie and networking
Advocate for issues of particular relevance to recently licensed architects
Serve to make AIA memberships meaningful to recently licensed architects through programs and services
Promote mentorship at all career stages to enhance personal growth, community involvement, and professional development
As YAF's New York State representative, Wei will be an advocate for recently licensed designers at the local, state, and national levels as well as the bi-directional conduit of information from National to State; State to Local; and vice versa — providing monthly and bi-monthly update reports.
COTE is an AIA Knowledge Community working for architects, allied professionals, and the public to achieve climate action and climate justice through design. As YAF's COTE liaison, Wei will attend monthly COTE Leadership Group meetings, provide updates on YAF activities, identify collaboration opportunities and resource needs, and engage with the Next Generation Working Group. She will also participate in YAF coordination and communicate opportunities at the national level.
"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to represent the next generation of architects as the Young Architect Representative for New York State and the Committee on the Environment liaison for YAF, allowing me to collaborate with like-minded professionals to drive positive change in our industry. With sustainability and equity at the forefront of our goals, the AIA provides an ideal platform for us to translate these aspirations into tangible action. As the YAR, I am committed to fostering cross-disciplinary engagement and promoting innovative ideas that will transform the way we design and build. I look forward to working closely with YAF and COTE to advance our shared mission and make a meaningful impact in our communities." — Wei Wang AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Alafia is the recipient of a Merit Award in Community Impact from the American Society of Landscape Architects - New York (ASLA-NY) chapter. The Community Impact award recognizes built and unbuilt projects focused on landscape architecture in underserved communities or impacting disadvantaged populations.
Situated on a 28-acre site at the edge of New York City, Alafia is an ambitious master plan that transforms a decommissioned state psychiatric hospital into a new wellness-oriented resilient urban development designed to address the chronic social, economic, and health disparities in a historically underserved area. Once completed, Alafia will bring over 2,400 affordable apartments to the neighborhood, including units for the formerly homeless, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and seniors. This is the result of community engagement and the collaborative efforts of a public-private-nonprofit partnership.
This year's ASLA-NY Design Award winners will be recognized during a ceremony on April 19 as well as on display at the Center for Architecture through the month of April in celebration of World Landscape Architecture month.
On March 28, Dattner Architects hosted a panel discussion in collaboration with ArchNative — a women-owned platform that aims to celebrate and empower the dynamic women within the AEC and Real Estate industries.
Panelists included Gia Mainiero, Heather McKinstry, Kathy Mu, Gabriella Orsi, and Annabelle Swain with ArchNative's Diana Fedorkova as moderator. The group discussed their journeys into architecture, sustainability and the built environment, the future of technology and its impact on design, and the piece of advice they would give to their younger selves. The panel concluded with a Q&A from the audience, including students from local universities, followed by a tour of the Dattner Architects' office.
Citizens Housing & Planning Council (CHPC) has honored 425 Grand Concourse with the Impact for Community Investment Award.
"After working with a village of collaborators for seven years, 425 Grand Concourse can now be a healthy, resilient, and sustainable home for hundreds of New Yorkers. It has been such an honor for our team at Dattner Architects to have worked on this project and to demonstrate that affordable, multi-family buildings can be designed and built to Passive House standards while at the same time respecting the neighborhood history and integrating with the context. Congratulations to our clients—Trinity Financial and MBD—and all the partners that have helped raise the bar for what New York City housing can be." — John Woelfling, Principal
425 Grand Concourse provides the Mott Haven neighborhood of the Bronx with 277 units of affordable housing, while the two-story base includes a medical facility; supermarket; community spaces for a local non-profit; comfort station for neighboring city park and playground—activating what was for nearly 20 years, an abandoned site; and a CUNY Hostos student services center.
The largest PHIUS-certified Passive House development in North America, 425 Grand Concourse is a model for healthy living environments in a district with one of the worst childhood asthma rates in the country. Active ventilation brings filtered fresh air to all bedrooms and living rooms, keeping a constant flow of clean air without pollutants, pollen, or respiratory virus particles, increasing interior comfort and air quality. Continuous insulation at the façade, lack of thermal breaks, and high-quality windows mean the building stays temperate no matter the weather outdoors, even with a temporary loss of power.
425 Grand Concourse is the result of the collaboration between the design and development team, city and local stakeholders, and community members to understand and address the community’s need for more high-quality affordable homes.
On March 15, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) recognized the Conrad B. Duberstein U.S. Bankruptcy Courthouse with a Citation Award in Workplace Design at an awards ceremony in Washington DC. During the event, GSA and its Administrator Robin Carnahan presented the agency's top design awards for 19 federal projects, representing the best in architecture and arts.
"Through these awards, we are reaffirming our belief that excellence in design means creating spaces in which the federal government can deliver government effectively while also providing great overall experiences for the people who work in and visit federal facilities." — Robin Carnahan, GSA Administrator
Duberstein, a four-story Romanesque revival structure, was originally completed in 1892 with a subsequent seven-story expansion in 1933. Today, the U.S. Courts Bankruptcy and Probation Consolidation aims to reactivate the Johnson Street entrance and upgrade the workplace through a phased approach to design and construction. This renovation reimagines the workplace environment for each U.S. Courts department and bridges the historic elements of the building with contemporary state-of-the-art office needs for future flexibility. The investment on integrated design such as energy efficiency and smart building technologies was key to the design philosophy.
