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07.11.24
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.
07.01.24
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
06.04.24
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/
09.21.22
Dattner Architects is pleased to share that Dana Moore AIA has been accepted into this year's Class of Forefront Fellows. The Urban Design Forum (UDF)'s Forefront Fellowship is an interdisciplinary cohort of designers, policymakers, artists, and activists working to reimagine how the city shapes life for its growing population. The 2022 cohort of Forefront Fellows is addressing waste management in the city and rewriting how New York City can pick up after itself in more sustainable, equitable, and efficient ways.
"I believe waste management is the most critical piece of the urban puzzle, and I think every New Yorker deserves infrastructure that meets their needs with grace. Meeting the waste haulers, building supers, and even volunteers who make this essential service possible is an amazing experience that I will take with me in my design career. Our cohort is already forming fast ties, and I look forward to the solutions we will envision as a team. More than ever, I am reminded that essential services are made up of essential persons—this fellowship is a singular opportunity for me to learn from and design for those voices."—Dana Moore AIA
Dattner Architects is pleased to share that Dana Moore AIA has been accepted into this year's Class of Forefront Fellows. The Urban Design Forum (UDF)'s Forefront Fellowship is an interdisciplinary cohort of designers, policymakers, artists, and activists working to reimagine how the city shapes life for its growing population. The 2022 cohort of Forefront Fellows is addressing waste management in the city and rewriting how New York City can pick up after itself in more sustainable, equitable, and efficient ways.
"I believe waste management is the most critical piece of the urban puzzle, and I think every New Yorker deserves infrastructure that meets their needs with grace. Meeting the waste haulers, building supers, and even volunteers who make this essential service possible is an amazing experience that I will take with me in my design career. Our cohort is already forming fast ties, and I look forward to the solutions we will envision as a team. More than ever, I am reminded that essential services are made up of essential persons—this fellowship is a singular opportunity for me to learn from and design for those voices."—Dana Moore AIA
09.20.22
Riverbank State Park will be a featured tour as part of Archtober's Building of the Day series. A month-long celebration of architecture and design in New York City, Archtober is an annual festival of architecture activities, programs, and exhibitions taking place throughout the month of October. Building of the Day tours are the centerpiece of Archtober with the goal of making exemplary architecture more accessible to the general public.
Archtober Building of the Day: Riverbank State Park
Date / Time: October 8, 2022 at 3:00pm
Location: 679 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10031
Riverbank State Park is New York City's first public green roof, and one of New York State's busiest parks. A first-of-its-kind recreation facility with numerous year-round recreational amenities, the park has become a true community asset. 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.
The tour will be led by Dattner Architects’ founder Richard Dattner and will include the fascinating history of Riverbank’s inception, design, and construction—and a discussion of the importance of creating accessible public open space for each New Yorker.
Riverbank State Park will be a featured tour as part of Archtober's Building of the Day series. A month-long celebration of architecture and design in New York City, Archtober is an annual festival of architecture activities, programs, and exhibitions taking place throughout the month of October. Building of the Day tours are the centerpiece of Archtober with the goal of making exemplary architecture more accessible to the general public.
Archtober Building of the Day: Riverbank State Park
Date / Time: October 8, 2022 at 3:00pm
Location: 679 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10031
Riverbank State Park is New York City's first public green roof, and one of New York State's busiest parks. A first-of-its-kind recreation facility with numerous year-round recreational amenities, the park has become a true community asset. 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.
The tour will be led by Dattner Architects’ founder Richard Dattner and will include the fascinating history of Riverbank’s inception, design, and construction—and a discussion of the importance of creating accessible public open space for each New Yorker.
09.15.22
Dattner Architects is excited to share that Scarsdale Public Library has won a national design award in the Renovation, Restoration, and Adaptive Re-use Category from the Society of American Registered Architects (SARA).
This renovation and addition modernizes the existing 1951 facility by integrating state-of-the-art technology throughout, expanding public gathering spaces for community programming, and reorganizing circulation to improve the patron experience. While the flexible spaces, refreshed and re-envisioned interiors, and improved technological infrastructure are the highlights of the new library, the space also provides an expanded connection to the community it serves. Featuring an entrance plaza, a new café, and lobby that opens up to the library’s main collection area, daylight and views establish a strong connection from entry to exit. New programming opportunities, such as after-hours scheduling for the Technology Center and increased access of the expanded children’s area, solidify the library as a communal hub.
Celebrating design excellence in architecture, this year's winners will be honored at the SARA National Design Awards Gala on October 21 in San Diego, California.
Dattner Architects is excited to share that Scarsdale Public Library has won a national design award in the Renovation, Restoration, and Adaptive Re-use Category from the Society of American Registered Architects (SARA).
This renovation and addition modernizes the existing 1951 facility by integrating state-of-the-art technology throughout, expanding public gathering spaces for community programming, and reorganizing circulation to improve the patron experience. While the flexible spaces, refreshed and re-envisioned interiors, and improved technological infrastructure are the highlights of the new library, the space also provides an expanded connection to the community it serves. Featuring an entrance plaza, a new café, and lobby that opens up to the library’s main collection area, daylight and views establish a strong connection from entry to exit. New programming opportunities, such as after-hours scheduling for the Technology Center and increased access of the expanded children’s area, solidify the library as a communal hub.
Celebrating design excellence in architecture, this year's winners will be honored at the SARA National Design Awards Gala on October 21 in San Diego, California.
08.10.22
Kirsten Sibilia has been invited to join the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity New York and Westchester. A strong advocate for the essential right each person has to a safe and affordable home, joining Habitat for Humanity is an opportunity lend her support to the realization of affordable home ownership. Habitat builds homes that help communities thrive, with generation-spanning benefits for working class New Yorkers
Kirsten Sibilia has been invited to join the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity New York and Westchester. A strong advocate for the essential right each person has to a safe and affordable home, joining Habitat for Humanity is an opportunity lend her support to the realization of affordable home ownership. Habitat builds homes that help communities thrive, with generation-spanning benefits for working class New Yorkers
07.21.22
Poor and marginalized communities are being disproportionately affected by the current health and climate crises. What are the big fixes and creative strategies that can help us go deeper with green and secure a more sustainable future for all?
On July 26, Principal John Woelfling will discuss the connection between climate, health, and equity with Metropolis editor-in-chief Avinash Rajagopal.
Poor and marginalized communities are being disproportionately affected by the current health and climate crises. What are the big fixes and creative strategies that can help us go deeper with green and secure a more sustainable future for all?
On July 26, Principal John Woelfling will discuss the connection between climate, health, and equity with Metropolis editor-in-chief Avinash Rajagopal.
07.20.22
For the third year in a row, Dattner Architects has partnered with Services for the UnderServed (S:US) for our Day of Service. S:US is a leading NYC nonprofit with deep roots in the community, providing support for populations in need through both housing and counseling services. This year, over 35 volunteers came together to provide an interior refresh to one of their NYC shelters for victims and survivors of domestic violence. This was an opportunity to create beautiful, vibrant, and functional spaces for the residents and staff.
"S:US came to us with a challenging project in mind knowing that we would work with their clients and staff to enhance their space. This domestic violence shelter had several crowded offices and community rooms that were either very drab, or chaotically colorful. We were able to create a cohesive design that lightened up the rooms, tied them together, and gave residents and staff places to express their creativity. Someone remarked how architects are able to take a simple paint job and make it into something extraordinary. We would like to think we did just that. The space looks incredible." — Paul Neidhard & Gus Munoz, Day of Service Co-Leaders
Many thanks to our generous sponsors: Richard E. Zacharoff & Associates, Maloney & Company, Skyline Engineering, Thornton Tomasetti, Duvernay + Brooks, Risk Strategies, Mountco Construction & Development, Sherwin Williams, MEGA, and Hirschen Singer & Epstein.
For the third year in a row, Dattner Architects has partnered with Services for the UnderServed (S:US) for our Day of Service. S:US is a leading NYC nonprofit with deep roots in the community, providing support for populations in need through both housing and counseling services. This year, over 35 volunteers came together to provide an interior refresh to one of their NYC shelters for victims and survivors of domestic violence. This was an opportunity to create beautiful, vibrant, and functional spaces for the residents and staff.
"S:US came to us with a challenging project in mind knowing that we would work with their clients and staff to enhance their space. This domestic violence shelter had several crowded offices and community rooms that were either very drab, or chaotically colorful. We were able to create a cohesive design that lightened up the rooms, tied them together, and gave residents and staff places to express their creativity. Someone remarked how architects are able to take a simple paint job and make it into something extraordinary. We would like to think we did just that. The space looks incredible." — Paul Neidhard & Gus Munoz, Day of Service Co-Leaders
Many thanks to our generous sponsors: Richard E. Zacharoff & Associates, Maloney & Company, Skyline Engineering, Thornton Tomasetti, Duvernay + Brooks, Risk Strategies, Mountco Construction & Development, Sherwin Williams, MEGA, and Hirschen Singer & Epstein.
07.18.22
Essex Crossing is one of 10 projects chosen in the Urban Land Institute's ULI Americas Awards for Excellence. This awards program recognizes new projects in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors that exemplify ULI's goals of responsible land use and sustainable community development. The 10 North American winners will now compete against projects from Asia and Europe for the ULI Global Awards.
In 1967, Seward Park Area residents were relocated from their homes to make way for a supposed massive planned urban renewal project. The project never came to fruition. Instead, the site remained vacant for decades. 50 years later, the decades-old promise to revitalize this important corner of Manhattan’s Lower East Side was realized with the opening of the Goldin at Essex Crossing. The building is named after local resident and activist, Frances Goldin, who fought to bring new affordable housing to the neighborhood.
Designed by Dattner Architects, the Goldin at 175 Delancey was the first building to be completed in the larger 1.9 million square foot Essex Crossing development initiated through a public-private partnership. The 15-story, mixed-use building comprises of senior housing and a four-story podium with neighborhood-driven community services, including an ambulatory care center, local retail spaces, and facilities operated by non-profit social services providers, Grand Street Settlement and Henry Street Settlement.
Essex Crossing is one of 10 projects chosen in the Urban Land Institute's ULI Americas Awards for Excellence. This awards program recognizes new projects in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors that exemplify ULI's goals of responsible land use and sustainable community development. The 10 North American winners will now compete against projects from Asia and Europe for the ULI Global Awards.
In 1967, Seward Park Area residents were relocated from their homes to make way for a supposed massive planned urban renewal project. The project never came to fruition. Instead, the site remained vacant for decades. 50 years later, the decades-old promise to revitalize this important corner of Manhattan’s Lower East Side was realized with the opening of the Goldin at Essex Crossing. The building is named after local resident and activist, Frances Goldin, who fought to bring new affordable housing to the neighborhood.
Designed by Dattner Architects, the Goldin at 175 Delancey was the first building to be completed in the larger 1.9 million square foot Essex Crossing development initiated through a public-private partnership. The 15-story, mixed-use building comprises of senior housing and a four-story podium with neighborhood-driven community services, including an ambulatory care center, local retail spaces, and facilities operated by non-profit social services providers, Grand Street Settlement and Henry Street Settlement.
06.28.22
Design Trust for Public Space honored Dattner Architects with a Public Space Leadership Award at the inaugural Benefit for Public Space. In bestowing the award, executive director Matthew Clarke, remarked that "Dattner Architects’ mission-driven approach towards civic architecture is frankly unparalleled in New York City, and perhaps the world." He continued: "When you start to look through [the firm's] catalogue, you are frankly shocked by the scale at which their work has shaped our collective civic life. From affordable housing, subway stations, infrastructure, public spaces, and libraries, I’m inspired and proud that New York can call them ours."
We are incredibly moved to be recognized by the Design Trust for our legacy of and commitment to designing spaces and places for all New Yorkers.
"The social equity, the environmental justice, and the quality of civic spaces we all seek requires creativity and rigor; it demands outreach, engagement, and collaboration. The work that the Design Trust does to accelerate the dialogue is invaluable.” — Kirsten Sibilia, Managing Principal, Dattner Architects
Credit: Andre Whitehead
"I look forward to our future civic accomplishments in creating striking new buildings, places, and communities." — Richard Dattner, Founding Principal, Dattner Architects
Credit: Andre Whitehead
Held on June 15, the Benefit for Public Space celebrated Dattner Architects and fellow award recipient, Alfred “Fred” Cerullo (CEO, Grand Central Partnership) with live music, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a fundraising auction, and sunset views at the Tribeca Rooftop. During the awards ceremony, a tribute video including interviews with Dattner-clients Services for the UnderServed, Monadnock Development, and Project Renewal was shown.
"The impact of Dattner [Architects] on New York City is hard to calculate because, they have been active in every aspect of development from affordable housing to luxury housing, to public works, to parks and recreation. Their values that they bring to projects is probably as important as their skill level and aesthetic taste in design. We work with them because their value system aligns with ours: that transforming New York City neighborhoods is as important to them as winning an award. That value system is what differentiates them from their peers." — Kirk Goodrich, Partner, Monadnock Development
Design Trust for Public Space honored Dattner Architects with a Public Space Leadership Award at the inaugural Benefit for Public Space. In bestowing the award, executive director Matthew Clarke, remarked that "Dattner Architects’ mission-driven approach towards civic architecture is frankly unparalleled in New York City, and perhaps the world." He continued: "When you start to look through [the firm's] catalogue, you are frankly shocked by the scale at which their work has shaped our collective civic life. From affordable housing, subway stations, infrastructure, public spaces, and libraries, I’m inspired and proud that New York can call them ours."
We are incredibly moved to be recognized by the Design Trust for our legacy of and commitment to designing spaces and places for all New Yorkers.
"The social equity, the environmental justice, and the quality of civic spaces we all seek requires creativity and rigor; it demands outreach, engagement, and collaboration. The work that the Design Trust does to accelerate the dialogue is invaluable.” — Kirsten Sibilia, Managing Principal, Dattner Architects
Credit: Andre Whitehead
"I look forward to our future civic accomplishments in creating striking new buildings, places, and communities." — Richard Dattner, Founding Principal, Dattner Architects
Credit: Andre Whitehead
Held on June 15, the Benefit for Public Space celebrated Dattner Architects and fellow award recipient, Alfred “Fred” Cerullo (CEO, Grand Central Partnership) with live music, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a fundraising auction, and sunset views at the Tribeca Rooftop. During the awards ceremony, a tribute video including interviews with Dattner-clients Services for the UnderServed, Monadnock Development, and Project Renewal was shown.
"The impact of Dattner [Architects] on New York City is hard to calculate because, they have been active in every aspect of development from affordable housing to luxury housing, to public works, to parks and recreation. Their values that they bring to projects is probably as important as their skill level and aesthetic taste in design. We work with them because their value system aligns with ours: that transforming New York City neighborhoods is as important to them as winning an award. That value system is what differentiates them from their peers." — Kirk Goodrich, Partner, Monadnock Development
06.15.22
On June 22, Associate Principal Rachel Ehrlich will be speaking at the AIANY Committee on the Environment (COTE)'s "Equity in Electrification: Electrification of Affordable Housing" panel at the Center for Architecture. The AIANY COTE's Equity and Electrification series explores issues of equity in the push to fully electrify New York City's building stock.
The passage of Local Law 154 means that design professionals in New York City will be tasked with providing effective solutions for electrifying buildings. This panel will provide a broad overview of policy and equity issues surrounding building electrification in New York City, along with a case study that tackles the technical opportunities and challenges of electrifying affordable housing.
Rachel will be joined on the panel by Michael Wadman (Phipps Houses) and Zoe Grossman (Bright Power) with Annie Carforo (WE ACT for Environmental Justice) as moderator.
On June 22, Associate Principal Rachel Ehrlich will be speaking at the AIANY Committee on the Environment (COTE)'s "Equity in Electrification: Electrification of Affordable Housing" panel at the Center for Architecture. The AIANY COTE's Equity and Electrification series explores issues of equity in the push to fully electrify New York City's building stock.
The passage of Local Law 154 means that design professionals in New York City will be tasked with providing effective solutions for electrifying buildings. This panel will provide a broad overview of policy and equity issues surrounding building electrification in New York City, along with a case study that tackles the technical opportunities and challenges of electrifying affordable housing.
Rachel will be joined on the panel by Michael Wadman (Phipps Houses) and Zoe Grossman (Bright Power) with Annie Carforo (WE ACT for Environmental Justice) as moderator.
06.14.22
Dattner Architects has been honored with an Anchin Award for Most Substantial Impact in Sustainability, alongside Jonathan Rose Companies and ECOR Global. This award recognizes companies that have gone above and beyond expectations in regards to sustainability within the built environment, real estate, and construction industries—highlighting innovative project work across a portfolio that presents a thorough and robust strategy for sustainability practices for the long-term.
For decades, Dattner Architects has provided models for impactful civic architecture. From creating the first green schools guide for the largest public district in the US, to designing NYC’s first new subway station in 26 years, we are proving that good design is driven from social and environmental impact.
Our long-standing commitment to sustainable design is characterized by a flexible, project-specific approach that combines passive and low-tech solutions with more active systems, analysis, and controls. With each new commission, we seek to push beyond the conventional standards for sustainability, innovating high-performance approaches that work with the building program, site, and budget. We have become a leader in affordable housing Passive House design by proposing creative solutions in order to meet strict energy efficiency criteria for the building’s insulation, envelope performance, space heating and cooling, and primary energy demand within the building.
"We are honored to be recognized along with Jonathan Rose Companies and ECOR Global for our commitment to sustainability. Our growing experience and expertise in urban, multifamily affordable passive house projects is just a small part of what we can do to mitigate our impact on the built environment. As codes become more stringent and push towards all electric buildings, we hope that this becomes the norm, rather than the exception – but we are glad to be one of the pioneers in this space by proposing creative solutions that work within the existing multifamily design and construction framework. After all: isn’t that the goal, that all our projects are energy efficient and built to rigorous standards that allow for affordable electric heating and cooling while keeping occupant health in mind?" — Shefali Sanghvi AIA, Director of Sustainability
Dattner Architects has been honored with an Anchin Award for Most Substantial Impact in Sustainability, alongside Jonathan Rose Companies and ECOR Global. This award recognizes companies that have gone above and beyond expectations in regards to sustainability within the built environment, real estate, and construction industries—highlighting innovative project work across a portfolio that presents a thorough and robust strategy for sustainability practices for the long-term.
For decades, Dattner Architects has provided models for impactful civic architecture. From creating the first green schools guide for the largest public district in the US, to designing NYC’s first new subway station in 26 years, we are proving that good design is driven from social and environmental impact.
Our long-standing commitment to sustainable design is characterized by a flexible, project-specific approach that combines passive and low-tech solutions with more active systems, analysis, and controls. With each new commission, we seek to push beyond the conventional standards for sustainability, innovating high-performance approaches that work with the building program, site, and budget. We have become a leader in affordable housing Passive House design by proposing creative solutions in order to meet strict energy efficiency criteria for the building’s insulation, envelope performance, space heating and cooling, and primary energy demand within the building.
"We are honored to be recognized along with Jonathan Rose Companies and ECOR Global for our commitment to sustainability. Our growing experience and expertise in urban, multifamily affordable passive house projects is just a small part of what we can do to mitigate our impact on the built environment. As codes become more stringent and push towards all electric buildings, we hope that this becomes the norm, rather than the exception – but we are glad to be one of the pioneers in this space by proposing creative solutions that work within the existing multifamily design and construction framework. After all: isn’t that the goal, that all our projects are energy efficient and built to rigorous standards that allow for affordable electric heating and cooling while keeping occupant health in mind?" — Shefali Sanghvi AIA, Director of Sustainability
06.13.22
Dattner Architects joined Pennrose, RiseBoro Community Partnership, Mega Contracting, City and State officials, and partnering community leaders for the grand opening of 50 Penn — a new mixed-use, transit-oriented development providing access to high-quality, sustainable affordable and moderate-income housing and healthy food choices. 218 units are designed for family occupancy, 42 of which are dedicated to formerly homeless and elderly households. Three commercial spaces activate the ground floor, including a health-food grocery store developed through the FRESH program which promotes nutritious, affordable, and fresh food in underserved neighborhoods.
"The lasting relationship between Pennrose and Dattner is rooted in our organizations’ common missions of producing affordable homes with class-leading design for New Yorkers. Our work together at 50 Penn exemplifies how structural synergies between thoughtful architects and developers can result in superior placemaking of a building that is poised to be enjoyed in the Cypress Hills community for generations to come.” — Dylan Salmons, Regional Vice President, Pennrose
"The 50 Penn project is the result of a truly collaborative and innovative effort that could not have been accomplished without the development vision of Pennrose and RiseBoro, the construction acumen of Mega Contracting Group, and the technical expertise of the entire design team. The project’s mixed-use program is a model for redevelopment in high density urban environments with superior access to transit. However, this blessing of transit comes with both challenges above grade with the elevated J train along Fulton Street and the sub-terranean A/C lines cutting across the corner of the site. The technical and construction logistics challenges were many, but ably addressed and executed to result in a much-needed low-carbon, high-quality affordable housing building for 218 families." — John Woelfling AIA, Principal, Dattner Architects
"This project is an important marker of the East New York re-zoning, providing 218 new affordable apartments, local-scale retail spaces, and a grocery store for the Cypress Hills community. We are very proud of this building, as we focused on providing bright and airy units, a beautiful and contextual brick façade, and amenities that serve the tenants including a large, landscaped terrace. Solar panels on the roof and energy-saving features in the building are symbolic of Dattner Architects’ and Pennrose's commitment to a greener future for New York City." — Rem Bruhn AIA, Associate, Dattner Architects
Dattner Architects joined Pennrose, RiseBoro Community Partnership, Mega Contracting, City and State officials, and partnering community leaders for the grand opening of 50 Penn — a new mixed-use, transit-oriented development providing access to high-quality, sustainable affordable and moderate-income housing and healthy food choices. 218 units are designed for family occupancy, 42 of which are dedicated to formerly homeless and elderly households. Three commercial spaces activate the ground floor, including a health-food grocery store developed through the FRESH program which promotes nutritious, affordable, and fresh food in underserved neighborhoods.
"The lasting relationship between Pennrose and Dattner is rooted in our organizations’ common missions of producing affordable homes with class-leading design for New Yorkers. Our work together at 50 Penn exemplifies how structural synergies between thoughtful architects and developers can result in superior placemaking of a building that is poised to be enjoyed in the Cypress Hills community for generations to come.” — Dylan Salmons, Regional Vice President, Pennrose
"The 50 Penn project is the result of a truly collaborative and innovative effort that could not have been accomplished without the development vision of Pennrose and RiseBoro, the construction acumen of Mega Contracting Group, and the technical expertise of the entire design team. The project’s mixed-use program is a model for redevelopment in high density urban environments with superior access to transit. However, this blessing of transit comes with both challenges above grade with the elevated J train along Fulton Street and the sub-terranean A/C lines cutting across the corner of the site. The technical and construction logistics challenges were many, but ably addressed and executed to result in a much-needed low-carbon, high-quality affordable housing building for 218 families." — John Woelfling AIA, Principal, Dattner Architects
"This project is an important marker of the East New York re-zoning, providing 218 new affordable apartments, local-scale retail spaces, and a grocery store for the Cypress Hills community. We are very proud of this building, as we focused on providing bright and airy units, a beautiful and contextual brick façade, and amenities that serve the tenants including a large, landscaped terrace. Solar panels on the roof and energy-saving features in the building are symbolic of Dattner Architects’ and Pennrose's commitment to a greener future for New York City." — Rem Bruhn AIA, Associate, Dattner Architects
05.26.22
Dattner Architects is proud to announce that Scarsdale Public Library and Santaella Gardens have won design awards from the Society of American Registered Architects – New York Council (SARA NY)! Both projects will be honored at an awards gala on June 14 at The Manhattan Manor.
The Scarsdale Public Library project responds to the shifts in community needs, trends in library services, and changes in user preferences. Through a comprehensive programming and planning exercise, the space was redesigned, renovated, and expanded to fulfill the Library’s mission.
Built in 1951 and added to over time, the library required transformation to optimize utilization of the full facility, improve the library experience, and provide adaptable spaces that embraced new developments in technology. The design team incorporated a new “makerspace” for the community and explored options to allow a greater amount of flexibility at all levels of programming. While the flexible spaces and improved technological infrastructure are the highlights of the new library, the space also provides an expanded connection to the community it serves. Featuring an entrance plaza, a new cafe, and lobby that opens up to the library’s main collection area, daylight and views establish a strong connection from entry to exit.
“We are honored to receive this SARA award for the recent renovation and expansion of the Scarsdale Library. The project retains the best features of a beloved community building while radically rethinking it to become a more modern, versatile, and attractive space.” — Principal Daniel Heuberger AIA
Named in honor of Justice Irma Vidal Santaella, the first Puerto Rican woman to serve as a Justice on the New York Supreme Court, Santaella Gardens is a new mixed-use Passive House residential development—providing urgently needed workforce and affordable housing. Adjacent to an elevated railway, the 12-story building has 249 apartments, a suite of residential amenities on the 11th floor, and ground floor uses including an afterschool program and community retail.
“Passive House design teaches us that the work has to be integrative and coordinated at every level to achieve this high bar for design and performance. Santaella Gardens has been a collaborative endeavor from the beginning. This teamwork involved our committed clients, Phipps Houses and the Acacia Network, the skills and Passive House experience of Monadnock Construction, and the entire design and consulting team. Santaella Gardens is a model for the high quality, high performance affordable housing New York City needs to transition to a clean energy economy and build social equity through comfortable, healthy homes." — Associate Principal Rachel Ehrlich AIA
"Our Santaella Gardens project addresses two of our most pressing items as a society: addressing Climate Change and the creation of Affordable Housing. The project's Passive House design creates a low carbon, high health building that can serve as a model to partially address health inequities that occur in our urban centers. Passive House is an integrated and complex project type to design and build. Much recognition should go to Phipps Houses and The Acacia Network for entrusting this project to our design team and to Monadnock Construction for delivering such a high performance building on an affordable housing budget." — Principal John Woelfling AIA
Dattner Architects is proud to announce that Scarsdale Public Library and Santaella Gardens have won design awards from the Society of American Registered Architects – New York Council (SARA NY)! Both projects will be honored at an awards gala on June 14 at The Manhattan Manor.
The Scarsdale Public Library project responds to the shifts in community needs, trends in library services, and changes in user preferences. Through a comprehensive programming and planning exercise, the space was redesigned, renovated, and expanded to fulfill the Library’s mission.
Built in 1951 and added to over time, the library required transformation to optimize utilization of the full facility, improve the library experience, and provide adaptable spaces that embraced new developments in technology. The design team incorporated a new “makerspace” for the community and explored options to allow a greater amount of flexibility at all levels of programming. While the flexible spaces and improved technological infrastructure are the highlights of the new library, the space also provides an expanded connection to the community it serves. Featuring an entrance plaza, a new cafe, and lobby that opens up to the library’s main collection area, daylight and views establish a strong connection from entry to exit.
“We are honored to receive this SARA award for the recent renovation and expansion of the Scarsdale Library. The project retains the best features of a beloved community building while radically rethinking it to become a more modern, versatile, and attractive space.” — Principal Daniel Heuberger AIA
Named in honor of Justice Irma Vidal Santaella, the first Puerto Rican woman to serve as a Justice on the New York Supreme Court, Santaella Gardens is a new mixed-use Passive House residential development—providing urgently needed workforce and affordable housing. Adjacent to an elevated railway, the 12-story building has 249 apartments, a suite of residential amenities on the 11th floor, and ground floor uses including an afterschool program and community retail.
“Passive House design teaches us that the work has to be integrative and coordinated at every level to achieve this high bar for design and performance. Santaella Gardens has been a collaborative endeavor from the beginning. This teamwork involved our committed clients, Phipps Houses and the Acacia Network, the skills and Passive House experience of Monadnock Construction, and the entire design and consulting team. Santaella Gardens is a model for the high quality, high performance affordable housing New York City needs to transition to a clean energy economy and build social equity through comfortable, healthy homes." — Associate Principal Rachel Ehrlich AIA
"Our Santaella Gardens project addresses two of our most pressing items as a society: addressing Climate Change and the creation of Affordable Housing. The project's Passive House design creates a low carbon, high health building that can serve as a model to partially address health inequities that occur in our urban centers. Passive House is an integrated and complex project type to design and build. Much recognition should go to Phipps Houses and The Acacia Network for entrusting this project to our design team and to Monadnock Construction for delivering such a high performance building on an affordable housing budget." — Principal John Woelfling AIA
05.10.22
On March 9, Dattner Architects joined the Institute for Community Living (ICL), Mega Contracting Group, State and City officials, and partnering community leaders for the ribbon cutting ceremony at Nevins Street Apartments.
Located in Downtown Brooklyn, Nevins Street Apartments reinvigorates a century-old building through a gut renovation and addition to provide affordable housing, supportive housing, and on-site supportive services including case management and mental health services. The historic site of 50 Nevins Street, with its new 10-story addition, now features 129 new apartments serving those in need. 78 are supportive 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.
"Dattner Architects has had the honor of collaborating with ICL and Mega Contracting Group to complete this bold repositioning of ICL's flagship facility as a modern affordable housing building in Downtown Brooklyn. The extensive renovations of the existing building will not only make the building fully accessible, but will also improve the energy performance of the building with efficient systems coupled with on-site renewable power generation. In addition to the renovation, the project was able to expand the building footprint and density of the project through a rezoning that required support from the NYC Department of City Planning and community partners. As the saying goes, "It takes a village..." — Principal John Woelfling AIA
"50 Nevins consists of the gut-rehabilitation of a historically significant century-old building, merged with a new, contemporary-looking addition—a nod to a facility’s present connecting with its past. Originally a YWCA, this building has had indeed a long history of offering housing, shelter, and support for low-income individuals. We are pleased to have worked with ICL to contribute to such an important legacy by providing new and much needed supportive and affordable housing. We trust that the result of our collective efforts is an environment that is welcoming, stimulating, and caring—and a building which will generate an overall sense of care, comfort, and satisfaction for its residents as well as a positive impact on the neighborhood at large." — Senior Associate Philippe Martelly AIA
On March 9, Dattner Architects joined the Institute for Community Living (ICL), Mega Contracting Group, State and City officials, and partnering community leaders for the ribbon cutting ceremony at Nevins Street Apartments.
Located in Downtown Brooklyn, Nevins Street Apartments reinvigorates a century-old building through a gut renovation and addition to provide affordable housing, supportive housing, and on-site supportive services including case management and mental health services. The historic site of 50 Nevins Street, with its new 10-story addition, now features 129 new apartments serving those in need. 78 are supportive 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.
"Dattner Architects has had the honor of collaborating with ICL and Mega Contracting Group to complete this bold repositioning of ICL's flagship facility as a modern affordable housing building in Downtown Brooklyn. The extensive renovations of the existing building will not only make the building fully accessible, but will also improve the energy performance of the building with efficient systems coupled with on-site renewable power generation. In addition to the renovation, the project was able to expand the building footprint and density of the project through a rezoning that required support from the NYC Department of City Planning and community partners. As the saying goes, "It takes a village..." — Principal John Woelfling AIA
"50 Nevins consists of the gut-rehabilitation of a historically significant century-old building, merged with a new, contemporary-looking addition—a nod to a facility’s present connecting with its past. Originally a YWCA, this building has had indeed a long history of offering housing, shelter, and support for low-income individuals. We are pleased to have worked with ICL to contribute to such an important legacy by providing new and much needed supportive and affordable housing. We trust that the result of our collective efforts is an environment that is welcoming, stimulating, and caring—and a building which will generate an overall sense of care, comfort, and satisfaction for its residents as well as a positive impact on the neighborhood at large." — Senior Associate Philippe Martelly AIA
05.02.22
Project Architect Brandon Wang, Designer Kathy Mu, and Director of Sustainability Shefali Sanghvi will be speaking at this year’s LIVING FUTURE ‘22 (LF22) Conference.
Held from May 2-13, LF22 unites a community of deep-green thought leaders, practitioners, and healthy materials providers for inspiration and knowledge sharing of strategies to address racial inequities and injustices in our communities. The conference is split into 10 tracks: Just Future; Climate Justice; Ecological Restoration; Resilience; Policy; Zero Carbon; Health; Materials; Beauty + Biophilia; and Innovation in Ownership
Community Engagement and Climate Justice: Inspiring Architects to Engage
Date: May 3, 2022 at 5:30pm EST
Track: Climate Justice
In the fall of 2020 amidst a global pandemic, Dattner Architects prepared and facilitated a series of internal workshops studying climate justice and community engagement. Often, community engagement discussions center on development opportunities and when they should happen. At the time of the workshops, with everyone spending significantly more time confined in their own neighborhoods, we took this opportunity to study these areas in-depth and through the lens of a resident. By starting with this approach and folding in concepts of climate justice and the role of the architect, we developed a unique understanding of community engagement that allows for greater empathy for and connection to the communities with which we serve.
By reviewing these workshops, and emulating some of the techniques used, this session will explore innovative ways to engage with communities and ourselves as stewards of the built environment.
Project Architect Brandon Wang, Designer Kathy Mu, and Director of Sustainability Shefali Sanghvi will be speaking at this year’s LIVING FUTURE ‘22 (LF22) Conference.
Held from May 2-13, LF22 unites a community of deep-green thought leaders, practitioners, and healthy materials providers for inspiration and knowledge sharing of strategies to address racial inequities and injustices in our communities. The conference is split into 10 tracks: Just Future; Climate Justice; Ecological Restoration; Resilience; Policy; Zero Carbon; Health; Materials; Beauty + Biophilia; and Innovation in Ownership
Community Engagement and Climate Justice: Inspiring Architects to Engage
Date: May 3, 2022 at 5:30pm EST
Track: Climate Justice
In the fall of 2020 amidst a global pandemic, Dattner Architects prepared and facilitated a series of internal workshops studying climate justice and community engagement. Often, community engagement discussions center on development opportunities and when they should happen. At the time of the workshops, with everyone spending significantly more time confined in their own neighborhoods, we took this opportunity to study these areas in-depth and through the lens of a resident. By starting with this approach and folding in concepts of climate justice and the role of the architect, we developed a unique understanding of community engagement that allows for greater empathy for and connection to the communities with which we serve.
By reviewing these workshops, and emulating some of the techniques used, this session will explore innovative ways to engage with communities and ourselves as stewards of the built environment.
04.22.22
On Earth Day, Dattner Architects is pleased to announce the creation of a Director of Sustainability role at the firm, affirming our long-standing commitment to sustainability. This important new position will be filled by Senior Associate Shefali Sanghvi, a highly accomplished architect and knowledgeable advocate for environmental responsibility.
Shefali has over 15 years of experience working in affordable housing, 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. Shefali believes that it is the architect’s responsibility to respect the power that we hold on the built environment by designing spaces that are welcoming to all members of society.
“With this timely announcement, Dattner Architects is emphasizing our commitment to incorporating sustainable design across our broad portfolio. We are confident that Shefali in her new role as Director of Sustainability will allow us to broadly and consistently apply our extensive knowledge about energy, healthy environments, and occupant comfort to benefit our clients and the buildings we design for them.
Shefali’s commitment to designing sustainable buildings utilizing the rigorous Passive House system and her more broad focus of leadership of our internal Sustainable Practice Group makes her an ideal person to guide the firm and the design profession towards a common goal of reducing our industry’s impact on the environment.” — Principal John Woelfling AIA, LEED AP, CPHT
As Director of Sustainability, Shefali will serve as a thought leader across Dattner Architects’ studios, and beyond, championing sustainability as integral to architecture. She will help establish the direction of our research and lead the exploration and application of sustainability in-house by facilitating knowledge sharing amongst project teams, firm leadership, and our professional development groups. Shefali will continue to serve as co-chair of the firm’s Sustainable Practice Group, established in 2012.
“Dattner Architects has a long-standing reputation for being a leader in urban sustainable design, and I am honored to be part of the next phase of our firm’s evolution. The creation of this role truly formalizes our commitment to sustainability and allows us to continue to push the bar for all of our projects, across all studios.
This is also a great opportunity for our office to continue to share and speak about our current ongoing research on energy usage, renewables, materials, indoor health, site ecology, and urban infrastructure—all through the lens of climate justice, social equity, and sustainability at large. The civic work Dattner does touches all aspects of our lives, especially here in NYC—and with the issuance of the latest IPCC report and current geo-political strife, it is even more important to ensure that all of our work continues to be as sustainable as possible” — Director of Sustainability Shefali Sanghvi AIA, LEED AP BD+C
On Earth Day, Dattner Architects is pleased to announce the creation of a Director of Sustainability role at the firm, affirming our long-standing commitment to sustainability. This important new position will be filled by Senior Associate Shefali Sanghvi, a highly accomplished architect and knowledgeable advocate for environmental responsibility.
Shefali has over 15 years of experience working in affordable housing, 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. Shefali believes that it is the architect’s responsibility to respect the power that we hold on the built environment by designing spaces that are welcoming to all members of society.