"The spaces are understated and straightforward, letting the building's history and its architecture speak for themselves." — Kay Sargent, GSA Design Awards Juror
"On behalf of the entire AE team, I am so proud to receive this GSA Workplace award for the U.S. Courthouse consolidation project at the Conrad B. Duberstein U.S. Post Office and Courthouse in conjunction with GSA project manager, Robert Olohan. [Dattner Architects' Principal] Paul Bauer and I were excited to connect with GSA leadership, the jury, and fellow award recipients after the event in DC. Dattner looks forward to continuing these conversations on current and future endeavors." — Catherine Selby, Dattner Architects' Principal
On March 8, Dattner Architects' Principal Gia Mainiero participated in a panel discussion on the future of collaborative project delivery in New York City as part of this year's New York Build Expo. Gia was joined on the panel by Alison Landry (Associate Commissioner, NYC Department of Design & Construction), Kimberlee Toscano (Senior Principal, Toscano Clements Taylor), and Raquel Diaz (Public Sector Area Manager, Gilbane) with Dennis Sanschagrin (Senior Vice President, PULLMAN SST) as panel moderator.
"Our panel at New York Build was an invigorating discussion on the future of collaborative delivery in New York. Bringing together leaders from all stages of the process embodied the spirit of partnership and communication that is so core to the success of the delivery model." — Gia Mainiero, Principal
New York Build is the largest construction and design show for New York and the Tri-State area, bringing together thousands of senior-level decision-makers, buyers, experts, and thought leaders from the AEC and real estate industries. The expo features 350+ high-level speakers across 12 tracks; workshops; 300+ exhibitors; live demonstrations; and networking events.
On January 26, AIA New York (AIANY)'s Women in Architecture (WIA) Committee celebrated women architects, who became licensed in the past year, during the committee's annual new year party at Brickworks Design Studio. As part of the festivities, the committee also honored Dattner Architects' Dana Moore with their Women in Architecture Recognition Award. This awards program highlights a recently licensed architect who demonstrates strong leadership skills and a commitment to the growth and advancement of the profession. Dana will receive a $1,000 stipend towards travel and miscellaneous expenses at this year's AIA National Conference in San Francisco.
"Thank you to the Women in Architecture Committee! I'm honored to have been recognized among so many dedicated and accomplished candidates. I look forward to attending the AIA Conference in June and connecting with more sustainability-minded architects." — Dana Moore AIA
Committed to socially responsible and sustainable design, Dana is an active member of the firm's Sustainable Practice Group where she has helped develop research, publications, and other knowledge-sharing initiatives. Beyond the office, Dana has taken part in the NYC Department of Sanitation's 2021 Zero Waste Academy and currently serves as an Urban Design Forum Forefront Fellow.
On February 8, Associate Heather McKinstry will take part in Passive House Accelerator (PHA) Live's Next Gen series for "Scale: Exploring the Extents of Passive House." Heather will discuss how large buildings can lower energy use, while overcoming the challenges presented by the density of urban housing. As real world solutions have been developed to meet Passive House standards, new opportunities have been created to build more efficiently across all building types. Join us as we talk about how Passive House has helped rapidly transform the market.
PHA Live is a weekly series that brings together Passive House experts and those curious about Passive House to share lessons learned and best practices. PHA Live's Next Gen edition highlights the work of the next generation of practitioners and how their contributions are shaping the future of Passive House.
In recognition of their demonstrated leadership, dedication to our firm and our values, and passion for civic architecture, Dattner Architects is proud to announce the promotions of our four new Associates: Gustavo Munoz, Brandon Wang, Kristy Phillips, and Matthew Barlow.
“Our four new associates each bring a unique perspective to our practice. We are grateful for their commitment and accomplishments—and quite excited to have them join the leadership of our associates group.” — Kirsten Sibilia, Managing Principal
Gustavo Munoz AIA
With over 30 years of experience, Gustavo Munoz’s architectural expertise is in constructability and detailing. He is passionate about seeing projects come together in the field, and uses this passion to bring mixed-use, affordable housing developments to life. Gus has previous experience working directly for general contractors, developers, as well as having his own firm.
Brandon Wang RA
Brandon Wang approaches design with conceptual tact and environmental sensitivity. He is invested in architecture that supports and propels the infrastructural operations of cities, and promotes civic spaces. Brandon has contributed to infrastructure projects and competitions of different scales in forms of research, working drawings, visualizations, and fieldwork. He serves as a Studio Resource Leader for the firm’s Transportation and Infrastructure studio as well as a Co-Chair for the Sustainable Practice Group.
Kristy Phillips AIA
Kristy Phillips is interested in the environmental and social implications of her work, and focuses on designing spaces that educate, inspire, and expose people to humanized design, natural materials, and thoughtful craftsmanship. She has experience working on a variety of projects types, including schools, community centers, office buildings, and mixed-use residential developments.