“With this timely announcement, Dattner Architects is emphasizing our commitment to incorporating sustainable design across our broad portfolio. We are confident that Shefali in her new role as Director of Sustainability will allow us to broadly and consistently apply our extensive knowledge about energy, healthy environments, and occupant comfort to benefit our clients and the buildings we design for them.
Shefali’s commitment to designing sustainable buildings utilizing the rigorous Passive House system and her more broad focus of leadership of our internal Sustainable Practice Group makes her an ideal person to guide the firm and the design profession towards a common goal of reducing our industry’s impact on the environment.” — Principal John Woelfling AIA, LEED AP, CPHT
As Director of Sustainability, Shefali will serve as a thought leader across Dattner Architects’ studios, and beyond, championing sustainability as integral to architecture. She will help establish the direction of our research and lead the exploration and application of sustainability in-house by facilitating knowledge sharing amongst project teams, firm leadership, and our professional development groups. Shefali will continue to serve as co-chair of the firm’s Sustainable Practice Group, established in 2012.
“Dattner Architects has a long-standing reputation for being a leader in urban sustainable design, and I am honored to be part of the next phase of our firm’s evolution. The creation of this role truly formalizes our commitment to sustainability and allows us to continue to push the bar for all of our projects, across all studios.
This is also a great opportunity for our office to continue to share and speak about our current ongoing research on energy usage, renewables, materials, indoor health, site ecology, and urban infrastructure—all through the lens of climate justice, social equity, and sustainability at large. The civic work Dattner does touches all aspects of our lives, especially here in NYC—and with the issuance of the latest IPCC report and current geo-political strife, it is even more important to ensure that all of our work continues to be as sustainable as possible” — Director of Sustainability Shefali Sanghvi AIA, LEED AP BD+C
04.13.22
Dattner Architects is pleased to announce that WSFSSH at West 108 is the recipient of an AIA New York State Excelsior Merit Award! Celebrating its eighth year, the Excelsior Awards program highlights the best in publicly funded buildings, outdoor areas, and public art across New York State.
WSFSSH at West 108 is sponsored and operated by one of New York City’s most respected non-profit affordable housing providers—West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing (WSFSSH). Their vision was to create an integrated response to an urgent need for transitional, supportive, and family housing that promotes the dignity of each individual and enhances community.
"WSFSSH at West 108 is a very special project that provides transitional housing for homeless older adults, permanent supportive and affordable family housing, and an array of social services. The program includes a community health clinic and spaces for community activities. Varied heights, setbacks, and materials respond to the neighborhood context, while creating a distinctive identity for this sustainably designed building." — William Stein FAIA
The shelter and supportive / affordable housing programs are designed to be integrated with a single entry and reception desk, while also allowing the transitional program to have its own secure circulation system. The development provides 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.
The ground floor is organized around a “main street” that links recreation spaces and support services for residents, including lounges for each program, a dining room and commercial kitchen, community rooms, children’s playroom, and social service offices. Additional amenity spaces include a landscaped outdoor recreation area and 7th floor roof terrace. The dining room is accessible for community events. A lower level accommodates a primary care health clinic.
"WSFSSH at West 108th brings much needed affordable, supportive, and transitional housing to Manhattan Valley in a building that is respectful of neighborhood context, while also providing a safe, healthy, lively space for tenants. We are proud to have been a part of the team bringing this building online, and appreciative of this recognition of what the project brings to the community." — Shefali Sanghvi AIA
Dattner Architects is pleased to announce that WSFSSH at West 108 is the recipient of an AIA New York State Excelsior Merit Award! Celebrating its eighth year, the Excelsior Awards program highlights the best in publicly funded buildings, outdoor areas, and public art across New York State.
WSFSSH at West 108 is sponsored and operated by one of New York City’s most respected non-profit affordable housing providers—West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing (WSFSSH). Their vision was to create an integrated response to an urgent need for transitional, supportive, and family housing that promotes the dignity of each individual and enhances community.
"WSFSSH at West 108 is a very special project that provides transitional housing for homeless older adults, permanent supportive and affordable family housing, and an array of social services. The program includes a community health clinic and spaces for community activities. Varied heights, setbacks, and materials respond to the neighborhood context, while creating a distinctive identity for this sustainably designed building." — William Stein FAIA
The shelter and supportive / affordable housing programs are designed to be integrated with a single entry and reception desk, while also allowing the transitional program to have its own secure circulation system. The development provides 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.
The ground floor is organized around a “main street” that links recreation spaces and support services for residents, including lounges for each program, a dining room and commercial kitchen, community rooms, children’s playroom, and social service offices. Additional amenity spaces include a landscaped outdoor recreation area and 7th floor roof terrace. The dining room is accessible for community events. A lower level accommodates a primary care health clinic.
"WSFSSH at West 108th brings much needed affordable, supportive, and transitional housing to Manhattan Valley in a building that is respectful of neighborhood context, while also providing a safe, healthy, lively space for tenants. We are proud to have been a part of the team bringing this building online, and appreciative of this recognition of what the project brings to the community." — Shefali Sanghvi AIA
04.11.22
On April 8, 2022, Principal Gia Mainiero spoke at AIA’s Public Architects Symposium, Climate of Public Architecture. Held at AIA Headquarters in Washington, DC, the symposium brought together practitioners and AEC industry professionals to discuss the critical issues facing the profession and built environment.
The Public Architect has long served as a frontline mediator of the vision, scope, impact, and long-term viability of our essential community architecture. As the public discourse on infrastructure broadens to include the full spectrum of social services, we are at a key moment to examine the integration of essential architecture into communities, both for programs viewed as desirable and those met with resistance. The Public Architect must balance a multi-disciplinary process that is responsive to community context and demographics, but also to publicly funded capital and operating budgets.
Gia discussed how legislation, processes, and procurement strategies are upping the bar for public architecture in New York City, positioning public buildings at the forefront of sustainable and resilient design.
On April 8, 2022, Principal Gia Mainiero spoke at AIA’s Public Architects Symposium, Climate of Public Architecture. Held at AIA Headquarters in Washington, DC, the symposium brought together practitioners and AEC industry professionals to discuss the critical issues facing the profession and built environment.
The Public Architect has long served as a frontline mediator of the vision, scope, impact, and long-term viability of our essential community architecture. As the public discourse on infrastructure broadens to include the full spectrum of social services, we are at a key moment to examine the integration of essential architecture into communities, both for programs viewed as desirable and those met with resistance. The Public Architect must balance a multi-disciplinary process that is responsive to community context and demographics, but also to publicly funded capital and operating budgets.
Gia discussed how legislation, processes, and procurement strategies are upping the bar for public architecture in New York City, positioning public buildings at the forefront of sustainable and resilient design.
03.30.22
Dattner Architects is proud to announce that Santaella Gardens is officially PHIUS+ 2015 Passive House certified!
Located in the Bronx, Santaella Gardens is a new mixed-use residential development, providing workforce and affordable housing with retail and a community facility on the ground floor. The building relies on advanced, climate-specific design strategies to reduce energy use. The 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.
A continual supply of fresh, filtered air is provided to all apartments and common areas via Energy Recovery Ventilators, which continually exhaust stale air while recapturing energy from the exhaust air. Residents enjoy enhanced indoor air quality without opening windows, increasing indoor comfort by blocking noise and particulates from the elevated train and nearby Bronx River Parkway. Space conditioning for apartments and common areas is provided with air-source heat pumps, an all-electric solution that advances the electrification goals of New York City’s own Green New Deal, known as OneNYC 2050. These strategies enhance occupant comfort, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and yield immense energy savings, lowering the utility bills for the lifespan of the building.
Rooftop solar photovoltaic panels generate onsite renewable energy, with a total capacity of 162.7 kW. Energy‐efficient features include ENERGY STAR appliances, LED lighting with control sensors, and Energy Recovery Ventilation. These work together with the super-insulated building envelope to drive down the energy use intensity (EUI) to a projected site EUI of 20.40 kBTU/sqft/Yr.
Dattner Architects is proud to announce that Santaella Gardens is officially PHIUS+ 2015 Passive House certified!
Located in the Bronx, Santaella Gardens is a new mixed-use residential development, providing workforce and affordable housing with retail and a community facility on the ground floor. The building relies on advanced, climate-specific design strategies to reduce energy use. The 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.
A continual supply of fresh, filtered air is provided to all apartments and common areas via Energy Recovery Ventilators, which continually exhaust stale air while recapturing energy from the exhaust air. Residents enjoy enhanced indoor air quality without opening windows, increasing indoor comfort by blocking noise and particulates from the elevated train and nearby Bronx River Parkway. Space conditioning for apartments and common areas is provided with air-source heat pumps, an all-electric solution that advances the electrification goals of New York City’s own Green New Deal, known as OneNYC 2050. These strategies enhance occupant comfort, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and yield immense energy savings, lowering the utility bills for the lifespan of the building.
Rooftop solar photovoltaic panels generate onsite renewable energy, with a total capacity of 162.7 kW. Energy‐efficient features include ENERGY STAR appliances, LED lighting with control sensors, and Energy Recovery Ventilation. These work together with the super-insulated building envelope to drive down the energy use intensity (EUI) to a projected site EUI of 20.40 kBTU/sqft/Yr.
03.11.22
On March 8, Dattner Architects joined Acacia Network, Phipps Houses, State and City officials, and partnering community leaders for the ribbon cutting ceremony at Santaella Gardens. The event coincided with International Women’s Day, as the development was named in honor of Justice Irma Vidal Santaella – the first Puerto Rican woman to serve as a Justice on the New York Supreme Court. The ceremony included remarks and participation from Justice Santaella’s family, including her daughter Ivette Santaella, Esq.
Credit: Argenis Apolinario
Located in the Soundview area of the Bronx, Santaella Gardens is a new mixed-use Passive House development, providing urgently needed workforce and affordable housing. Adjacent to an elevated railway, the 12-story building has 249 apartments, a suite of residential amenities on the 11th floor, and ground floor uses including an afterschool program and community retail.
“Santaella Gardens revitalizes an underutilized lot with a lively, high-performance building that responds to two of the most urgent needs we face: the demand to build social equity and value by reinvesting in our communities and the urgent need to transition to a clean energy economy, shifting to a healthy, sustainable model for our communities and the environment.” — Rachel Ehrlich, Associate Principal, Dattner Architects
The building’s colorful accents were inspired by the famous doors and stucco façades of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico with their bright, contrasting colors. The strong horizontal expression of the window groupings and lively alternating colors can be perceived from all angles, to be enjoyed by pedestrians, subway riders, and travelers on the Bronx River Parkway. The color palette continues within the building creating a warm and vibrant home for these Bronx residents.
“Santaella Gardens has been a collaborative endeavor from the beginning. This teamwork involving Phipps Houses and the Acacia Network, the entire design team, and the skills of Monadnock Construction was necessary to achieve this high-performance building. We hope this type of high quality, low energy building becomes the norm and serves as an example of how these types of affordable, mixed-use buildings can be achieved.” — John Woelfling, Principal, Dattner Architects
The development’s design solutions provide a precedent in utilizing emerging building construction systems to address community health disparities. Projects such as this help to further the mission of many non-profit developers in giving their affordable housing tenants a high quality of life and healthy living environments needed to tackle larger social issues such as climate justice and housing affordability.
Credit: Argenis Apolinario
“Phipps Houses is proud of our 20+ year partnership with Dattner Architects. They bring absolute professionalism in both design and service that continues to impress us after all these years. Their design skill and expertise were critical for the development of Santaella Gardens, the first Passive House development for Phipps Houses and the Acacia Network. Dattner’s ability to work pragmatically with Phipps and our general contractor Monadnock Construction on both the technical details of Passive House and the difficult approvals process has been invaluable. We’re thrilled with the end result – a beautiful, extremely energy efficient building, providing desperately needed affordable housing for low- and moderate-income New Yorkers, including units set-aside for formerly homeless households. We look forward to working on more projects with Dattner.” — Michael Wadman, Vice President of Development, Phipps Houses
On March 8, Dattner Architects joined Acacia Network, Phipps Houses, State and City officials, and partnering community leaders for the ribbon cutting ceremony at Santaella Gardens. The event coincided with International Women’s Day, as the development was named in honor of Justice Irma Vidal Santaella – the first Puerto Rican woman to serve as a Justice on the New York Supreme Court. The ceremony included remarks and participation from Justice Santaella’s family, including her daughter Ivette Santaella, Esq.
Credit: Argenis Apolinario
Located in the Soundview area of the Bronx, Santaella Gardens is a new mixed-use Passive House development, providing urgently needed workforce and affordable housing. Adjacent to an elevated railway, the 12-story building has 249 apartments, a suite of residential amenities on the 11th floor, and ground floor uses including an afterschool program and community retail.
“Santaella Gardens revitalizes an underutilized lot with a lively, high-performance building that responds to two of the most urgent needs we face: the demand to build social equity and value by reinvesting in our communities and the urgent need to transition to a clean energy economy, shifting to a healthy, sustainable model for our communities and the environment.” — Rachel Ehrlich, Associate Principal, Dattner Architects
The building’s colorful accents were inspired by the famous doors and stucco façades of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico with their bright, contrasting colors. The strong horizontal expression of the window groupings and lively alternating colors can be perceived from all angles, to be enjoyed by pedestrians, subway riders, and travelers on the Bronx River Parkway. The color palette continues within the building creating a warm and vibrant home for these Bronx residents.
“Santaella Gardens has been a collaborative endeavor from the beginning. This teamwork involving Phipps Houses and the Acacia Network, the entire design team, and the skills of Monadnock Construction was necessary to achieve this high-performance building. We hope this type of high quality, low energy building becomes the norm and serves as an example of how these types of affordable, mixed-use buildings can be achieved.” — John Woelfling, Principal, Dattner Architects
The development’s design solutions provide a precedent in utilizing emerging building construction systems to address community health disparities. Projects such as this help to further the mission of many non-profit developers in giving their affordable housing tenants a high quality of life and healthy living environments needed to tackle larger social issues such as climate justice and housing affordability.
Credit: Argenis Apolinario
“Phipps Houses is proud of our 20+ year partnership with Dattner Architects. They bring absolute professionalism in both design and service that continues to impress us after all these years. Their design skill and expertise were critical for the development of Santaella Gardens, the first Passive House development for Phipps Houses and the Acacia Network. Dattner’s ability to work pragmatically with Phipps and our general contractor Monadnock Construction on both the technical details of Passive House and the difficult approvals process has been invaluable. We’re thrilled with the end result – a beautiful, extremely energy efficient building, providing desperately needed affordable housing for low- and moderate-income New Yorkers, including units set-aside for formerly homeless households. We look forward to working on more projects with Dattner.” — Michael Wadman, Vice President of Development, Phipps Houses
02.25.22
Senior Associate Shefali Sanghvi, Associate Alex Muller, Project Architect Pascale Baladi, and Architectural Designer Soumya Rao will be speaking at this year’s Monograph Section Cut conference. Section Cut is Monograph’s semi-annual conference for Practice Operations and Design Professionals across Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, and Engineering. The Spring/Summer 2022 edition is being held from March 8-10.
Using Data to Push the Envelope on Sustainability
March 8 at 3:00pm EST
Representing Dattner Architects’ Sustainable Practice Group (SPG), Shefali and Alex will explore how SPG gathers usable metrics to measure the efficacy of sustainability goals. Over the years, this research has led to white papers and primers on changing codes and local laws, new technologies, case studies on existing infrastructure, and more.
Dattner Architects: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Strategies
March 9 at 12:00pm EST
As part of Dattner Architects’ Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee, Pascale and Soumya will discuss the firm’s six areas of commitment which tackle internal and external actions devoted to upholding sound social values through our practice. New processes have been implemented to not only deepen our understanding of the communities we work in, but to continue to foster a firm culture that enables our staff to achieve their highest level of creativity and authenticity.
Senior Associate Shefali Sanghvi, Associate Alex Muller, Project Architect Pascale Baladi, and Architectural Designer Soumya Rao will be speaking at this year’s Monograph Section Cut conference. Section Cut is Monograph’s semi-annual conference for Practice Operations and Design Professionals across Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, and Engineering. The Spring/Summer 2022 edition is being held from March 8-10.
Using Data to Push the Envelope on Sustainability
March 8 at 3:00pm EST
Representing Dattner Architects’ Sustainable Practice Group (SPG), Shefali and Alex will explore how SPG gathers usable metrics to measure the efficacy of sustainability goals. Over the years, this research has led to white papers and primers on changing codes and local laws, new technologies, case studies on existing infrastructure, and more.
Dattner Architects: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Strategies
March 9 at 12:00pm EST
As part of Dattner Architects’ Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee, Pascale and Soumya will discuss the firm’s six areas of commitment which tackle internal and external actions devoted to upholding sound social values through our practice. New processes have been implemented to not only deepen our understanding of the communities we work in, but to continue to foster a firm culture that enables our staff to achieve their highest level of creativity and authenticity.
02.16.22
Principal Beth Greenberg, Associate Principal Ruth Ro, and Senior Associate Keith Engel will join industry leaders and peers at this year’s New York Build Expo on March 2-3 at the Javits Center.
Panel: Housing New York
Date & Time: March 2, 2022 at 11:00am
Speakers: Keith Engel (Dattner Architects); Wendi Shafran (FXCollaborative Architects); Arvind Sohoni (New York City Housing Authority); Ahmed Tigani (NYC Housing Preservation & Development); Matthew Rooney (MDG Design+Construction)
Panel: A New World of Working and Collaboration
Date & Time: March 2, 2022 at 12:00pm
Speakers: Beth Greenberg (Dattner Architects); Vivian Lee (Woods Bagot); Daniel Topping (NK Architects); Raymond LeChase (LeChase Construction); Kimle Nailer (National Association of Black Women in Construction); Camille Rimmer (Gilbane Building Company); Adam Glass (Advance2000)
Panel: Pushing Boundaries in Urban Architecture and Design
Date & Time: March 3, 2022 at 2:00pm
Speakers: Ruth Ro (Dattner Architects); Nicole McGlinn (Kohn Pedersen Fox); Jun Seong Ahn (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill); Carisima Koenig (Perkins Eastman); Bettina Zerza (ZERZA); Emily Weidenhof (NYC Department of Transport); David Harber (David Harber)
New York Build Expo is the largest construction and design show for New York and the Tri-State area. The show features 300+ top industry speakers across 11 tracks and AIA CES approved workshops, 250+ exhibitors, exclusive free-to-attend networking events including the Women in Construction and Diversity in Construction, New York’s Festival of Construction, and much more.