Matthew Barlow
As Proposal and Business Development Director, Matthew Barlow leads new business development initiatives and works closely with firm leadership, design teams, and clients to develop thoughtful, tailored proposals. He is dedicated to fostering and promoting the vitality of the design process, and the evolving impact it has on the communities and environments it serves.
Ruth Ro Joins Dattner Architects’ Partners Group
Dattner Architects is pleased to announce that Ruth Ro AIA, LEED AP BD+C has been elevated to Principal in recognition of her contributions to the firm and her evolving role in the practice.
“After 11 years at Dattner Architects, Ruth Ro is joining our partnership, becoming our fifth woman owner. To each endeavor, she brings her characteristic energy and optimism, her commitment to diversity and social equity, and her talent as a designer and project leader—I am excited to see what she creates with this expanded platform.” — Kirsten Sibilia, Managing Principal
Naturally adept at bringing people together and facilitating dialogue, Ruth Ro leads the planning and architectural design of large-scale mixed-use projects. Her approach to working with clients and consultants is characterized by a commitment to problem solving through design and the belief in successful collaboration. Ruth is part of Dattner Architects’ Design and Technology Committee and she is one of the leaders in the firm’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee.
“I am proud to be joining a partnership of colleagues whose combined strengths, shared mission, and commitment to great design continue to reinforce Dattner Architects’ reputation as good neighbors to the communities we serve and respected leaders in the profession.” — Ruth Ro
Keith Engel is Elevated to Associate Principal
Dattner Architects is also pleased to announce that Keith Engel AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CPHD has joined the Associate Principals group.
“Keith’s professional work and advocacy for providing housing for those most in need is remarkable. As a Studio Leader at Dattner Architects, he has created an environment where professionals at all levels flourish. We are pleased to welcome him to our Associates Principals group.” — Kirsten Sibilia, Managing Principal
Keith Engel values architecture’s ability to affect change and provide meaningful and equitable experiences, and he has dedicated his career to practicing socially responsible design with a focus on affordable and supportive housing. Keith has a nuanced perspective of a city in constant transition, and a personal commitment to a collaborative practice that invigorates neighborhoods and promotes constructive dialogue within the urban realm. He also currently serves as one of the firm’s Housing Studio Directors.
“I am grateful and honored to join the Associate Principals and Principals in leading the civic mission of Dattner Architects. Consideration for essential and socially-engaged architecture is what drew me to Dattner 10 years ago, and I’m excited to continue to evolve a practice in service of those most vulnerable members of society—the unhoused in particular, and those that experience housing insecurity writ large.” — Keith Engel
Dattner Architects had the recent honor of receiving two significant awards at the Queens & Bronx Building Association (QBBA) Gala.
Located in the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn, our design for 50 Penn was recognized with a QBBA Building Award for its elegant design on a complicated site. The transit-oriented, mixed-use development sits adjacent to the elevated J/Z Subway and the below-grade A/C Subway. As a former industrial site, it was remediated through the Brownfield Cleanup Program. 50 Penn includes 218 apartments, 42 of which are dedicated to formerly homeless and elderly households. Commercial and retail spaces activate the ground floor, including a health-food grocery store developed through New York City's FRESH program which promotes nutritious, affordable, and fresh food in underserved neighborhoods.
We were also honored with the first-ever QBBA Bronx Borough President's Award for 425 Grand Concourse. Borough President Gibson's Deputy BP, Janet Peguero, complimented the building design in her remarks as a gateway to the Bronx and an appropriate replacement for the former PS 31 school that previously occupied the site. 425 Grand Concourse is a model for dense urban development with 277 all-affordable apartments, a mixed-use podium that includes a CUNY Hostos student center, community medical center, and grocery store. At 26 stories and over 300,000 square feet, 425 Grand Concourse is the largest certified PHIUS Passive House project to date.
"Thank you to QBBA for this great honor. We are so proud to have our work recognized for the impact that can be made through reinvesting in our New York City neighborhoods." — John Woelfling
Dattner Architects joined MDG Design & Construction, Smith & Henzy Advisory Group, The New York Foundling, City and State officials, and local community partners for the ribbon cutting ceremony at Vital Brookdale, a new mixed-use Passive House development in Brooklyn.
"Vital Brookdale is a superb example of affordable, multifamily passive house housing in NYC. The unique site created some challenges, but the design and construction teams worked together to create a beautiful project. This building integrates well into the community and furthers many of the State's goals in the Vital Brooklyn initiative. We are honored to be part of this team and excited to celebrate this milestone." — Shefali Sanghvi, Director of Sustainability
Vital Brookdale is the first building to be completed under New York State’s Vital Brooklyn Initiative—an ongoing community development program for underserved neighborhoods in Central Brooklyn. An exemplary model of affordable Passive House and community-based housing with healthcare, Vital Brookdale brings 160 units of affordable housing and 25,000 square feet of health-focused community space to the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn. Alongside deeply affordable apartments, Vital Brookdale provides resources that promote health and wellness, job training, outdoor green space, and opportunities for recreation, supporting residents and the surrounding community.
Tenants have access to a second floor terrace, and front and rear-courtyards, which includes landscaping, a dog run, play area as well as passive recreation and seating areas. Additional amenities include complimentary building-wide wireless-internet access, a multi-purpose community room, game room, library/co-working space, fitness room, laundry room, cold-storage locker and package rooms, and a bike storage room. This Passive House project has a 100kW roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system, green roof, high-performance mechanical systems, insulation and windows, LED lighting, low-flow water fixtures, and several other energy-efficient measures to ensure the comfort and affordability for residents as well as sustainability of the building.
Dattner Architects' Associate Heather McKinstry has been named one of Professional Women in Construction (PWC)'s 20 under 40. The recipients represent a diverse group of 20 individuals excelling in their respective careers.
"I’m honored to have been selected as one of PWC’s 20 under 40 Women in Construction. The tireless work of organization like PWC have changed the culture of the construction industry, and I’m proud to be able to contribute to the work of building our cities."— Heather McKinstry
Heather believes that architecture's most important role is to create inclusive, healthy, and sustainable buildings for communities, while minimizing their impact on the natural environment. As a leader in the firm's Sustainable Practice Group, she chairs the committee on building energy usage. Heather was most recently the Project Manager for 425 Grand Concourse, the largest Passive House (PHIUS) certified building in North America.
The 2022 20 Under 40 Class will be honored and celebrated at a ceremony during PWC's holiday party on December 8.
Dattner Architects is proud to share that 425 Grand Concourse and Santaella Gardens were big winners at this year's PhiusCon in Chicago. 425 Grand Concourse took home the award for Best Overall Project as well as Best High-Rise Multifamily, while Santaella Gardens won the Best Project by a Young Professional.
425 Grand Concourse is the largest Passive House (PHIUS) certified project in North America. The 26-story building implements high efficiency building systems with an air-tight building envelope, energy recovery ventilation, and sustainable features to significantly reduce heat loss and gain. The development will consume up to 70% less energy than a conventional housing project.
Santaella Garden's super-insulated, virtually air-tight building envelope includes thermally broken, high-performance windows and advanced air sealing details to eliminate condensation and air exfiltration. The high-performance envelope offers residents enhanced thermal comfort while lowering heating and cooling costs.
The 8th Annual Passive Projects Design Competition recognized fully certified passive building projects of all types and in all climate zones. Competition categories included: Best Overall Project; Best Single Family; Best High-Rise Multifamily; Best Low-Rise Multifamily; Best Commercial / Institutional; Best Retrofit; Best Source Zero; and Best Project by a Young Professional.
Dattner Architects is proud to celebrate the grand opening of the Stanley Manne Research Institute! Located at the Bronx High School of Science, the Manne Institute is a new state-of-the-art research building named after, and generously funded by, Bronx Science alumnus Stanley Manne. The donation from Mr. Manne represents the largest individual gift to The Bronx High School of Science Alumni Foundation ever, and the largest gift to a New York City public school in history. This university-level facility will allow high school students from across the Bronx to conduct long-term experiments, preparing them for college or professional settings.
The building houses three multidisciplinary labs, a walk-in cold room, tissue culture room, microscopy room, sterilization room, animal room, and a multi-purpose room for special events. Like a professional lab, spaces are modular and flexible, as equipment and science requirements change over time. Each lab is served by a computational room for group meetings, lectures, and experiment data review.
“The Manne Institute is a transformative project for Bronx Science and our biggest undertaking ever as a Foundation. We needed an architecture firm who could go beyond design. We needed a firm with true expertise, tremendous respect in the industry and the capabilities to help advise through all steps of the project. As we did our research, it became apparent that Daniel Heuberger and his team at Dattner checked all of those boxes and more. We simply could have never done this project without Dattner Architects and their talents.” — Eleanor Coufus, VP - Alumni Foundation, Bronx High School of Science
Offering summer study programs and faculty mentorship opportunities, the Manne Institute will also enable promising students from Bronx Science and other area public high schools additional advanced research opportunities in Microbiology, Animal Behavior, and Genetics.
“This is more than a unique research facility, but a wonderful Bronx story as well. A graduate of the school, Stanley Manne, has given another generation of ambitious and bright students an opportunity to embark on a lifetime of scientific inquiry.” — Daniel Heuberger, Principal, Dattner Architects
Although its footprint is modest in size, this research center is a highly visible place-making addition to the school campus. Along with the much larger main building, it completes the outdoor courtyard where students gather between classes. The lab is visible from all sides, and subtle offsets in the massing and screening of the roof top mechanical plant give each façade a unique visual proportion and contextual relationship. The building is conceived as a precise, finely detailed scientific object.
The façade is composed of tightly spaced, fiber-reinforced concrete panels, punctuated by modular openings that respond to the compact and rational laboratory plans. The three-dimensional panels cast changing and dynamic shadows on the façade over the course of the day. Bright green brick accents representing the school color mark the entrances and line the main stair and lobby.
“The Stanley Manne Research Institute provides a unique opportunity for talented NYC public high school students to be trained in a university-level laboratory. Who knows what important breakthroughs in biology or medicine will be made by these future scientists?” — Brian Nesin, Senior Associate, Dattner Architects
Chestnut Commons was recently featured in Bloomberg CityLab's Look at That Building — a weekly series about everyday and not-so-everyday architecture.