Register for free tickets: https://www.newyorkbuildexpo.com
Principal Beth Greenberg, Associate Principal Ruth Ro, and Senior Associate Keith Engel will join industry leaders and peers at this year’s New York Build Expo on March 2-3 at the Javits Center.
Panel: Housing New York
Date & Time: March 2, 2022 at 11:00am
Speakers: Keith Engel (Dattner Architects); Wendi Shafran (FXCollaborative Architects); Arvind Sohoni (New York City Housing Authority); Ahmed Tigani (NYC Housing Preservation & Development); Matthew Rooney (MDG Design+Construction)
Panel: A New World of Working and Collaboration
Date & Time: March 2, 2022 at 12:00pm
Speakers: Beth Greenberg (Dattner Architects); Vivian Lee (Woods Bagot); Daniel Topping (NK Architects); Raymond LeChase (LeChase Construction); Kimle Nailer (National Association of Black Women in Construction); Camille Rimmer (Gilbane Building Company); Adam Glass (Advance2000)
Panel: Pushing Boundaries in Urban Architecture and Design
Date & Time: March 3, 2022 at 2:00pm
Speakers: Ruth Ro (Dattner Architects); Nicole McGlinn (Kohn Pedersen Fox); Jun Seong Ahn (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill); Carisima Koenig (Perkins Eastman); Bettina Zerza (ZERZA); Emily Weidenhof (NYC Department of Transport); David Harber (David Harber)
New York Build Expo is the largest construction and design show for New York and the Tri-State area. The show features 300+ top industry speakers across 11 tracks and AIA CES approved workshops, 250+ exhibitors, exclusive free-to-attend networking events including the Women in Construction and Diversity in Construction, New York’s Festival of Construction, and much more.
Register for free tickets: https://www.newyorkbuildexpo.com
01.12.22
Alafia has been recognized with a Merit Award in the Urban Design category of the 2022 AIA New York Design Awards! As part of New York State’s Vital Brooklyn Initiative, this ambitious master plan creates a wellness-oriented resilient urban development designed to address the chronic social, economic, and health disparities in a historically underserved area.
During the jury symposium, members of the jury commented on the multiple layers of residential and community benefit Alafia provides. They commended the sustainable green environment within and were particularly impressed with how much detail had been thought out and addressed – from stormwater to rising sea levels.
Creating a community for approximately 7,500 people, the new 2,400-unit development is centered around a series of programmed open spaces that break down the scale, foster a sense of ownership and belonging, and encourage healthy activities and neighborly interaction. The project also includes a substantial amount of retail space and a major health clinic that will serve the residents as well as the greater south Brooklyn area. Alafia emphasizes the connections between economic and physical health through an ambitious urban agriculture program that will employ local residents and includes nearly 2-acres of outdoor growing space, a robust indoor farming operation, and facilities for “Meals on Wheels” food prep, distribution, and open-air markets.
Adjacent to Betts Creek and Jamaica Bay, the site abuts a coastal ecosystem of marshlands and maritime groves. The plan fully integrates long-term environmental resiliency. The campus will include over 6-acres of open space, including bioswales, farmland, and other measures to absorb water and control erosion. The project is expected to resist rising sea levels, 500-year storm events through the end of the century.
Dattner Architects is currently designing the first three buildings in the development.
All AIA New York Design Award winners are featured in an awards exhibition at the Center for Architecture through June 11.
Alafia has been recognized with a Merit Award in the Urban Design category of the 2022 AIA New York Design Awards! As part of New York State’s Vital Brooklyn Initiative, this ambitious master plan creates a wellness-oriented resilient urban development designed to address the chronic social, economic, and health disparities in a historically underserved area.
During the jury symposium, members of the jury commented on the multiple layers of residential and community benefit Alafia provides. They commended the sustainable green environment within and were particularly impressed with how much detail had been thought out and addressed – from stormwater to rising sea levels.
Creating a community for approximately 7,500 people, the new 2,400-unit development is centered around a series of programmed open spaces that break down the scale, foster a sense of ownership and belonging, and encourage healthy activities and neighborly interaction. The project also includes a substantial amount of retail space and a major health clinic that will serve the residents as well as the greater south Brooklyn area. Alafia emphasizes the connections between economic and physical health through an ambitious urban agriculture program that will employ local residents and includes nearly 2-acres of outdoor growing space, a robust indoor farming operation, and facilities for “Meals on Wheels” food prep, distribution, and open-air markets.
Adjacent to Betts Creek and Jamaica Bay, the site abuts a coastal ecosystem of marshlands and maritime groves. The plan fully integrates long-term environmental resiliency. The campus will include over 6-acres of open space, including bioswales, farmland, and other measures to absorb water and control erosion. The project is expected to resist rising sea levels, 500-year storm events through the end of the century.
Dattner Architects is currently designing the first three buildings in the development.
All AIA New York Design Award winners are featured in an awards exhibition at the Center for Architecture through June 11.
01.06.22
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 12 new Associates and Senior Associates. Alex Muller, Jon King, Patrick McAffrey, and Wei Wang have been elevated to Associate. Our new Senior Associates are Brian Nesin, Daniella LaRocca, Earl Jones, Jen Switala, Mary Beth Lardaro, Philippe Martelly, Robert Drake, and Shefali Sanghvi.
ASSOCIATES
Alex Muller AIA, LEED AP understands the social impact of design and views each project as an opportunity to enhance urban life. His experience coordinating the design and construction of complex buildings, ranging from large government facilities and cultural structures to multi-family housing and adaptive reuse projects, informs his advocacy for environmentally sustainable architecture.
Jon King AIA, LEED AP applies a deep understanding of high performance building practices to his projects informed in part through continual research and collaboration with industry experts on subjects including thermal envelope assemblies and building systems. His ability to integrate and manage functionality and design goals results in built projects with enduring and sustainable value.
Formally trained in both architecture and product design, Patrick McAffrey AIA has a deep understanding of how finished projects at all scales can affect and influence end users. A 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.
Wei Wang AIA, LEED AP BD+C believes the architect’s role goes beyond design and function; it also uplifts communities and fosters social equity. She has experience managing projects, from mixed-use high-rise residential developments to various types of commercial buildings. Passionate about building materials and research, Wei is active within the firm’s Sustainable Practice Group.
SENIOR ASSOCIATES
Brian Nesin AIA, LEED AP’s design interest encompasses vastly different scales, from regional planning to furniture design. His portfolio comprises a similar range, from master plans to intricate building details, for clients including government agencies, not-for-profits, and businesses. Brian’s experience with woodworking and design-build informs his exploration of the materiality of buildings.
Daniella LaRocca AIA has focused her career on designing urban infrastructure and transportation projects. Her attention to the technical resolution of complex ideas and experience with the construction administration phase of multiple projects has given her the expertise to develop buildable details, critical to maintaining a project’s design integrity.
As Digital Design Director, Earl Jones Assoc. AIA manages the firm’s advanced computing, 3-D modeling, and BIM implementation. He is passionate about exploring software applications to advance technical resolutions and collaboration across disciplines. His architectural training and experience working for both architecture and engineering firms allows him to create cohesive, efficient workflows that support design.
Jen Switala AIA believes that architecture evokes different responses in each individual, and that this results in a meaningful complexity to the urban realm. With a diverse background of project experience, Jen has designed affordable and supportive housing, commercial buildings, and comprehensive master plans. She leads Dattner Architects’ R&D Co-Lab, which is focused on examining vital issues confronting the built environment.
As Human Resources Director, Mary Beth Lardaro supports the firm’s civic mission by nurturing a workplace culture that prioritizes mentorship and professional development and inspires designers to do their best work.
She leads recruitment, policy development, benefits, compensation, and pay equity.
Philippe Martelly AIA, CPHC is deeply invested in understanding the human experience and social impact of healthy, sustainable, and well-conceived affordable housing. Through community awareness and sensible design tailored for a given site and neighborhood’s needs, Philippe believes that civic-oriented architects are in a unique position to help create quality spaces as well as nourishing environments where the users and their communities-at-large can proudly prosper.
Guided by a belief that data gathering should always precede design, Robert Drake AIA strives to provide clients and project teams with support based on critical analysis. His experience and comprehensive understanding of the construction process allows him to focus parties on the joint goals of quality, budget, and schedule.
Shefali Sanghvi AIA, LEED AP BD+C has a deep background in affordable housing. She is dedicated to designing buildings that are socially, environmentally, and financially sustainable and has become an expert on urban Passive House projects. Shefali believes it is the architect’s responsibility to respect the power that we hold on the built environment by designing spaces that are welcoming to all members of society.
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 12 new Associates and Senior Associates. Alex Muller, Jon King, Patrick McAffrey, and Wei Wang have been elevated to Associate. Our new Senior Associates are Brian Nesin, Daniella LaRocca, Earl Jones, Jen Switala, Mary Beth Lardaro, Philippe Martelly, Robert Drake, and Shefali Sanghvi.
ASSOCIATES
Alex Muller AIA, LEED AP understands the social impact of design and views each project as an opportunity to enhance urban life. His experience coordinating the design and construction of complex buildings, ranging from large government facilities and cultural structures to multi-family housing and adaptive reuse projects, informs his advocacy for environmentally sustainable architecture.
Jon King AIA, LEED AP applies a deep understanding of high performance building practices to his projects informed in part through continual research and collaboration with industry experts on subjects including thermal envelope assemblies and building systems. His ability to integrate and manage functionality and design goals results in built projects with enduring and sustainable value.
Formally trained in both architecture and product design, Patrick McAffrey AIA has a deep understanding of how finished projects at all scales can affect and influence end users. A 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.
Wei Wang AIA, LEED AP BD+C believes the architect’s role goes beyond design and function; it also uplifts communities and fosters social equity. She has experience managing projects, from mixed-use high-rise residential developments to various types of commercial buildings. Passionate about building materials and research, Wei is active within the firm’s Sustainable Practice Group.
SENIOR ASSOCIATES
Brian Nesin AIA, LEED AP’s design interest encompasses vastly different scales, from regional planning to furniture design. His portfolio comprises a similar range, from master plans to intricate building details, for clients including government agencies, not-for-profits, and businesses. Brian’s experience with woodworking and design-build informs his exploration of the materiality of buildings.
Daniella LaRocca AIA has focused her career on designing urban infrastructure and transportation projects. Her attention to the technical resolution of complex ideas and experience with the construction administration phase of multiple projects has given her the expertise to develop buildable details, critical to maintaining a project’s design integrity.
As Digital Design Director, Earl Jones Assoc. AIA manages the firm’s advanced computing, 3-D modeling, and BIM implementation. He is passionate about exploring software applications to advance technical resolutions and collaboration across disciplines. His architectural training and experience working for both architecture and engineering firms allows him to create cohesive, efficient workflows that support design.
Jen Switala AIA believes that architecture evokes different responses in each individual, and that this results in a meaningful complexity to the urban realm. With a diverse background of project experience, Jen has designed affordable and supportive housing, commercial buildings, and comprehensive master plans. She leads Dattner Architects’ R&D Co-Lab, which is focused on examining vital issues confronting the built environment.
As Human Resources Director, Mary Beth Lardaro supports the firm’s civic mission by nurturing a workplace culture that prioritizes mentorship and professional development and inspires designers to do their best work.
She leads recruitment, policy development, benefits, compensation, and pay equity.
Philippe Martelly AIA, CPHC is deeply invested in understanding the human experience and social impact of healthy, sustainable, and well-conceived affordable housing. Through community awareness and sensible design tailored for a given site and neighborhood’s needs, Philippe believes that civic-oriented architects are in a unique position to help create quality spaces as well as nourishing environments where the users and their communities-at-large can proudly prosper.
Guided by a belief that data gathering should always precede design, Robert Drake AIA strives to provide clients and project teams with support based on critical analysis. His experience and comprehensive understanding of the construction process allows him to focus parties on the joint goals of quality, budget, and schedule.
Shefali Sanghvi AIA, LEED AP BD+C has a deep background in affordable housing. She is dedicated to designing buildings that are socially, environmentally, and financially sustainable and has become an expert on urban Passive House projects. Shefali believes it is the architect’s responsibility to respect the power that we hold on the built environment by designing spaces that are welcoming to all members of society.
12.16.21
Hegeman Avenue Apartments has been recognized with a 2021 Residential Building Award from the Queens & Bronx Building Association (QBBA). Built by Galaxy G. C. Group, Hegeman Avenue was designed by Dattner Architects and developed by CAMBA Housing Ventures in partnership with NYC Housing Preservation & Development’s Supportive Housing Loan Program, New York State’s Homes & Community Renewal Program and Homeless Housing Assistance Program.
Hegeman Avenue is a new affordable and supportive housing development in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn. The building was designed to support the health, wellness, and stability of its residents. Apartments are light, bright, and airy with high quality finishes and appliances. A large garden, front and rear courtyards, a community room with kitchen, library/computer room, and on-site social services are available for all tenants.
“Dattner is thrilled to be part of the QBBA winning team with Galaxy and CAMBA Housing Ventures to create this unique affordable supportive housing project. Hegeman Avenue presented a new building opportunity to provide quality, energy-efficient and sustainable design to positively impact not only the individuals who live there but the neighborhood at large. Congratulations to the entire team. We look forward to the next collaboration!” — Principal Catherine Selby
Hegeman Avenue Apartments has been recognized with a 2021 Residential Building Award from the Queens & Bronx Building Association (QBBA). Built by Galaxy G. C. Group, Hegeman Avenue was designed by Dattner Architects and developed by CAMBA Housing Ventures in partnership with NYC Housing Preservation & Development’s Supportive Housing Loan Program, New York State’s Homes & Community Renewal Program and Homeless Housing Assistance Program.
Hegeman Avenue is a new affordable and supportive housing development in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn. The building was designed to support the health, wellness, and stability of its residents. Apartments are light, bright, and airy with high quality finishes and appliances. A large garden, front and rear courtyards, a community room with kitchen, library/computer room, and on-site social services are available for all tenants.
“Dattner is thrilled to be part of the QBBA winning team with Galaxy and CAMBA Housing Ventures to create this unique affordable supportive housing project. Hegeman Avenue presented a new building opportunity to provide quality, energy-efficient and sustainable design to positively impact not only the individuals who live there but the neighborhood at large. Congratulations to the entire team. We look forward to the next collaboration!” — Principal Catherine Selby
10.27.21
Dattner Architects is proud to announce that Alafia and Charles F. Murphy Early Childhood Development Center have won design awards from the Society of American Registered Architects – New York Council (SARA NY)! Held at the TWA Hotel on October 26, the SARA NY Design Awards gala celebrated winners from 2020 and 2021.
Honored with a Design Award of Merit in the Urban Design category, Alafia is part of New York State’s Vital Brooklyn initiative—an ongoing community development program for underserved neighborhoods in Central Brooklyn. The plan invests $1.4 Billion for community-based healthcare, affordable housing, and open-space and other programming. Alafia will be the largest development within the Vital Brooklyn initiative.
Situated on a 28-acre site at the edge of New York City, Alafia is an ambitious master plan created through a public-private partnership that includes the state and the city; non-profit, community, and for-profit developers; and local designers and planners. The master plan transforms a decommissioned state psychiatric hospital into a wellness-oriented resilient urban development designed to address the chronic social, economic, and health disparities in a historically underserved area.
Creating a community for approximately 7,500 people, the new 2,400-unit development is centered around a series of programmed open spaces that break down the scale, foster a sense of ownership and belonging, and encourage healthy activities and neighborly interaction. The housing includes affordable and supportive units, providing homes for formerly homeless, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and seniors. An ambitious urban agriculture program will employ local residents and includes nearly 2-acres of outdoor growing space, a robust indoor farming operation, and facilities for “Meals on Wheels” food prep, distribution, and open-air markets.
Selected for a Design Award of Merit in the Educational category, the Charles F. Murphy Early Childhood Development Center is an iconic symbol of Coney Island’s post-Hurricane Sandy revitalization. The new preschool provides sought-after education for local children and has become a vital neighborhood resource.
The school serves 85 children, fostering social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Their Montessori philosophy that the most important learning occurs outside of the classroom became a vital design driver. Instructional spaces are organized around play roof terraces, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors. The landscaping of these play roofs is inspired by Coney Island’s sand dunes and native grasses—in essence, a scaled down version of the barrier beach ecology, incorporating nature into children’s everyday learning. Light-filled classrooms with expansive windows strengthen their relationship to the play roofs; clustered into “neighborhoods,” a sense of safety and intimacy is reinforced throughout.
As part of its community-focused mission, the ground floor is designed for shared use. A daylit, double-height multipurpose space is used as a gym by children during the day and for community events afterhours. The expansive lobby serves as a pre-function space, showcasing artwork by children as well as local artists.
Dattner Architects is proud to announce that Alafia and Charles F. Murphy Early Childhood Development Center have won design awards from the Society of American Registered Architects – New York Council (SARA NY)! Held at the TWA Hotel on October 26, the SARA NY Design Awards gala celebrated winners from 2020 and 2021.
Honored with a Design Award of Merit in the Urban Design category, Alafia is part of New York State’s Vital Brooklyn initiative—an ongoing community development program for underserved neighborhoods in Central Brooklyn. The plan invests $1.4 Billion for community-based healthcare, affordable housing, and open-space and other programming. Alafia will be the largest development within the Vital Brooklyn initiative.
Situated on a 28-acre site at the edge of New York City, Alafia is an ambitious master plan created through a public-private partnership that includes the state and the city; non-profit, community, and for-profit developers; and local designers and planners. The master plan transforms a decommissioned state psychiatric hospital into a wellness-oriented resilient urban development designed to address the chronic social, economic, and health disparities in a historically underserved area.
Creating a community for approximately 7,500 people, the new 2,400-unit development is centered around a series of programmed open spaces that break down the scale, foster a sense of ownership and belonging, and encourage healthy activities and neighborly interaction. The housing includes affordable and supportive units, providing homes for formerly homeless, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and seniors. An ambitious urban agriculture program will employ local residents and includes nearly 2-acres of outdoor growing space, a robust indoor farming operation, and facilities for “Meals on Wheels” food prep, distribution, and open-air markets.
Selected for a Design Award of Merit in the Educational category, the Charles F. Murphy Early Childhood Development Center is an iconic symbol of Coney Island’s post-Hurricane Sandy revitalization. The new preschool provides sought-after education for local children and has become a vital neighborhood resource.
The school serves 85 children, fostering social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Their Montessori philosophy that the most important learning occurs outside of the classroom became a vital design driver. Instructional spaces are organized around play roof terraces, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors. The landscaping of these play roofs is inspired by Coney Island’s sand dunes and native grasses—in essence, a scaled down version of the barrier beach ecology, incorporating nature into children’s everyday learning. Light-filled classrooms with expansive windows strengthen their relationship to the play roofs; clustered into “neighborhoods,” a sense of safety and intimacy is reinforced throughout.
As part of its community-focused mission, the ground floor is designed for shared use. A daylit, double-height multipurpose space is used as a gym by children during the day and for community events afterhours. The expansive lobby serves as a pre-function space, showcasing artwork by children as well as local artists.
10.26.21
Every October, Open House New York (OHNY) provides unprecedented access to New York City’s built environment—offering locals and visitors an opportunity to learn more about the vital architectural projects that are fundamental to civic life. As part of that effort, Dattner Architects was excited to share a glimpse into two of our award-winning projects—Riverbank State Park and the Spring Street Salt Shed—during this year’s OHNY Weekend.
Riverbank State Park
On October 16, founder Richard Dattner led three tours at Riverbank State Park—New York City’s first and largest public green roof. We were joined on the tours by Riverbank’s Cultural Complex Manager Travis Berry. A first-of-its-kind recreation facility with numerous year-round recreational amenities, the park has become a true community amenity. OHNY Weekenders were treated to the history of Riverbank’s inception, design, and construction as they toured through the park grounds, including the swimming pool complex, skating rink, and indoor athletic complex complete with fitness facilities.
“Riverbank State Park, in its 28th year of operation, has become the third most visited State Park in New York—with over 3,500,000 visits per year. Riverbank is also a social success, serving every cultural, interest, and age group in its diverse community. Three groups of OHNY visitors enjoyed the tour—and their ride on the artist-designed carousel.” — Richard Dattner, Founder
Spring Street Salt Shed
A staple site during each OHNY Weekend, the Spring Street Salt Shed remains popular among OHNY visitors. The Salt Shed’s crystalline, faceted planes enliven this highly visible structure, acting as a counterpoint to its sister-project: the diaphanous, scrim-like façade of the Manhattan 1/2/5 Garage. Critical pieces of urban infrastructure, both Dattner-designed buildings have become iconic landmarks and are a source of neighborhood pride. Tours were led by Dattner Architects’ Principals Paul Bauer and Gia Mainiero, and included a presentation on the M125 Garage.
“It is always so invigorating to share our projects with passionate guests during OHNY Weekend, revealing that glimpse inside cherished yet enigmatic projects! The insights and questions this weekend sparked a great dialogue about the impact of our work on the city, and how we as architects respond to both the environment and the communities we serve.” — Gia Mainiero, Principal
Every October, Open House New York (OHNY) provides unprecedented access to New York City’s built environment—offering locals and visitors an opportunity to learn more about the vital architectural projects that are fundamental to civic life. As part of that effort, Dattner Architects was excited to share a glimpse into two of our award-winning projects—Riverbank State Park and the Spring Street Salt Shed—during this year’s OHNY Weekend.
Riverbank State Park
On October 16, founder Richard Dattner led three tours at Riverbank State Park—New York City’s first and largest public green roof. We were joined on the tours by Riverbank’s Cultural Complex Manager Travis Berry. A first-of-its-kind recreation facility with numerous year-round recreational amenities, the park has become a true community amenity. OHNY Weekenders were treated to the history of Riverbank’s inception, design, and construction as they toured through the park grounds, including the swimming pool complex, skating rink, and indoor athletic complex complete with fitness facilities.
“Riverbank State Park, in its 28th year of operation, has become the third most visited State Park in New York—with over 3,500,000 visits per year. Riverbank is also a social success, serving every cultural, interest, and age group in its diverse community. Three groups of OHNY visitors enjoyed the tour—and their ride on the artist-designed carousel.” — Richard Dattner, Founder
Spring Street Salt Shed
A staple site during each OHNY Weekend, the Spring Street Salt Shed remains popular among OHNY visitors. The Salt Shed’s crystalline, faceted planes enliven this highly visible structure, acting as a counterpoint to its sister-project: the diaphanous, scrim-like façade of the Manhattan 1/2/5 Garage. Critical pieces of urban infrastructure, both Dattner-designed buildings have become iconic landmarks and are a source of neighborhood pride. Tours were led by Dattner Architects’ Principals Paul Bauer and Gia Mainiero, and included a presentation on the M125 Garage.
“It is always so invigorating to share our projects with passionate guests during OHNY Weekend, revealing that glimpse inside cherished yet enigmatic projects! The insights and questions this weekend sparked a great dialogue about the impact of our work on the city, and how we as architects respond to both the environment and the communities we serve.” — Gia Mainiero, Principal
10.21.21
Dattner Architects is thrilled to announce that Chestnut Commons has been named the NYSAFAH Downstate Project of the Year! The project will be honored during NYSAFAH’s annual Awards for Excellence in Affordable Housing ceremony on November 9 at The Yale Club.
One of the first developments stemming from the East New York Neighborhood Plan, Chestnut Commons will provide affordable housing for formerly homeless and low-income households. Community-centric in both design and development, the project integrates a satellite Community College campus, a food manufacturing incubator that will provide job training, and a credit union. Currently under construction, Chestnut Commons is expected to be completed in 2022.
Developed and operated by locally-based organizations with strong community ties, Chestnut Commons will strengthen the neighborhood with the inclusion of economic development and educational opportunities, arts programming, and job training services. Keeping with the project vision for a healthy, sustainable, and affordable community, the 14-story building is being designed to Passive House standards and in compliance with NYC Active Design Guidelines to promote healthy living for residents.
“To speak broadly of Chestnut Commons, I would start by highlighting the word 'Commons' within its name, which is defined as ‘land or resources belonging to or affecting the whole of a community.’
Therein lies the project's underlying 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 project’s affects to the whole of the community are incremental, yet 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.
I'd like to thank NYSAFAH for their recognition of this project and its future service to the Cypress Hills community.” — Keith Engel AIA, Senior Associate
The NYSAFAH awards program recognizes excellence in design, financing, construction, affordability, community need, supportive services, and energy efficiency in affordable housing developments throughout New York State.
Dattner Architects is thrilled to announce that Chestnut Commons has been named the NYSAFAH Downstate Project of the Year! The project will be honored during NYSAFAH’s annual Awards for Excellence in Affordable Housing ceremony on November 9 at The Yale Club.
One of the first developments stemming from the East New York Neighborhood Plan, Chestnut Commons will provide affordable housing for formerly homeless and low-income households. Community-centric in both design and development, the project integrates a satellite Community College campus, a food manufacturing incubator that will provide job training, and a credit union. Currently under construction, Chestnut Commons is expected to be completed in 2022.
Developed and operated by locally-based organizations with strong community ties, Chestnut Commons will strengthen the neighborhood with the inclusion of economic development and educational opportunities, arts programming, and job training services. Keeping with the project vision for a healthy, sustainable, and affordable community, the 14-story building is being designed to Passive House standards and in compliance with NYC Active Design Guidelines to promote healthy living for residents.
“To speak broadly of Chestnut Commons, I would start by highlighting the word 'Commons' within its name, which is defined as ‘land or resources belonging to or affecting the whole of a community.’
Therein lies the project's underlying 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 project’s affects to the whole of the community are incremental, yet 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.
I'd like to thank NYSAFAH for their recognition of this project and its future service to the Cypress Hills community.” — Keith Engel AIA, Senior Associate
The NYSAFAH awards program recognizes excellence in design, financing, construction, affordability, community need, supportive services, and energy efficiency in affordable housing developments throughout New York State.
10.14.21
On October 13, Managing Principal Kirsten Sibilia was at the Center for Architecture as part of a panel discussion sponsored by AIA New York's Women in Architecture Committee. Entitled “Women at the Helm,” the event featured representatives from leading New York firms including Laura Ettelman (SOM), Latoya Nelson Kamdang (Moody Nolan), and Elizabeth Leber (Beyer Blinder Belle). The women discussed their professional journeys, the role of mentoring and firm culture, and how they define leadership.
On October 13, Managing Principal Kirsten Sibilia was at the Center for Architecture as part of a panel discussion sponsored by AIA New York's Women in Architecture Committee. Entitled “Women at the Helm,” the event featured representatives from leading New York firms including Laura Ettelman (SOM), Latoya Nelson Kamdang (Moody Nolan), and Elizabeth Leber (Beyer Blinder Belle). The women discussed their professional journeys, the role of mentoring and firm culture, and how they define leadership.
10.08.21
Dattner Architects is pleased to share that Santaella Gardens is the Multifamily Northeast Regional winner for the Metropolis Planet Positive Awards!
Located in the Soundview area of the Bronx, Santaella Gardens offers exciting opportunities to revitalize this portion of Westchester Avenue, providing urgently needed workforce and affordable housing. Adjacent to an elevated railway, the 12-story building includes 249 units of mixed-used affordable housing with ground floor retail and community facilities. This Passive House development is a partnership between Phipps Houses, the oldest and largest not-for-profit developer, owner, and manager of affordable housing in New York City, and Acacia Network, one of the leading social services organizations in New York City and the largest Hispanic-led nonprofit in the state.
Santaella Gardens exemplifies an innovative sustainable affordable housing development model that leverages a building system (Passive House) not typically used in the affordable market, proving that you don't need to design a luxury condominium in order to get the benefits of Passive House. The design details and solutions provide a precedent in utilizing emerging building construction systems to address larger regional health disparities. Projects such as this help to further the mission of many non-profit developers in giving their affordable housing tenants a high quality of life and healthy living environments needed to tackle larger social issues such as climate justice and housing affordability.
Metropolis’ Planet Positive Awards recognizes the most creative projects and products from around the world that benefit people and planet. 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.
Dattner Architects is pleased to share that Santaella Gardens is the Multifamily Northeast Regional winner for the Metropolis Planet Positive Awards!
Located in the Soundview area of the Bronx, Santaella Gardens offers exciting opportunities to revitalize this portion of Westchester Avenue, providing urgently needed workforce and affordable housing. Adjacent to an elevated railway, the 12-story building includes 249 units of mixed-used affordable housing with ground floor retail and community facilities. This Passive House development is a partnership between Phipps Houses, the oldest and largest not-for-profit developer, owner, and manager of affordable housing in New York City, and Acacia Network, one of the leading social services organizations in New York City and the largest Hispanic-led nonprofit in the state.
Santaella Gardens exemplifies an innovative sustainable affordable housing development model that leverages a building system (Passive House) not typically used in the affordable market, proving that you don't need to design a luxury condominium in order to get the benefits of Passive House. The design details and solutions provide a precedent in utilizing emerging building construction systems to address larger regional health disparities. Projects such as this help to further the mission of many non-profit developers in giving their affordable housing tenants a high quality of life and healthy living environments needed to tackle larger social issues such as climate justice and housing affordability.
Metropolis’ Planet Positive Awards recognizes the most creative projects and products from around the world that benefit people and planet. 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.
10.01.21
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 three award-winning projects on Saturday, October 16: Riverbank State Park, Bronx Library Center, and the Spring Street Salt Shed.
Riverbank State Park
Riverbank State Park opened to the public in 1993, quickly becoming one of New York State’s busiest parks—and New York City’s first public green roof. A first-of-its-kind recreation facility with numerous year-round recreational amenities, the park has become a true community amenity. 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.
The tour will be led by Dattner Architects’ founder Richard Dattner and will include the fascinating history of Riverbank’s inception, design, and construction – and a discussion of the critical importance of creating public open space accessible for each New Yorker.
Bronx Library Center
The Bronx Library Center anchors a pivotal spot on a major Bronx thoroughfare and provides cultural and social amenities in an underserved part of the City. When it opened in 2007, the Bronx Library was NYPL’s largest capital project in decades, and it remains the largest library in the borough. A model for publicly funded sustainable design, this pioneering project was the first public building in NYC to receive LEED certification. Since its opening, the branch has become a beloved part of the Bronx community, a destination offering robust collections and a wide variety of programs and classes, including job search assistance, ESOL classes, and more. The tour will be led by Dattner Architects’ Principal Daniel Heuberger and NYPL Supervising Librarian Jennifer Watson, and is a part of OHNY’s Radical Knowledge series.
Spring Street Salt Shed
This 70’ tall concrete wonder houses 5,000 tons of road salt for the Department of Sanitation. Sited at the historic location where the former canal enclosing Lower Manhattan met the Hudson River, the Spring Street Salt Shed’s solid, crystalline form acts as a counterpoint to its sister-project: the diaphanous, scrim-like façade of the Manhattan 1/2/5 Garage. Both Dattner-designed buildings have become new landmarks and are a source of neighborhood pride. The tour will be led by Dattner Architects’ Principals Paul Bauer and Gia Mainiero, and will include a presentation on the M125 Garage.
All tours at Riverbank State Park, Bronx Library Center, and Spring Street Salt Shed will require advanced reservations. Reservation Day is October 7. Proof of vaccination with ID and masks will be required for all participants.
We can’t wait to celebrate OHNY Weekend with all of you. See you on October 16!
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 three award-winning projects on Saturday, October 16: Riverbank State Park, Bronx Library Center, and the Spring Street Salt Shed.
Riverbank State Park
Riverbank State Park opened to the public in 1993, quickly becoming one of New York State’s busiest parks—and New York City’s first public green roof. A first-of-its-kind recreation facility with numerous year-round recreational amenities, the park has become a true community amenity. 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.
The tour will be led by Dattner Architects’ founder Richard Dattner and will include the fascinating history of Riverbank’s inception, design, and construction – and a discussion of the critical importance of creating public open space accessible for each New Yorker.
Bronx Library Center
The Bronx Library Center anchors a pivotal spot on a major Bronx thoroughfare and provides cultural and social amenities in an underserved part of the City. When it opened in 2007, the Bronx Library was NYPL’s largest capital project in decades, and it remains the largest library in the borough. A model for publicly funded sustainable design, this pioneering project was the first public building in NYC to receive LEED certification. Since its opening, the branch has become a beloved part of the Bronx community, a destination offering robust collections and a wide variety of programs and classes, including job search assistance, ESOL classes, and more. The tour will be led by Dattner Architects’ Principal Daniel Heuberger and NYPL Supervising Librarian Jennifer Watson, and is a part of OHNY’s Radical Knowledge series.
Spring Street Salt Shed
This 70’ tall concrete wonder houses 5,000 tons of road salt for the Department of Sanitation. Sited at the historic location where the former canal enclosing Lower Manhattan met the Hudson River, the Spring Street Salt Shed’s solid, crystalline form acts as a counterpoint to its sister-project: the diaphanous, scrim-like façade of the Manhattan 1/2/5 Garage. Both Dattner-designed buildings have become new landmarks and are a source of neighborhood pride. The tour will be led by Dattner Architects’ Principals Paul Bauer and Gia Mainiero, and will include a presentation on the M125 Garage.
All tours at Riverbank State Park, Bronx Library Center, and Spring Street Salt Shed will require advanced reservations. Reservation Day is October 7. Proof of vaccination with ID and masks will be required for all participants.
We can’t wait to celebrate OHNY Weekend with all of you. See you on October 16!
09.29.21
Celebrating its 50th Anniversary in Detroit, the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) Conference and Expo is being held on Friday, October 22nd, offering over 50 sessions covering a variety of tracks covering architectural design and practice. Dattner Architects is pleased to lead two sessions:
WFH Lessons: Building Equity through Technology led by Associate Principal Ruth Ro AIA, NOMA, LEED AP BD+C and Associate & Digital Design Director Earl Jones Assoc. AIA will discuss IT infrastructure, various digital design software, and digital communication tools that supports a productive and creative hybrid-remote workplace. This session will cover IT concepts including remote access vs. mobile workstations and local vs. cloud servers, inclusive digital design software options that enables participation at all skill levels, and digital communication methods that continue to support collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and firm culture. They will discuss the ways in which firm resiliency plans directly impact on the equity initiatives and ways in which firms can establish a more equitable workplace through technology.
Sustainability and Affordable Housing in NYC led by Associate & Sustainable Practice Group co-chair Shefali Sanghvi AIA, LEED AP BD+C and Associate Philippe Martelly AIA, this session will discuss the implementation of sustainability in affordable housing in New York City and explore how inclusive sustainable design strategies can help to tackle regional health disparities that disproportionately affect low-income neighborhoods. This session will delve into the history of sustainable design in affordable housing and provide current case studies and design precedents that address the challenges of implementing sustainable strategies in affordable developments. Shefali and Philippe will discuss the complexities of working with limited development budgets and encouraging developers to pursue active and passive design strategies to address a myriad of disparities that affect predominantly communities of color.
Celebrating its 50th Anniversary in Detroit, the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) Conference and Expo is being held on Friday, October 22nd, offering over 50 sessions covering a variety of tracks covering architectural design and practice. Dattner Architects is pleased to lead two sessions:
WFH Lessons: Building Equity through Technology led by Associate Principal Ruth Ro AIA, NOMA, LEED AP BD+C and Associate & Digital Design Director Earl Jones Assoc. AIA will discuss IT infrastructure, various digital design software, and digital communication tools that supports a productive and creative hybrid-remote workplace. This session will cover IT concepts including remote access vs. mobile workstations and local vs. cloud servers, inclusive digital design software options that enables participation at all skill levels, and digital communication methods that continue to support collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and firm culture. They will discuss the ways in which firm resiliency plans directly impact on the equity initiatives and ways in which firms can establish a more equitable workplace through technology.
Sustainability and Affordable Housing in NYC led by Associate & Sustainable Practice Group co-chair Shefali Sanghvi AIA, LEED AP BD+C and Associate Philippe Martelly AIA, this session will discuss the implementation of sustainability in affordable housing in New York City and explore how inclusive sustainable design strategies can help to tackle regional health disparities that disproportionately affect low-income neighborhoods. This session will delve into the history of sustainable design in affordable housing and provide current case studies and design precedents that address the challenges of implementing sustainable strategies in affordable developments. Shefali and Philippe will discuss the complexities of working with limited development budgets and encouraging developers to pursue active and passive design strategies to address a myriad of disparities that affect predominantly communities of color.
09.27.21
425 Grand Concourse finds itself in the spotlight during the month of October. The new mixed-use and mixed-income development is currently under construction and set to open in 2022. The Passive House-designed project creates 277 units of affordable housing with a medical facility, supermarket, community support space, and a student services center housed in the two-story base.
Two members of our project team are set to discuss this vital project at two upcoming events.