Located in the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn, this new mixed-use residential project is a model for healthy and sustainable urban living. Community-centric in both design and development, Chestnut Commons provides affordable housing for formerly homeless and low-income households and integrates a satellite Community College campus, a food manufacturing incubator offering job training, and a credit union.
Principal John Woelfling gave Bloomberg writer Lizzie Kane a tour of the Passive House project, discussing how the design team sought to challenge the traditional model for affordable housing in New York City.
On November 10, Principal John Woelfling will be on the "Decarbonization of Affordable Housing" panel at the Javits Center for Propel by MIPIM NYC — a conference and expo event gathering game changers of the built environment for two days of innovation and opportunities in the real estate industry.
John will be joined by James Lloyd (Director of Policy, New York State Association for Affordable Housing), Tibita Kaneene (Vice President, Green Bank), and Laura Humphrey (Director of Sustainability, L+M Development Partners). Panelists will discuss governmental policy, financing green buildings, challenges and solutions in achieving state-of-the-art low carbon and carbon neutral affordable housing, and much more.
"This building has given me and my daughter Isabella a chance to have a fresh start." — Chasity, 425 Grand Concourse resident
On November 2, Dattner Architects joined Trinity Financial, MBD Community Housing Corporation, City and State officials, local community partners, and 425 Grand Concourse residents to celebrate the grand opening of the largest Passive House (PHIUS) project in North America. Located at one of the Bronx's great boulevards, 425 Grand Concourse provides the Mott Haven neighborhood with affordable housing, community support space, a medical facility, supermarket, and a new student services center for CUNY Hostos.
"Dattner Architects has had the privilege of working for the last seven years on what is an exceptional project in so many ways. The building provides luxury, affordable housing for 277 families in a high-quality, low carbon building that addresses the health inequities that too often occur in our cities. The building’s energy efficient Passive House design drives down the utility costs for the residents and reduces the building’s greenhouse gas emissions-well ahead of LL97’s requirements. The project is an example of smart redevelopment and investment in the Bronx and is replicable in any part of our City to simultaneously address both the affordable housing crisis and the climate crisis." — John Woelfling, Principal
This benchmark sustainable project provides a model for healthy living environments in a district with one of the worst childhood asthma rates in the country. Each apartments' living rooms and bedrooms receive filtered, ventilated air, increasing interior comfort and air quality. The project's expansive windows provide abundant amounts of daylight while balancing the window-to-wall ratio that is critical in achieving Passive House performance levels.
"425 Grand Concourse is proof that an environmentally just world is possible. Visible from across the Bronx and beyond, it is a beacon, lighting the way for a brighter future of healthy buildings, cleaner air, and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. Like all of our affordable housing work, this building is transforming the lives of middle and low income New Yorkers, providing brightly daylit and energy efficient homes for them to call their own." — Heather McKinstry, Associate
On November 10, Principal Daniel Heuberger will be speaking at this year's Small Firm Symposium. Hosted by AIA New York State, AIA New Jersey, and AIA Pennsylvania, the symposium is a two-day virtual program packed with resources for small firms to learn how to operate more effectively and efficiently.
Titled, "Lessons Learned for Small Firms that Want to Become Bigger Firms," Daniel's session will cover Dattner Architects' journey from a small, sole practitioner office to a 125-person firm, and offer lessons learned for how to not only cope with change, but embrace it. Symposium attendees will also hear about the firm's transition planning, adaptation to new technology, diversification of our portfolio, and more.
On November 16, Principal John Woelfling joins Passive House Accelerator (PHA) Live for "Affordable Multi-Family Passive House: A Denser Path to Clean" — an in-depth discussion on how the density associated with urban multi-family buildings can make achieving Passive House performance more attainable, even on an affordable housing budget. Specifically, John will discuss the design and construction of three Dattner-designed, mixed-use Passive House projects: Vital Brookdale, Santaella Gardens, and 425 Grand Concourse.
PHA Live is a virtual weekly series that explores how to slash greenhouse gas emissions and make buildings more resilient to climate change. The series brings together Passive House experts and those simply curious about Passive House to share lessons learned and best practices.
On October 25, Dattner Architects joined the West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing (WSFSSH), City officials, and partnering community leaders for the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for WSFSSH at West 108.
This new, mixed-use residential development provides an integrated approach to urban housing, offering 119 permanent supportive housing units, 80 affordable family apartments, and a 110-bed transitional shelter. On-site support services include case management, crisis intervention counseling, and medication and nutrition services.
Charming cut metal tree guards, window guards, fences, and gates are seen throughout the development and were created by artist Béatrice Coron. The theme, ROOTS AND SEASONS, is about the way human beings and trees adapt to the change of seasons. The artwork depicts the "balance between strength and flexibility like trees that sink their roots into the earth so they can bend in the wind without breaking."