Beyond Zero Series: Big Buildings, Big Impacts
Date/Time: Wednesday, October 6 | 9:00am – 10:30am
Moderator: Mark Gardner (Jaklitsch/Gardner Architects)
Speakers: Heather McKinstry (Dattner Architects); Deborah Moelis (Handel Architects); Louis Koehl (Handel Architects); Christoph Stump (Trinity Financial)
“Big Buildings, Big Impacts” is a panel discussion about high-impact, high-profile construction projects. Associate Heather McKinstry will present an overview of 425 Grand Concourse, including lessons learned during design and construction, followed by a conversation with fellow panelists about the impact of Passive House design in affordable housing.
The Beyond Zero Series celebrates low carbon projects across New York State that improves the health, affordability, and resiliency of communities. The educational series will highlight successes, strategies, incentives, and goals for accelerating building decarbonization and optimizing carbon neutral design and construction.
PhiusCon Case Studies: Affordable Multifamily
Date/Time: Friday, October 15 | 10:15am – 12:15pm
Moderator: Katrin Klingenberg (PHIUS)
Speakers: John Woelfling (Dattner Architects); Jon Jensen (MaGrann Associates); Nicole Burger (MaGrann Associates); Elizabeth Turner (Precipitate Architecture); Peter Schmelzer (Kaas Wilson Architects); Peter Houseknecht (LRS Architects)
As part of an affordable housing case study series, Principal John Woelfling will be presenting 425 Grand Concourse on Day 2 of PhiusCon. John will also be a juror for the conference’s Annual Design Competition.
PhiusCon is the leading passive building conference for climate-specific zero energy design, construction, and building science expertise. This year’s conference is scheduled for October 12-15 in Tarrytown, New York.
425 Grand Concourse finds itself in the spotlight during the month of October. The new mixed-use and mixed-income development is currently under construction and set to open in 2022. The Passive House-designed project creates 277 units of affordable housing with a medical facility, supermarket, community support space, and a student services center housed in the two-story base.
Two members of our project team are set to discuss this vital project at two upcoming events.
Beyond Zero Series: Big Buildings, Big Impacts
Date/Time: Wednesday, October 6 | 9:00am – 10:30am
Moderator: Mark Gardner (Jaklitsch/Gardner Architects)
Speakers: Heather McKinstry (Dattner Architects); Deborah Moelis (Handel Architects); Louis Koehl (Handel Architects); Christoph Stump (Trinity Financial)
“Big Buildings, Big Impacts” is a panel discussion about high-impact, high-profile construction projects. Associate Heather McKinstry will present an overview of 425 Grand Concourse, including lessons learned during design and construction, followed by a conversation with fellow panelists about the impact of Passive House design in affordable housing.
The Beyond Zero Series celebrates low carbon projects across New York State that improves the health, affordability, and resiliency of communities. The educational series will highlight successes, strategies, incentives, and goals for accelerating building decarbonization and optimizing carbon neutral design and construction.
PhiusCon Case Studies: Affordable Multifamily
Date/Time: Friday, October 15 | 10:15am – 12:15pm
Moderator: Katrin Klingenberg (PHIUS)
Speakers: John Woelfling (Dattner Architects); Jon Jensen (MaGrann Associates); Nicole Burger (MaGrann Associates); Elizabeth Turner (Precipitate Architecture); Peter Schmelzer (Kaas Wilson Architects); Peter Houseknecht (LRS Architects)
As part of an affordable housing case study series, Principal John Woelfling will be presenting 425 Grand Concourse on Day 2 of PhiusCon. John will also be a juror for the conference’s Annual Design Competition.
PhiusCon is the leading passive building conference for climate-specific zero energy design, construction, and building science expertise. This year’s conference is scheduled for October 12-15 in Tarrytown, New York.
08.10.21
Sustainability goals are often thrown aside in discussions about affordable housing, seen as an unachievable luxury on a tight budget. But what if sustainability was possible, while staying within budget?
On August 5, Principal John Woelfling discussed this very topic and more on the “Scaling up Passive House—For the Greater Good” panel at Facades+ Conference Day 1. Moderated by Samuel Medina (The Architect’s Newspaper), John was joined by Louis Koehl (Handel Architects), Lois Arena (Steven Winter Associates), and William Zoeller (Steven Winter Associates). The panel dove into exemplary projects, 425 Grand Concourse, Sendero Verde, and the Pirelli Building—all of which have set a high standard for what can be achieved in scaled up Passive House design.
425 Grand Concourse is the largest Passive House project planned for North America to date. This new mixed-use and mixed-income development will create 277 units of affordable housing. The two-story base houses a medical facility, supermarket, community support space, and a new student services center for CUNY Hostos—each also designed by Dattner Architects. Currently in construction, 425 Grand Concourse is set to be completed next year.
The Facades+ Conference brings together some of the world’s most productive and successful building professionals and leading researchers to share insights on how façade ideas are brought to life. Held in major cities all over the country, each conference combines stimulating presentations and panels that examine the fast-paced evolution of façade technology.
Sustainability goals are often thrown aside in discussions about affordable housing, seen as an unachievable luxury on a tight budget. But what if sustainability was possible, while staying within budget?
On August 5, Principal John Woelfling discussed this very topic and more on the “Scaling up Passive House—For the Greater Good” panel at Facades+ Conference Day 1. Moderated by Samuel Medina (The Architect’s Newspaper), John was joined by Louis Koehl (Handel Architects), Lois Arena (Steven Winter Associates), and William Zoeller (Steven Winter Associates). The panel dove into exemplary projects, 425 Grand Concourse, Sendero Verde, and the Pirelli Building—all of which have set a high standard for what can be achieved in scaled up Passive House design.
425 Grand Concourse is the largest Passive House project planned for North America to date. This new mixed-use and mixed-income development will create 277 units of affordable housing. The two-story base houses a medical facility, supermarket, community support space, and a new student services center for CUNY Hostos—each also designed by Dattner Architects. Currently in construction, 425 Grand Concourse is set to be completed next year.
The Facades+ Conference brings together some of the world’s most productive and successful building professionals and leading researchers to share insights on how façade ideas are brought to life. Held in major cities all over the country, each conference combines stimulating presentations and panels that examine the fast-paced evolution of façade technology.
08.04.21
AIA New York’s annual Day of Service is an opportunity for architects to bring ideas to life for nonprofit organizations around the city, including much-needed upgrades to their facilities or assistance with their mission. For the second year in a row, Dattner Architects has partnered with Services for the Underserved (S:US) to transform one of their urban garden spaces. A leading NYC nonprofit, S:US provides support for populations in need through both housing and counseling services.
This year, the Dattner team was tasked with creating a sensory garden for the residents of S:US’ E34th Street property. Volunteers were able to turn the previously unprogrammed space into a colorful oasis that provides a vast array of new amenities including: a vibrant mural to add interest during all seasons, a yard game area, new fencing that offers increased privacy and shade in the sunny backyard, plant beds and a raised planter that host a variety of edible plants and fragrant flowers, and a much-needed regrading of the yard so residents with limited mobility are able to enjoy their new space safely.
Many thanks to our generous sponsors for making this project possible: Skyline Engineering, Mountco Construction & Development Corp., Andron Construction, Tukuru Technologies, Maloney & Company LLC, and ARC Document Solutions. We are grateful that we were able to make such positive impacts for the E34th Street residents and staff who depend on this space, and we hope it brings them joy for years to come.
“Dattner's AIANY Day of Service project was a great success this year thanks to a tremendous group effort by the Dattner/S:US team. We created a sensory garden featuring new planters and garden beds, improved grading, a colorful mural, yard games, and updated fencing that provides both shade and visual interest. We're grateful that we were able to make such positive impacts for the residents at E34th Street who depend on this space!” — Emily Trulson, Designer & Day of Service Leader, Dattner Architects
“S:US has been working in partnership with Dattner Architects since 2020. We thought that our first project with Dattner would have to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However as soon as it was safe, Dattner Architects re-scheduled their volunteer build day from spring to late summer 2020.
Recently, Dattner Architects’ volunteers once again helped to transform the backyard of one of our residences into a colorful oasis. They redesigned a plain rectangle backyard and then put their backs into building the elements, some of which included leveling the soil/ground for the people we serve with stability issues to more safely enjoy the space; adding fencing to brighten and gain more privacy; designing a mural for pops of color; and creating areas for playing games and growing vegetables, herbs, and fruit. The residents and staff are excited to enjoy their ‘new’ space.” — Minjung Park, Volunteer & Community Relations Manager, S:US
AIA New York’s annual Day of Service is an opportunity for architects to bring ideas to life for nonprofit organizations around the city, including much-needed upgrades to their facilities or assistance with their mission. For the second year in a row, Dattner Architects has partnered with Services for the Underserved (S:US) to transform one of their urban garden spaces. A leading NYC nonprofit, S:US provides support for populations in need through both housing and counseling services.
This year, the Dattner team was tasked with creating a sensory garden for the residents of S:US’ E34th Street property. Volunteers were able to turn the previously unprogrammed space into a colorful oasis that provides a vast array of new amenities including: a vibrant mural to add interest during all seasons, a yard game area, new fencing that offers increased privacy and shade in the sunny backyard, plant beds and a raised planter that host a variety of edible plants and fragrant flowers, and a much-needed regrading of the yard so residents with limited mobility are able to enjoy their new space safely.
Many thanks to our generous sponsors for making this project possible: Skyline Engineering, Mountco Construction & Development Corp., Andron Construction, Tukuru Technologies, Maloney & Company LLC, and ARC Document Solutions. We are grateful that we were able to make such positive impacts for the E34th Street residents and staff who depend on this space, and we hope it brings them joy for years to come.
“Dattner's AIANY Day of Service project was a great success this year thanks to a tremendous group effort by the Dattner/S:US team. We created a sensory garden featuring new planters and garden beds, improved grading, a colorful mural, yard games, and updated fencing that provides both shade and visual interest. We're grateful that we were able to make such positive impacts for the residents at E34th Street who depend on this space!” — Emily Trulson, Designer & Day of Service Leader, Dattner Architects
“S:US has been working in partnership with Dattner Architects since 2020. We thought that our first project with Dattner would have to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However as soon as it was safe, Dattner Architects re-scheduled their volunteer build day from spring to late summer 2020.
Recently, Dattner Architects’ volunteers once again helped to transform the backyard of one of our residences into a colorful oasis. They redesigned a plain rectangle backyard and then put their backs into building the elements, some of which included leveling the soil/ground for the people we serve with stability issues to more safely enjoy the space; adding fencing to brighten and gain more privacy; designing a mural for pops of color; and creating areas for playing games and growing vegetables, herbs, and fruit. The residents and staff are excited to enjoy their ‘new’ space.” — Minjung Park, Volunteer & Community Relations Manager, S:US
07.28.21
Dattner Architects joined the Bronx High School of Science (Bronx Science), Mayor Bill de Blasio, NYC Department of Education Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter, and several community leaders for the ground breaking of the Stanley Manne ’52 Science Institute. This new state-of-the-art research building was named after, and generously funded by, Bronx Science alumnus Stanley Manne, who was also in attendance. 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 will house 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.
The Manne Institute will enable Bronx Science to offer public high school students additional advanced research opportunities, including Summer Institutes, new mentorship programs, and a vast variety of specialty courses such as Microbiology, Animal Behavior, and Genetics. This new facility will serve not only Bronx Science students but also seven neighboring schools as well as providing support for local educators through tailored programming.
"The Bronx High School of Science celebrated a historic event with the groundbreaking of this new state-of-the-art research building. One of the wonderful things about the project has been discovering how many members of the design team, engineers, architects, and others had some connection to the school! So many New Yorkers have been influenced and set on a path by Bronx Science." — Daniel Heuberger AIA, Principal
"The groundbreaking was an exciting milestone for the Bronx Science team, who started the design process after the pandemic changed the way we live and work. It is inspiring to consider that the facility, by giving NYC public students a unique introduction to scientific research, may very well produce scientists who invent the vaccines of the future.” — Brian Nesin AIA, Associate
Dattner Architects joined the Bronx High School of Science (Bronx Science), Mayor Bill de Blasio, NYC Department of Education Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter, and several community leaders for the ground breaking of the Stanley Manne ’52 Science Institute. This new state-of-the-art research building was named after, and generously funded by, Bronx Science alumnus Stanley Manne, who was also in attendance. 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 will house 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.
The Manne Institute will enable Bronx Science to offer public high school students additional advanced research opportunities, including Summer Institutes, new mentorship programs, and a vast variety of specialty courses such as Microbiology, Animal Behavior, and Genetics. This new facility will serve not only Bronx Science students but also seven neighboring schools as well as providing support for local educators through tailored programming.
"The Bronx High School of Science celebrated a historic event with the groundbreaking of this new state-of-the-art research building. One of the wonderful things about the project has been discovering how many members of the design team, engineers, architects, and others had some connection to the school! So many New Yorkers have been influenced and set on a path by Bronx Science." — Daniel Heuberger AIA, Principal
"The groundbreaking was an exciting milestone for the Bronx Science team, who started the design process after the pandemic changed the way we live and work. It is inspiring to consider that the facility, by giving NYC public students a unique introduction to scientific research, may very well produce scientists who invent the vaccines of the future.” — Brian Nesin AIA, Associate
07.14.21
Dattner Architects is a proud recipient of two Marketing Communications Awards in the Website and Video categories at SMPS NY’s 2021 Liberty Awards.
WWW.DATTNER.COM
Dattner Architects launched its new website in July 2020, designed by For Office Use Only (FOUO). With a growing staff of design professionals along with an increasingly diverse regional and typological project portfolio, Dattner engaged FOUO to help communicate Dattner's ethos and architectural impact on the NYC built environment. The creation of a new website reflects current and future organizational needs of the firm, while recognizing the impact of our civic projects through over 50 years of architectural practice.
"Our new website is truly a reflection of Dattner's current design practice, our legacy of civic work, and our ethos of creating impactful community-focused spaces in NYC and beyond. We are incredibly thankful to our collaborators, For Office Use Only, for helping to create a site that allows us to add depth to the stories of our people, projects, and practice as well as our aspirations for providing creative architectural solutions that help to enhance the urban built environment." — Martin Tolentino, Marketing Director
Marine Transfer Station Video
Working with the Department of Sanitation, Dattner Architects developed three virtual tours for the Open House New York Virtual Events amidst social distancing guidelines. These tours told a holistic story of the building process, state-of-the-art mechanical systems that allow such a large sanitation facility to be located in a dense residential neighborhood, and the stories of the staff that operate the building systems on a day to day. The SMPS Liberty Award winning video highlights NYC Department of Sanitation’s (DSNY) East 91st Street Marine Transfer Station — the transfer point for household waste from Manhattan residents. The video provides vignettes of the waste processing stream — highlighting how waste is loaded into containers and placed on barges to be offloaded onto a rail service for a facility that processes an average of 550 tons per day.
“The new East 91st Street Marine Transfer Station is the result of tackling the complex questions of program, scale, community engagement, and equity. This entertaining and informative video captures DSNY's innovative process of containerizing Manhattan's trash, as well as the experience of local residents living and recreating in and around the riverfront architecture. We are proud to work with the friendly and enthusiastic people at DSNY to provide NYC with this facility befitting of their essential services.” — Stephen Hoang, Project Architect
Dattner Architects is a proud recipient of two Marketing Communications Awards in the Website and Video categories at SMPS NY’s 2021 Liberty Awards.
WWW.DATTNER.COM
Dattner Architects launched its new website in July 2020, designed by For Office Use Only (FOUO). With a growing staff of design professionals along with an increasingly diverse regional and typological project portfolio, Dattner engaged FOUO to help communicate Dattner's ethos and architectural impact on the NYC built environment. The creation of a new website reflects current and future organizational needs of the firm, while recognizing the impact of our civic projects through over 50 years of architectural practice.
"Our new website is truly a reflection of Dattner's current design practice, our legacy of civic work, and our ethos of creating impactful community-focused spaces in NYC and beyond. We are incredibly thankful to our collaborators, For Office Use Only, for helping to create a site that allows us to add depth to the stories of our people, projects, and practice as well as our aspirations for providing creative architectural solutions that help to enhance the urban built environment." — Martin Tolentino, Marketing Director
Marine Transfer Station Video
Working with the Department of Sanitation, Dattner Architects developed three virtual tours for the Open House New York Virtual Events amidst social distancing guidelines. These tours told a holistic story of the building process, state-of-the-art mechanical systems that allow such a large sanitation facility to be located in a dense residential neighborhood, and the stories of the staff that operate the building systems on a day to day. The SMPS Liberty Award winning video highlights NYC Department of Sanitation’s (DSNY) East 91st Street Marine Transfer Station — the transfer point for household waste from Manhattan residents. The video provides vignettes of the waste processing stream — highlighting how waste is loaded into containers and placed on barges to be offloaded onto a rail service for a facility that processes an average of 550 tons per day.
“The new East 91st Street Marine Transfer Station is the result of tackling the complex questions of program, scale, community engagement, and equity. This entertaining and informative video captures DSNY's innovative process of containerizing Manhattan's trash, as well as the experience of local residents living and recreating in and around the riverfront architecture. We are proud to work with the friendly and enthusiastic people at DSNY to provide NYC with this facility befitting of their essential services.” — Stephen Hoang, Project Architect
06.17.21
Dattner Architects is pleased to announce that Riverside School for Makers and Artists is the recipient of a 2021 AIA New York State Excelsior Merit Award. This prestigious award recognizes design excellence, user impact, and overall performance within the context of a publicly funded project.
The result of a public-private partnership, the Riverside School for Makers and Artists is the first new public school constructed on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in decades. Located in the base of a 43-story tower in the mixed-use Riverside Center development, this Pre-K through 8th grade facility serves 692 students with tailored facilities to support a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) educational program.
"21st century cities will be denser but greener, more crowded, but also more livable. Urban school design will be part of that transformation. Vertically organized, sharing increasingly valuable sites with non-school uses and populations, using roof tops for teaching and recreation rather than equipment. They will be part of a new integrated urban fabric rather than freestanding landmarks. The Riverside School is a look at the possibilities.” — Principal Daniel Heuberger AIA
Senior Consulting Principal William Stein FAIA is also the recipient of the 2021 AIA New York State Henry Hobson Richardson Award, which recognizes New York State-licensed AIA members practicing in the private sector who have made a significant contribution to the quality of New York State public architecture.
An advocate for socially conscious and sustainable architecture, Bill’s record of distinguished public projects and professional leadership exemplifies a commitment to design excellence and responsiveness to communities. From Via Verde, a model for affordable, sustainable urban living, to the Bronx Library Center, a leader in energy-efficient, sustainable library design, his body of work is versatile, spanning different typologies and complexities — leaving a lasting impact on the public realm.