"Dattner Architects congratulates the West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing and the entire project team on the completion of WSFSSH at West 108. This transformative project provides urgently needed affordable and supportive housing, transitional housing for homeless seniors and a primary care clinic. WSFSSH at West 108 is a model for mixed-use, community oriented housing that enhances its neighborhood. We are honored to be the architects for this outstanding project." — William Stein FAIA, Principal
The project also provides spaces that are accessible to the community. The community room is available for scheduled use by community residents, and the dining room serves as a multipurpose space for movie nights, concerts, and other neighborhood events. Other community features include a primary care clinic serving the public, storage space for Central Park Medical Unit ambulances, and a comfort station for the adjacent Anibal Aviles playground. This mix of uses integrates the building with the neighborhood and enhances the quality of life in the community. The project’s sustainable features—including solar panels, energy efficient envelope and systems, and use of healthy materials—contribute to its positive neighborhood impact.
"It was an exciting day seeing all of our collective hard work come to fruition—Dattner Architects is honored to be part of the team. WSFSSH at West 108 is already a cornerstone of the community, bringing much needed affordable and transitional housing to the neighborhood, without looking like typical affordable housing. The interior and exterior of the building came out fantastic, and it is plain to see that residents are proud to call the building home." — Shefali Sanghvi AIA, Director of Sustainability
Open House New York (OHNY) promotes broad, unparalleled access to the city—to the places, people, projects, systems, and ideas that define New York and its future. Every October, OHNY Weekend takes center stage. This annual festival opens the doors to hundreds of significant places across NYC to deepen the public's understanding of how design can strengthen communities. This year, OHNY Weekend turned 20, and Dattner Architects was proud to participate in this milestone celebration with tours at Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage, Spring Street Salt Shed, Chestnut Commons, and Riverbank State Park.
M125 Garage & Salt Shed
On October 22, Principals Paul Bauer and Gia Mainiero led tours at M125 Garage and Salt Shed alongside members of NYC's Department of Sanitation. A staple site during each OHNY Weekend, these critical civic architecture buildings remain popular with OHNY visitors. The in-person tours included discussions about the design and construction of both buildings, the difficulties of safely storing 5,000 pounds of corrosive material, and addressing the community's previous concerns about safety and aesthetics.
"Like many of the OHNY attendees, this was also my first chance to get a glimpse into the celebrated work that allows our city to support its essential functions. Hearing firsthand from the users of the space and seeing our design in action was an opportunity that underscored the importance of the work we do every day and how it contributes to a better NYC." — Gabriella Orsi, Dattner Architects' Designer and first time OHNY Weekend volunteer
Chestnut Commons
Chestnut Commons recently opened their doors to the community this year, and we were happy to provide behind-the-scenes access to OHNY visitors. One of the first developments stemming from the East New York Neighborhood Plan, Chestnut Commons is a new Passive House, mixed-use development providing affordable housing, a community center, and retail space. Principal John Woelfling and Senior Associates Keith Engel and David Levine led visitors through the residential lobby and up to the roof, stopping at the second floor roof terrace and some apartments along the way. The group also went to the community center, learning about the rich array of programming the center offers including a satellite campus for CUNY Kingsborough Community College, a construction-oriented job training center, gym, café, and a food manufacturing incubator that also provides culinary training. Visitors on the tours also heard from two of our clients, MHANY Management and Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation.
Riverbank State Park
For the second year in a row, our founder Richard Dattner led OHNY visitors through Riverbank State Park—NYC's first public green roof, and one of the largest still today. Richard was joined on the tours by Leslie Wright, NYC Regional Director for New York State's Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. Together, Richard and Leslie discussed Riverbank's inception, design, and construction as well as the critical importance of creating public open space accessible to all.
"It was a remarkable opportunity to tour the park with Richard, hear his stories dating back to the very early days of the park as a community ideal, and together witnessing how the extraordinary park has aged and accommodated a glorious variety of community programs and recreation opportunities for all these past nearly 30 years. Looking at the park's past, present, and future is a testament to Riverbank's original design success." — Leslie Wright, New York State Office of Parks' NYC Regional Director
World-Architects editor John Hill recently visited Dattner Architects, touring the new office and speaking with Principal Daniel Heuberger about a few projects currently in design and construction.
Occupied in the spring of 2022, our new office space reflects our adaptation to hybrid work schedules, and was conceived as a platform for the next decade of our evolution as a firm. Daniel spoke with John about the adaptability of the office layout saying: "We wanted to be very flexible, very open. In the old office, we had pods that were associated with studios. And because we work on a really wide variety of different typologies, there's danger of becoming a little bit siloed."
In the new office, we opted for a furniture-based solution instead of fixed bays or partitions. Instead, each person has a sit/stand desk to maximize comfort, a lockable pedestal, cubby for private belongings, and mobile laptops. The space is organized around project teams with the studios mixed together to better share experiences across sectors.
During the office tour, John and Daniel discussed two in-progress projects: Alafia and Shefa School.
A new wellness-oriented resilient development, Alafia is part of New York State's Vital Brooklyn initiative. The master plan outlines the phased redevelopment of a 25+ acre decommissioned site. Once completed, Alafia will bring over 2,400 units of affordable housing to the neighborhood, including apartments for the formerly homeless, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and seniors. The first buildings of the master plan are currently under construction.
Located in Manhattan's Upper West Side, the Shefa School is an adaptive reuse of a 1920s office building into a new home for this expanding Jewish day-school. The program is organized vertically on 12 floors. Administration and public assembly spaces occupy the lowest levels. The primary school is separated by two art and science floors from the middle schoolers at the upper floors. A double height gym, office floor for teacher training, and an outdoor rooftop play yard occupy an addition at the top of the building.
On October 4, Dattner Architects joined MHANY Management (MHANY), Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation (CHLDC), Urban Builders Collaborative, New York City Department of Housing Preservation (HPD), Housing Development Corporation (HDC), and Department of City Planning (DCP) for the ribbon cutting ceremony at Chestnut Commons.
Credit: Summer Shower Productions
One of the first developments stemming from the East New York Neighborhood Plan, Chestnut Commons provides 275 permanently affordable apartments, 55 of which are set aside for formerly homeless households. On the ground floor, a new Cypress Hills East New York Community Center offers rich, multi-layered programming by Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation, CUNY Kingsborough Community College, and more.
A model for healthy and sustainable urban living, Chestnut Commons is designed to Passive House standards. The development integrates many healthy living, resiliency, and sustainability features, including rooftop solar panels, rooftop farming for residents, and other recreational spaces. Passive solar shading is provided by deeply recessed windows and projected solar shades at the eastern and southern facades.
“There are times where a project’s very name speaks volumes in underscoring the aspirations that were poured into it. Chestnut Commons is such an example, as 'Commons' is defined as ‘land or resources belonging to or affecting the whole of a community’. Therein lies the project's motivation - to provide resources in service of, and responsive to, the needs of the community. Resources for gathering, for education, for housing, and for opportunity. The affects that this development will have on the community are wide-ranging and necessary: increasing the level of deeply affordable housing for underserved populations, and decreasing a reliance on fossil fuels with deeply sustainable and resilient strategies.”—Keith Engel AIA, Senior Associate
Today, October 10, marks World Homeless Day. World Homeless Day has been observed internationally—across several different countries—since its inception in 2010. The purpose is to draw attention to the needs of the people who experience homelessness locally and provide opportunities for the community to get involved in responding to homelessness, while taking advantage of the stage afforded by an 'international day' to advocate for an end to homelessness through improved policy and funding.
There is a local and national homelessness crisis that continues to grow. At Dattner Architects, we have sought out ways to contribute as design professionals in this urgent effort to meet the housing crisis. As individuals and through our work as a firm, we have increased our active participation on Community Boards, zoning, code committees, and architectural review boards; we have undertaken, on behalf of our clients, more and more large-scale rezoning efforts to add more affordable housing; and we have deepened our formal commitment to consider how our projects engage both the population served, and the community in which they are sited.
Healthy, sustainable, and affordable housing is a critical focus for our firm. Dattner Architects believes that the solution to the housing affordability crisis is through providing varied layers of housing and programming developed to help the most vulnerable members of society. We are proud to be designing such projects: shelter housing, transitional housing, supportive housing, and permanent affordable housing.
We believe that housing in service to vulnerable populations goes beyond mere provision for shelter. We support our clients by integrating supportive program components into our transitional, supportive, shelter, and affordable housing projects:
At Allie's Place Family Residence, a 99-unit transitional housing project for formerly homeless families, we collaborated with our client to integrate a culinary vocational program into the heart of the facility; not only providing residents with job training skills, but the self-confidence to support their exit from the cycle of homelessness.
At our purpose-built shelter projects, we worked with our clients to incorporate public-facing medical clinics in service to both the shelter residents and the community-at-large.
At our recently completed Chestnut Commons mixed-use Passive House project, we are proud that 55 of our 275 permanently affordable housing units have been set aside for formerly homeless households. And within the Community Center at the base of the project, in addition to other program in support of the local community, a homeless services provider will provide support for these households.
At our Nevins Street Apartments project, this reinvigorated building features 129 permanently affordable units, with 78 units reserved for formerly homeless individuals, including formerly homeless veterans, individuals with histories of substance use, and people with serious mental health concerns, including young adults who have aged out of foster care. On-site supportive services are included in the project providing case management and mental health services, designed to address the holistic health of residents.
Our Cooper Gardens affordable and supportive housing project features 181 permanently affordable apartments, with 95 supportive units set aside for formerly homeless New Yorkers. The base of the building features a local pharmacy, an Ambulatory Care Center and a Mind-Body Center that is equipped with indoor and outdoor fitness areas and a teaching kitchen.
And at our WSFSSH at West 108 shelter and supportive housing project, 119 permanently supportive housing units, 80 affordable family units, and a 110-bed transitional shelter address the varied facets of the housing affordability issue. On-site supportive services are provided that include case management, crisis intervention counseling, and medication and nutrition services.
At Dattner Architects, we strive to find ways for our projects to function as community resource centers, integrating themselves into the existing community. We believe that housing design for a just and equitable city incorporates projects that are well-designed, sustainable, resilient, and supportive of the communities and populations they serve.