“I am thrilled to receive the Henry Hobson Richardson Award from the AIA New York State. This award, in the name of one of America’s greatest architects, highlights the importance of public architecture. It is truly an honor to be its recipient. I’d like to thank my partners and colleagues at Dattner Architects and colleagues throughout the profession for their support of my career and their commitment to architecture in the public interest.” — Senior Consulting Principal William Stein FAIA
Dattner Architects is pleased to announce that Riverside School for Makers and Artists is the recipient of a 2021 AIA New York State Excelsior Merit Award. This prestigious award recognizes design excellence, user impact, and overall performance within the context of a publicly funded project.
The result of a public-private partnership, the Riverside School for Makers and Artists is the first new public school constructed on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in decades. Located in the base of a 43-story tower in the mixed-use Riverside Center development, this Pre-K through 8th grade facility serves 692 students with tailored facilities to support a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) educational program.
"21st century cities will be denser but greener, more crowded, but also more livable. Urban school design will be part of that transformation. Vertically organized, sharing increasingly valuable sites with non-school uses and populations, using roof tops for teaching and recreation rather than equipment. They will be part of a new integrated urban fabric rather than freestanding landmarks. The Riverside School is a look at the possibilities.” — Principal Daniel Heuberger AIA
Senior Consulting Principal William Stein FAIA is also the recipient of the 2021 AIA New York State Henry Hobson Richardson Award, which recognizes New York State-licensed AIA members practicing in the private sector who have made a significant contribution to the quality of New York State public architecture.
An advocate for socially conscious and sustainable architecture, Bill’s record of distinguished public projects and professional leadership exemplifies a commitment to design excellence and responsiveness to communities. From Via Verde, a model for affordable, sustainable urban living, to the Bronx Library Center, a leader in energy-efficient, sustainable library design, his body of work is versatile, spanning different typologies and complexities — leaving a lasting impact on the public realm.
“I am thrilled to receive the Henry Hobson Richardson Award from the AIA New York State. This award, in the name of one of America’s greatest architects, highlights the importance of public architecture. It is truly an honor to be its recipient. I’d like to thank my partners and colleagues at Dattner Architects and colleagues throughout the profession for their support of my career and their commitment to architecture in the public interest.” — Senior Consulting Principal William Stein FAIA
06.09.21
“A commonality unites Ruth Ro’s undertakings as associate principal at Dattner Architects: a consistent push for increased diversity and inclusion.” — Crain’s New York Business
Dattner Architects is pleased to announce that Associate Principal Ruth Ro has been named to the 2021 Notable LGBTQ Leaders and Executives list by Crain’s New York Business. This list celebrates 58 LGBTQ professionals in New York City who are making a major impact through their “career accomplishments, their mentorship of others, and their involvement in community and industry organizations.”
"One of the most important moves we can make as members of an underrepresented or marginalized group is to be visible. In a leadership role, I have a responsibility to represent, to empower, and to fight for change with every opportunity I get." — Ruth Ro
Over the years, Ruth has spearheaded a number of LGBTQ initiatives at Dattner Architects and has participated in several panels discussing the importance in facilitating an inclusive and understanding workplace in the AEC industry. In 2020, Ruth founded the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion group at Dattner Architects — tackling intersectional issues that affect minority employees in the workplace. Her leadership and advocacy have led her to be an active voice in the AIA New York Diversity and Inclusion committee. In addition, Ruth was named a Board Member at Build Out Alliance, a leading non-profit whose mission is to promote and advocate for inclusion of LGBTQ community within the building, design, and construction industries.
"During this difficult year that has exposed the persistent racial inequities that affect our industry and society at large, Ruth has exemplified fearless leadership and tireless advocacy for equity and inclusion within our practice, industry, and beyond. It has been inspiring to work with Ruth in tackling issues that not only affect the LGBTQ+ community, but also the diverse intersectional issues we face in our industry and in our day to day lives." — Martin Tolentino, Dattner Architects’ Marketing Director
“As the project manager for challenging and complex buildings, Ruth gives her team members the room to expand their professional experiences and capabilities. She provides a supportive, mentorship-focused structure to facilitate individual, as well as team success. All project team members are given ownership over components of a project’s design and are empowered to present them to clients and other project stakeholders. This confident leadership style enables junior team members to become more skilled design advocates and public presenters. Her approach to her work and team leadership includes an enthusiasm that inspires colleagues and clients. She is a true leader in every sense of the word.” — John Woelfling, Dattner Architects’ Principal
Congratulations to all those being honored this year by Crain's. See the full list here.
“A commonality unites Ruth Ro’s undertakings as associate principal at Dattner Architects: a consistent push for increased diversity and inclusion.” — Crain’s New York Business
Dattner Architects is pleased to announce that Associate Principal Ruth Ro has been named to the 2021 Notable LGBTQ Leaders and Executives list by Crain’s New York Business. This list celebrates 58 LGBTQ professionals in New York City who are making a major impact through their “career accomplishments, their mentorship of others, and their involvement in community and industry organizations.”
"One of the most important moves we can make as members of an underrepresented or marginalized group is to be visible. In a leadership role, I have a responsibility to represent, to empower, and to fight for change with every opportunity I get." — Ruth Ro
Over the years, Ruth has spearheaded a number of LGBTQ initiatives at Dattner Architects and has participated in several panels discussing the importance in facilitating an inclusive and understanding workplace in the AEC industry. In 2020, Ruth founded the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion group at Dattner Architects — tackling intersectional issues that affect minority employees in the workplace. Her leadership and advocacy have led her to be an active voice in the AIA New York Diversity and Inclusion committee. In addition, Ruth was named a Board Member at Build Out Alliance, a leading non-profit whose mission is to promote and advocate for inclusion of LGBTQ community within the building, design, and construction industries.
"During this difficult year that has exposed the persistent racial inequities that affect our industry and society at large, Ruth has exemplified fearless leadership and tireless advocacy for equity and inclusion within our practice, industry, and beyond. It has been inspiring to work with Ruth in tackling issues that not only affect the LGBTQ+ community, but also the diverse intersectional issues we face in our industry and in our day to day lives." — Martin Tolentino, Dattner Architects’ Marketing Director
“As the project manager for challenging and complex buildings, Ruth gives her team members the room to expand their professional experiences and capabilities. She provides a supportive, mentorship-focused structure to facilitate individual, as well as team success. All project team members are given ownership over components of a project’s design and are empowered to present them to clients and other project stakeholders. This confident leadership style enables junior team members to become more skilled design advocates and public presenters. Her approach to her work and team leadership includes an enthusiasm that inspires colleagues and clients. She is a true leader in every sense of the word.” — John Woelfling, Dattner Architects’ Principal
Congratulations to all those being honored this year by Crain's. See the full list here.
06.01.21
On May 25, Dattner Architects held a live virtual Datt-A-Thon fundraising event in support of Heart of Dinner, a nonprofit organization that works to fight food insecurity and isolation experienced by Asian American elderly in New York City. The emceed event featured a live “exquisite building” drawing collaboration (a la exquisite corpse), a silent auction, poetry readings, and more.
In addition to the virtual Datt-A-Thon event, we also ran a marathon over the Memorial Day weekend. Led by Project Architects Brandon Wang and Wei Wang, the route went through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan—stopping at several Dattner-designed buildings along the way. Brandon and Wei were joined on the run by Principal John Woelfling and Project Architect Pascale Baladi. Orange sweat bands, wrist bands, compression socks, and tutus were worn in recognition of major fundraising milestones hit during the Datt-A-Thon event.
All proceeds from the silent auction and GoFundMe donations went directly to Heart of Dinner. Proceeds from the event helped to raise $4,391—more than doubling our original goal of $2,000.
Many thanks to everyone who supported and donated to our effort!
On May 25, Dattner Architects held a live virtual Datt-A-Thon fundraising event in support of Heart of Dinner, a nonprofit organization that works to fight food insecurity and isolation experienced by Asian American elderly in New York City. The emceed event featured a live “exquisite building” drawing collaboration (a la exquisite corpse), a silent auction, poetry readings, and more.
In addition to the virtual Datt-A-Thon event, we also ran a marathon over the Memorial Day weekend. Led by Project Architects Brandon Wang and Wei Wang, the route went through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan—stopping at several Dattner-designed buildings along the way. Brandon and Wei were joined on the run by Principal John Woelfling and Project Architect Pascale Baladi. Orange sweat bands, wrist bands, compression socks, and tutus were worn in recognition of major fundraising milestones hit during the Datt-A-Thon event.
All proceeds from the silent auction and GoFundMe donations went directly to Heart of Dinner. Proceeds from the event helped to raise $4,391—more than doubling our original goal of $2,000.
Many thanks to everyone who supported and donated to our effort!
05.06.21
Set to open in 2022, Vital Brookdale topped out on May 3rd. This new mixed-use residential development will create 160 affordable housing units and approximately 25,000 square feet of health-focused community space in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn. The project is part of New York State’s Vital Brooklyn Initiative—an ongoing community development program for underserved neighborhoods in Central Brooklyn. Offering a holistic approach, the program focuses on eight integrated areas of improvement: open space and recreation; healthy food; education; economic empowerment; community-based violence prevention; community-based health care; affordable housing; and resiliency.
“Working on Vital Brookdale from design and into the first year of construction has been rewarding—just as one would expect an affordable passive house project would be. The developer and contractor’s commitment to building this project to meet PHIUS 2015+ certification standards has been critical to getting us to this point, especially through this pandemic. Being able to see one of the last pieces of plank being dropped into place was a momentous way to mark this milestone.” — Dattner Architects’ Associate Shefali Sanghvi
Comprised of studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units, 133 of the apartments will be reserved for households earning between 30- 60% of area median income (AMI) and 26 households earning 80% AMI. Alongside deeply affordable units, Vital Brookdale provides resources that promote health and wellness, job training, outdoor green space, and opportunities for recreation, that will support residents and the larger Brownsville community.
Tenants will have access to a second-floor terrace, and front and rear-courtyards, which will include landscaping, a dog run, play area as well as active and passive recreation and seating areas. Additional amenities will include complimentary building-wide wireless-internet access, a multipurpose community room, game room, library/resident co-working space, fitness room, laundry room, cold-storage locker and package rooms, and a bike storage room.
The development will pursue Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) + 2015 certification, an North American standard of building for maximized energy efficiency, for the residential component. The project will have a 100kW roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system, 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 Vital Brookdale project is the result of an incredible collaborative effort led by a dedicated client that includes multiple design specialists and is a real partnership with the contractor. This type of approach is necessary to achieve a successful passive house project that will reduce the building’s energy consumption by over 60%. We are proud to be part of the team that is delivering 160 apartments that will be affordable, welcoming, healthy, and tread lightly on the planet.” — Dattner Architects’ Principal John Woelfling
The Vital Brookdale project team comprises MDG Design + Construction, Smith & Henzy Advisory Group, The New York Foundling, Monadnock Construction, Dattner Architects, Skyline Engineering, DeNardis Engineering, Starr Whitehouse, and Bright Power.
Set to open in 2022, Vital Brookdale topped out on May 3rd. This new mixed-use residential development will create 160 affordable housing units and approximately 25,000 square feet of health-focused community space in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn. The project is part of New York State’s Vital Brooklyn Initiative—an ongoing community development program for underserved neighborhoods in Central Brooklyn. Offering a holistic approach, the program focuses on eight integrated areas of improvement: open space and recreation; healthy food; education; economic empowerment; community-based violence prevention; community-based health care; affordable housing; and resiliency.
“Working on Vital Brookdale from design and into the first year of construction has been rewarding—just as one would expect an affordable passive house project would be. The developer and contractor’s commitment to building this project to meet PHIUS 2015+ certification standards has been critical to getting us to this point, especially through this pandemic. Being able to see one of the last pieces of plank being dropped into place was a momentous way to mark this milestone.” — Dattner Architects’ Associate Shefali Sanghvi
Comprised of studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units, 133 of the apartments will be reserved for households earning between 30- 60% of area median income (AMI) and 26 households earning 80% AMI. Alongside deeply affordable units, Vital Brookdale provides resources that promote health and wellness, job training, outdoor green space, and opportunities for recreation, that will support residents and the larger Brownsville community.
Tenants will have access to a second-floor terrace, and front and rear-courtyards, which will include landscaping, a dog run, play area as well as active and passive recreation and seating areas. Additional amenities will include complimentary building-wide wireless-internet access, a multipurpose community room, game room, library/resident co-working space, fitness room, laundry room, cold-storage locker and package rooms, and a bike storage room.
The development will pursue Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) + 2015 certification, an North American standard of building for maximized energy efficiency, for the residential component. The project will have a 100kW roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system, 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 Vital Brookdale project is the result of an incredible collaborative effort led by a dedicated client that includes multiple design specialists and is a real partnership with the contractor. This type of approach is necessary to achieve a successful passive house project that will reduce the building’s energy consumption by over 60%. We are proud to be part of the team that is delivering 160 apartments that will be affordable, welcoming, healthy, and tread lightly on the planet.” — Dattner Architects’ Principal John Woelfling
The Vital Brookdale project team comprises MDG Design + Construction, Smith & Henzy Advisory Group, The New York Foundling, Monadnock Construction, Dattner Architects, Skyline Engineering, DeNardis Engineering, Starr Whitehouse, and Bright Power.
Dattner Architects is pleased to share that Dana Moore AIA has been accepted into this year's Class of Forefront Fellows. The Urban Design Forum (UDF)'s Forefront Fellowship is an interdisciplinary cohort of designers, policymakers, artists, and activists working to reimagine how the city shapes life for its growing population. The 2022 cohort of Forefront Fellows is addressing waste management in the city and rewriting how New York City can pick up after itself in more sustainable, equitable, and efficient ways.
"I believe waste management is the most critical piece of the urban puzzle, and I think every New Yorker deserves infrastructure that meets their needs with grace. Meeting the waste haulers, building supers, and even volunteers who make this essential service possible is an amazing experience that I will take with me in my design career. Our cohort is already forming fast ties, and I look forward to the solutions we will envision as a team. More than ever, I am reminded that essential services are made up of essential persons—this fellowship is a singular opportunity for me to learn from and design for those voices."—Dana Moore AIA
Riverbank State Park will be a featured tour as part of Archtober's Building of the Day series. A month-long celebration of architecture and design in New York City, Archtober is an annual festival of architecture activities, programs, and exhibitions taking place throughout the month of October. Building of the Day tours are the centerpiece of Archtober with the goal of making exemplary architecture more accessible to the general public.
Archtober Building of the Day: Riverbank State Park
Date / Time: October 8, 2022 at 3:00pm
Location: 679 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10031
Riverbank State Park is New York City's first public green roof, and one of New York State's busiest parks. A first-of-its-kind recreation facility with numerous year-round recreational amenities, the park has become a true community asset. 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.
The tour will be led by Dattner Architects’ founder Richard Dattner and will include the fascinating history of Riverbank’s inception, design, and construction—and a discussion of the importance of creating accessible public open space for each New Yorker.
09.15.22
Dattner Architects is excited to share that Scarsdale Public Library has won a national design award in the Renovation, Restoration, and Adaptive Re-use Category from the Society of American Registered Architects (SARA).
This renovation and addition modernizes the existing 1951 facility by integrating state-of-the-art technology throughout, expanding public gathering spaces for community programming, and reorganizing circulation to improve the patron experience. While the flexible spaces, refreshed and re-envisioned interiors, and improved technological infrastructure are the highlights of the new library, the space also provides an expanded connection to the community it serves. Featuring an entrance plaza, a new café, and lobby that opens up to the library’s main collection area, daylight and views establish a strong connection from entry to exit. New programming opportunities, such as after-hours scheduling for the Technology Center and increased access of the expanded children’s area, solidify the library as a communal hub.
Celebrating design excellence in architecture, this year's winners will be honored at the SARA National Design Awards Gala on October 21 in San Diego, California.
Kirsten Sibilia has been invited to join the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity New York and Westchester. A strong advocate for the essential right each person has to a safe and affordable home, joining Habitat for Humanity is an opportunity lend her support to the realization of affordable home ownership. Habitat builds homes that help communities thrive, with generation-spanning benefits for working class New Yorkers
Poor and marginalized communities are being disproportionately affected by the current health and climate crises. What are the big fixes and creative strategies that can help us go deeper with green and secure a more sustainable future for all?
On July 26, Principal John Woelfling will discuss the connection between climate, health, and equity with Metropolis editor-in-chief Avinash Rajagopal.
For the third year in a row, Dattner Architects has partnered with Services for the UnderServed (S:US) for our Day of Service. S:US is a leading NYC nonprofit with deep roots in the community, providing support for populations in need through both housing and counseling services. This year, over 35 volunteers came together to provide an interior refresh to one of their NYC shelters for victims and survivors of domestic violence. This was an opportunity to create beautiful, vibrant, and functional spaces for the residents and staff.
"S:US came to us with a challenging project in mind knowing that we would work with their clients and staff to enhance their space. This domestic violence shelter had several crowded offices and community rooms that were either very drab, or chaotically colorful. We were able to create a cohesive design that lightened up the rooms, tied them together, and gave residents and staff places to express their creativity. Someone remarked how architects are able to take a simple paint job and make it into something extraordinary. We would like to think we did just that. The space looks incredible." — Paul Neidhard & Gus Munoz, Day of Service Co-Leaders
Many thanks to our generous sponsors: Richard E. Zacharoff & Associates, Maloney & Company, Skyline Engineering, Thornton Tomasetti, Duvernay + Brooks, Risk Strategies, Mountco Construction & Development, Sherwin Williams, MEGA, and Hirschen Singer & Epstein.
07.18.22
Essex Crossing is one of 10 projects chosen in the Urban Land Institute's ULI Americas Awards for Excellence. This awards program recognizes new projects in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors that exemplify ULI's goals of responsible land use and sustainable community development. The 10 North American winners will now compete against projects from Asia and Europe for the ULI Global Awards.
In 1967, Seward Park Area residents were relocated from their homes to make way for a supposed massive planned urban renewal project. The project never came to fruition. Instead, the site remained vacant for decades. 50 years later, the decades-old promise to revitalize this important corner of Manhattan’s Lower East Side was realized with the opening of the Goldin at Essex Crossing. The building is named after local resident and activist, Frances Goldin, who fought to bring new affordable housing to the neighborhood.
Designed by Dattner Architects, the Goldin at 175 Delancey was the first building to be completed in the larger 1.9 million square foot Essex Crossing development initiated through a public-private partnership. The 15-story, mixed-use building comprises of senior housing and a four-story podium with neighborhood-driven community services, including an ambulatory care center, local retail spaces, and facilities operated by non-profit social services providers, Grand Street Settlement and Henry Street Settlement.