In recognizing that the ability to intervene within the homelessness crisis is only possible through many scales of sustained, collective, and incremental efforts, we encourage all to become engaged at the local level in this critical, humanitarian issue. Between a call to attention, action, and continued advocacy across a range of capacities, we can hope to make a difference. A few suggestions where such efforts can be directly engaged:
Community Boards are presently formulating their FY 2024 Budget Priorities. Sign up to attend your October Community Board meeting to advocate that affordable and supportive housing be included in your community's Capital Budget priorities, and that funding for homeless and supportive housing services be included as Expense Budget priorities.
Contact your elected representatives and request their advocacy on behalf of these issues within your community.
Support your local homeless services street outreach provider through volunteering and/or donating.
Utilize your voice on social media platforms to advocate on behalf of, and educate peers to, local homelessness issues.
On November 3, Principal Daniel Heuberger will be speaking about Low-Carbon Affordable Communities for a Sustainable and Equitable Society at this year's Greenbuild Conference in San Francisco, California.
Faced with affordable housing shortages and a rapid need for decarbonization, new residential developments need to address both social and environmental issues. This Greenbuild session addresses technologies and design strategies utilized in Alafia that can be replicated in future projects to achieve affordable and sustainable communities.
Greenbuild Conference
Panel: Low-Carbon Affordable Communities for a Sustainable and Equitable Society
Date: November 3, 2022
Time: 2:45 - 3:45pm (PST)
Daniel will be joined on this panel by Jessica Yoon (L+M Development Partners) and Christopher Kolb (Cosentini Associates) with Lois Arena (Steven Winter Associates) as moderator.
The Greenbuild International Conference & Expo is presented in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council—a mission-focused organization committed to a sustainable, prosperous future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. The Greenbuild Conference is designed to keep participants at the forefront of the industry covering sustainability, resilience, health, and wellness.
With the start of October comes the return of Open House New York (OHNY)'s citywide public celebration of architecture! Launched in 2003, OHNY Weekend is an annual festival that opens hundreds of noteworthy and significant places across New York City's five boroughs to foster discovery and delight for all New Yorkers and deepen the public’s understanding of how design can strengthen communities and improve quality of life. And this year, OHNY is celebrating a milestone year—20 years of access, exploration, and discovery!
A long-time supporter of OHNY, Dattner Architects is proud to participate again with in-person tours at Riverbank State Park, Chestnut Commons, Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage, and Spring Street Salt Shed on Sunday, October 22.
Riverbank State Park
A first-of-its-kind recreation facility, Riverbank State Park is New York City's first public green roof and continues to be one of New York State's busiest parks. Housed in five major buildings are an Olympic-size swimming complex, a covered skating rink for rolling skating in the summer and ice skating in the winter, an 800-seat cultural theater, an indoor athletic complex with fitness facilities, and a 150-seat restaurant. Outdoor amenities include a 25-yard lap pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, a softball field, a playground, and an eight-lane running track surrounding a football/soccer field.
Chestnut Commons
A model for healthy and sustainable urban living, Chestnut Commons is a Passive House-designed, mixed-use residential development in the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn. Community-centric in both design and development, Chestnut Commons provides affordable housing for formerly homeless and low-income households, and it integrates a satellite Community College campus, a food manufacturing incubator that offers job training, and much more as part of the rich, multi-layered community center programming.
Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage & Spring Street Salt Shed
The Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage houses three district garages for the NYC Department of Sanitation, while the 70’ tall Spring Street Salt Shed is home to 5,000 tons of road salt. Although municipal infrastructure projects are often targeted as undesirable uses, the community has embraced these projects and applauded the use of design to successfully integrate critical services into the neighborhood. This pair of public buildings serves close to 300,000 residents.
All tours at Riverbank State Park, Chestnut Commons, and Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage & Spring Street Salt Shed will require advanced reservations. Reservation Day is October 13.
On October 27, Principal John Woelfling will be one of this year's keynote speakers at PhiusCon 2022. Joining him is Trinity Financial VP of Design & Construction, Christoph Stump. John and Christoph will use 425 Grand Concourse and other Passive House projects to discuss Passive House certification and what it means for the future of multifamily housing developments.
The core principles of Passive House design establish a framework for healthy, energy-efficient, low-carbon buildings—buildings that are consistently comfortable in all seasons.
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Integrated during design and implemented in the construction of 425 Grand Concourse, these principles allow the building to be one of the largest Passive House developments in North America: minimized thermal bridging, energy recovery ventilation systems, an airtight building envelope, and high-performance glazing and thermal insulation.
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Paired with an informed approach to building orientation/form and solar shading, this benchmark sustainable project provides a model for healthy living environments in a district with one of the worst childhood asthma rates in the country. Each apartments’ living rooms and bedrooms directly receives filtered, ventilated air, increasing interior comfort and air quality. The project’s expansive windows provide abundant amounts of daylight into the apartments while balancing the window to wall ratio that is critical to achieving Passive House performance levels.
While design and construction will be at the heart of this PhiusCon conversation, John and Christoph will also take a wider view, examining business solutions and opportunities for these types of projects throughout the country.
Formerly North American Passive House Conference, PhiusCon is the leading passive building conference for climate-specific zero energy design, construction, and building science expertise. Now in its 16th year, the conference is slated for October 25-28 at the historic Palmer House in Chicago.