06.28.22
Design Trust for Public Space honored Dattner Architects with a Public Space Leadership Award at the inaugural Benefit for Public Space. In bestowing the award, executive director Matthew Clarke, remarked that "Dattner Architects’ mission-driven approach towards civic architecture is frankly unparalleled in New York City, and perhaps the world." He continued: "When you start to look through [the firm's] catalogue, you are frankly shocked by the scale at which their work has shaped our collective civic life. From affordable housing, subway stations, infrastructure, public spaces, and libraries, I’m inspired and proud that New York can call them ours."
We are incredibly moved to be recognized by the Design Trust for our legacy of and commitment to designing spaces and places for all New Yorkers.
"The social equity, the environmental justice, and the quality of civic spaces we all seek requires creativity and rigor; it demands outreach, engagement, and collaboration. The work that the Design Trust does to accelerate the dialogue is invaluable.” — Kirsten Sibilia, Managing Principal, Dattner Architects
Credit: Andre Whitehead
"I look forward to our future civic accomplishments in creating striking new buildings, places, and communities." — Richard Dattner, Founding Principal, Dattner Architects
Credit: Andre Whitehead
Held on June 15, the Benefit for Public Space celebrated Dattner Architects and fellow award recipient, Alfred “Fred” Cerullo (CEO, Grand Central Partnership) with live music, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a fundraising auction, and sunset views at the Tribeca Rooftop. During the awards ceremony, a tribute video including interviews with Dattner-clients Services for the UnderServed, Monadnock Development, and Project Renewal was shown.
"The impact of Dattner [Architects] on New York City is hard to calculate because, they have been active in every aspect of development from affordable housing to luxury housing, to public works, to parks and recreation. Their values that they bring to projects is probably as important as their skill level and aesthetic taste in design. We work with them because their value system aligns with ours: that transforming New York City neighborhoods is as important to them as winning an award. That value system is what differentiates them from their peers." — Kirk Goodrich, Partner, Monadnock Development
On June 22, Associate Principal Rachel Ehrlich will be speaking at the AIANY Committee on the Environment (COTE)'s "Equity in Electrification: Electrification of Affordable Housing" panel at the Center for Architecture. The AIANY COTE's Equity and Electrification series explores issues of equity in the push to fully electrify New York City's building stock.
The passage of Local Law 154 means that design professionals in New York City will be tasked with providing effective solutions for electrifying buildings. This panel will provide a broad overview of policy and equity issues surrounding building electrification in New York City, along with a case study that tackles the technical opportunities and challenges of electrifying affordable housing.
Rachel will be joined on the panel by Michael Wadman (Phipps Houses) and Zoe Grossman (Bright Power) with Annie Carforo (WE ACT for Environmental Justice) as moderator.
06.14.22
Dattner Architects has been honored with an Anchin Award for Most Substantial Impact in Sustainability, alongside Jonathan Rose Companies and ECOR Global. This award recognizes companies that have gone above and beyond expectations in regards to sustainability within the built environment, real estate, and construction industries—highlighting innovative project work across a portfolio that presents a thorough and robust strategy for sustainability practices for the long-term.
For decades, Dattner Architects has provided models for impactful civic architecture. From creating the first green schools guide for the largest public district in the US, to designing NYC’s first new subway station in 26 years, we are proving that good design is driven from social and environmental impact.
Our long-standing commitment to sustainable design is characterized by a flexible, project-specific approach that combines passive and low-tech solutions with more active systems, analysis, and controls. With each new commission, we seek to push beyond the conventional standards for sustainability, innovating high-performance approaches that work with the building program, site, and budget. We have become a leader in affordable housing Passive House design by proposing creative solutions in order to meet strict energy efficiency criteria for the building’s insulation, envelope performance, space heating and cooling, and primary energy demand within the building.
"We are honored to be recognized along with Jonathan Rose Companies and ECOR Global for our commitment to sustainability. Our growing experience and expertise in urban, multifamily affordable passive house projects is just a small part of what we can do to mitigate our impact on the built environment. As codes become more stringent and push towards all electric buildings, we hope that this becomes the norm, rather than the exception – but we are glad to be one of the pioneers in this space by proposing creative solutions that work within the existing multifamily design and construction framework. After all: isn’t that the goal, that all our projects are energy efficient and built to rigorous standards that allow for affordable electric heating and cooling while keeping occupant health in mind?" — Shefali Sanghvi AIA, Director of Sustainability
Dattner Architects joined Pennrose, RiseBoro Community Partnership, Mega Contracting, City and State officials, and partnering community leaders for the grand opening of 50 Penn — a new mixed-use, transit-oriented development providing access to high-quality, sustainable affordable and moderate-income housing and healthy food choices. 218 units are designed for family occupancy, 42 of which are dedicated to formerly homeless and elderly households. Three commercial spaces activate the ground floor, including a health-food grocery store developed through the FRESH program which promotes nutritious, affordable, and fresh food in underserved neighborhoods.
"The lasting relationship between Pennrose and Dattner is rooted in our organizations’ common missions of producing affordable homes with class-leading design for New Yorkers. Our work together at 50 Penn exemplifies how structural synergies between thoughtful architects and developers can result in superior placemaking of a building that is poised to be enjoyed in the Cypress Hills community for generations to come.” — Dylan Salmons, Regional Vice President, Pennrose
"The 50 Penn project is the result of a truly collaborative and innovative effort that could not have been accomplished without the development vision of Pennrose and RiseBoro, the construction acumen of Mega Contracting Group, and the technical expertise of the entire design team. The project’s mixed-use program is a model for redevelopment in high density urban environments with superior access to transit. However, this blessing of transit comes with both challenges above grade with the elevated J train along Fulton Street and the sub-terranean A/C lines cutting across the corner of the site. The technical and construction logistics challenges were many, but ably addressed and executed to result in a much-needed low-carbon, high-quality affordable housing building for 218 families." — John Woelfling AIA, Principal, Dattner Architects
"This project is an important marker of the East New York re-zoning, providing 218 new affordable apartments, local-scale retail spaces, and a grocery store for the Cypress Hills community. We are very proud of this building, as we focused on providing bright and airy units, a beautiful and contextual brick façade, and amenities that serve the tenants including a large, landscaped terrace. Solar panels on the roof and energy-saving features in the building are symbolic of Dattner Architects’ and Pennrose's commitment to a greener future for New York City." — Rem Bruhn AIA, Associate, Dattner Architects
05.26.22
Dattner Architects is proud to announce that Scarsdale Public Library and Santaella Gardens have won design awards from the Society of American Registered Architects – New York Council (SARA NY)! Both projects will be honored at an awards gala on June 14 at The Manhattan Manor.
The Scarsdale Public Library project responds to the shifts in community needs, trends in library services, and changes in user preferences. Through a comprehensive programming and planning exercise, the space was redesigned, renovated, and expanded to fulfill the Library’s mission.
Built in 1951 and added to over time, the library required transformation to optimize utilization of the full facility, improve the library experience, and provide adaptable spaces that embraced new developments in technology. The design team incorporated a new “makerspace” for the community and explored options to allow a greater amount of flexibility at all levels of programming. While the flexible spaces and improved technological infrastructure are the highlights of the new library, the space also provides an expanded connection to the community it serves. Featuring an entrance plaza, a new cafe, and lobby that opens up to the library’s main collection area, daylight and views establish a strong connection from entry to exit.
“We are honored to receive this SARA award for the recent renovation and expansion of the Scarsdale Library. The project retains the best features of a beloved community building while radically rethinking it to become a more modern, versatile, and attractive space.” — Principal Daniel Heuberger AIA
Named in honor of Justice Irma Vidal Santaella, the first Puerto Rican woman to serve as a Justice on the New York Supreme Court, Santaella Gardens is a new mixed-use Passive House residential development—providing urgently needed workforce and affordable housing. Adjacent to an elevated railway, the 12-story building has 249 apartments, a suite of residential amenities on the 11th floor, and ground floor uses including an afterschool program and community retail.
“Passive House design teaches us that the work has to be integrative and coordinated at every level to achieve this high bar for design and performance. Santaella Gardens has been a collaborative endeavor from the beginning. This teamwork involved our committed clients, Phipps Houses and the Acacia Network, the skills and Passive House experience of Monadnock Construction, and the entire design and consulting team. Santaella Gardens is a model for the high quality, high performance affordable housing New York City needs to transition to a clean energy economy and build social equity through comfortable, healthy homes." — Associate Principal Rachel Ehrlich AIA
"Our Santaella Gardens project addresses two of our most pressing items as a society: addressing Climate Change and the creation of Affordable Housing. The project's Passive House design creates a low carbon, high health building that can serve as a model to partially address health inequities that occur in our urban centers. Passive House is an integrated and complex project type to design and build. Much recognition should go to Phipps Houses and The Acacia Network for entrusting this project to our design team and to Monadnock Construction for delivering such a high performance building on an affordable housing budget." — Principal John Woelfling AIA
On March 9, Dattner Architects joined the Institute for Community Living (ICL), Mega Contracting Group, State and City officials, and partnering community leaders for the ribbon cutting ceremony at Nevins Street Apartments.
Located in Downtown Brooklyn, Nevins Street Apartments reinvigorates a century-old building through a gut renovation and addition to provide affordable housing, supportive housing, and on-site supportive services including case management and mental health services. The historic site of 50 Nevins Street, with its new 10-story addition, now features 129 new apartments serving those in need. 78 are supportive 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.
"Dattner Architects has had the honor of collaborating with ICL and Mega Contracting Group to complete this bold repositioning of ICL's flagship facility as a modern affordable housing building in Downtown Brooklyn. The extensive renovations of the existing building will not only make the building fully accessible, but will also improve the energy performance of the building with efficient systems coupled with on-site renewable power generation. In addition to the renovation, the project was able to expand the building footprint and density of the project through a rezoning that required support from the NYC Department of City Planning and community partners. As the saying goes, "It takes a village..." — Principal John Woelfling AIA
"50 Nevins consists of the gut-rehabilitation of a historically significant century-old building, merged with a new, contemporary-looking addition—a nod to a facility’s present connecting with its past. Originally a YWCA, this building has had indeed a long history of offering housing, shelter, and support for low-income individuals. We are pleased to have worked with ICL to contribute to such an important legacy by providing new and much needed supportive and affordable housing. We trust that the result of our collective efforts is an environment that is welcoming, stimulating, and caring—and a building which will generate an overall sense of care, comfort, and satisfaction for its residents as well as a positive impact on the neighborhood at large." — Senior Associate Philippe Martelly AIA
Project Architect Brandon Wang, Designer Kathy Mu, and Director of Sustainability Shefali Sanghvi will be speaking at this year’s LIVING FUTURE ‘22 (LF22) Conference.
Held from May 2-13, LF22 unites a community of deep-green thought leaders, practitioners, and healthy materials providers for inspiration and knowledge sharing of strategies to address racial inequities and injustices in our communities. The conference is split into 10 tracks: Just Future; Climate Justice; Ecological Restoration; Resilience; Policy; Zero Carbon; Health; Materials; Beauty + Biophilia; and Innovation in Ownership
Community Engagement and Climate Justice: Inspiring Architects to Engage
Date: May 3, 2022 at 5:30pm EST
Track: Climate Justice
In the fall of 2020 amidst a global pandemic, Dattner Architects prepared and facilitated a series of internal workshops studying climate justice and community engagement. Often, community engagement discussions center on development opportunities and when they should happen. At the time of the workshops, with everyone spending significantly more time confined in their own neighborhoods, we took this opportunity to study these areas in-depth and through the lens of a resident. By starting with this approach and folding in concepts of climate justice and the role of the architect, we developed a unique understanding of community engagement that allows for greater empathy for and connection to the communities with which we serve.
By reviewing these workshops, and emulating some of the techniques used, this session will explore innovative ways to engage with communities and ourselves as stewards of the built environment.
On Earth Day, Dattner Architects is pleased to announce the creation of a Director of Sustainability role at the firm, affirming our long-standing commitment to sustainability. This important new position will be filled by Senior Associate Shefali Sanghvi, a highly accomplished architect and knowledgeable advocate for environmental responsibility.
Shefali has over 15 years of experience working in affordable housing, 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. Shefali believes that it is the architect’s responsibility to respect the power that we hold on the built environment by designing spaces that are welcoming to all members of society.
“With this timely announcement, Dattner Architects is emphasizing our commitment to incorporating sustainable design across our broad portfolio. We are confident that Shefali in her new role as Director of Sustainability will allow us to broadly and consistently apply our extensive knowledge about energy, healthy environments, and occupant comfort to benefit our clients and the buildings we design for them.
Shefali’s commitment to designing sustainable buildings utilizing the rigorous Passive House system and her more broad focus of leadership of our internal Sustainable Practice Group makes her an ideal person to guide the firm and the design profession towards a common goal of reducing our industry’s impact on the environment.” — Principal John Woelfling AIA, LEED AP, CPHT
As Director of Sustainability, Shefali will serve as a thought leader across Dattner Architects’ studios, and beyond, championing sustainability as integral to architecture. She will help establish the direction of our research and lead the exploration and application of sustainability in-house by facilitating knowledge sharing amongst project teams, firm leadership, and our professional development groups. Shefali will continue to serve as co-chair of the firm’s Sustainable Practice Group, established in 2012.
“Dattner Architects has a long-standing reputation for being a leader in urban sustainable design, and I am honored to be part of the next phase of our firm’s evolution. The creation of this role truly formalizes our commitment to sustainability and allows us to continue to push the bar for all of our projects, across all studios.
This is also a great opportunity for our office to continue to share and speak about our current ongoing research on energy usage, renewables, materials, indoor health, site ecology, and urban infrastructure—all through the lens of climate justice, social equity, and sustainability at large. The civic work Dattner does touches all aspects of our lives, especially here in NYC—and with the issuance of the latest IPCC report and current geo-political strife, it is even more important to ensure that all of our work continues to be as sustainable as possible” — Director of Sustainability Shefali Sanghvi AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Dattner Architects is pleased to announce that WSFSSH at West 108 is the recipient of an AIA New York State Excelsior Merit Award! Celebrating its eighth year, the Excelsior Awards program highlights the best in publicly funded buildings, outdoor areas, and public art across New York State.
WSFSSH at West 108 is sponsored and operated by one of New York City’s most respected non-profit affordable housing providers—West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing (WSFSSH). Their vision was to create an integrated response to an urgent need for transitional, supportive, and family housing that promotes the dignity of each individual and enhances community.
"WSFSSH at West 108 is a very special project that provides transitional housing for homeless older adults, permanent supportive and affordable family housing, and an array of social services. The program includes a community health clinic and spaces for community activities. Varied heights, setbacks, and materials respond to the neighborhood context, while creating a distinctive identity for this sustainably designed building." — William Stein FAIA
The shelter and supportive / affordable housing programs are designed to be integrated with a single entry and reception desk, while also allowing the transitional program to have its own secure circulation system. The development provides 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.
The ground floor is organized around a “main street” that links recreation spaces and support services for residents, including lounges for each program, a dining room and commercial kitchen, community rooms, children’s playroom, and social service offices. Additional amenity spaces include a landscaped outdoor recreation area and 7th floor roof terrace. The dining room is accessible for community events. A lower level accommodates a primary care health clinic.
"WSFSSH at West 108th brings much needed affordable, supportive, and transitional housing to Manhattan Valley in a building that is respectful of neighborhood context, while also providing a safe, healthy, lively space for tenants. We are proud to have been a part of the team bringing this building online, and appreciative of this recognition of what the project brings to the community." — Shefali Sanghvi AIA
On April 8, 2022, Principal Gia Mainiero spoke at AIA’s Public Architects Symposium, Climate of Public Architecture. Held at AIA Headquarters in Washington, DC, the symposium brought together practitioners and AEC industry professionals to discuss the critical issues facing the profession and built environment.
The Public Architect has long served as a frontline mediator of the vision, scope, impact, and long-term viability of our essential community architecture. As the public discourse on infrastructure broadens to include the full spectrum of social services, we are at a key moment to examine the integration of essential architecture into communities, both for programs viewed as desirable and those met with resistance. The Public Architect must balance a multi-disciplinary process that is responsive to community context and demographics, but also to publicly funded capital and operating budgets.
Gia discussed how legislation, processes, and procurement strategies are upping the bar for public architecture in New York City, positioning public buildings at the forefront of sustainable and resilient design.
Dattner Architects is proud to announce that Santaella Gardens is officially PHIUS+ 2015 Passive House certified!
Located in the Bronx, Santaella Gardens is a new mixed-use residential development, providing workforce and affordable housing with retail and a community facility on the ground floor. The building relies on advanced, climate-specific design strategies to reduce energy use. The 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.
A continual supply of fresh, filtered air is provided to all apartments and common areas via Energy Recovery Ventilators, which continually exhaust stale air while recapturing energy from the exhaust air. Residents enjoy enhanced indoor air quality without opening windows, increasing indoor comfort by blocking noise and particulates from the elevated train and nearby Bronx River Parkway. Space conditioning for apartments and common areas is provided with air-source heat pumps, an all-electric solution that advances the electrification goals of New York City’s own Green New Deal, known as OneNYC 2050. These strategies enhance occupant comfort, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and yield immense energy savings, lowering the utility bills for the lifespan of the building.
Rooftop solar photovoltaic panels generate onsite renewable energy, with a total capacity of 162.7 kW. Energy‐efficient features include ENERGY STAR appliances, LED lighting with control sensors, and Energy Recovery Ventilation. These work together with the super-insulated building envelope to drive down the energy use intensity (EUI) to a projected site EUI of 20.40 kBTU/sqft/Yr.
On March 8, Dattner Architects joined Acacia Network, Phipps Houses, State and City officials, and partnering community leaders for the ribbon cutting ceremony at Santaella Gardens. The event coincided with International Women’s Day, as the development was named in honor of Justice Irma Vidal Santaella – the first Puerto Rican woman to serve as a Justice on the New York Supreme Court. The ceremony included remarks and participation from Justice Santaella’s family, including her daughter Ivette Santaella, Esq.
Credit: Argenis Apolinario
Located in the Soundview area of the Bronx, Santaella Gardens is a new mixed-use Passive House development, providing urgently needed workforce and affordable housing. Adjacent to an elevated railway, the 12-story building has 249 apartments, a suite of residential amenities on the 11th floor, and ground floor uses including an afterschool program and community retail.
“Santaella Gardens revitalizes an underutilized lot with a lively, high-performance building that responds to two of the most urgent needs we face: the demand to build social equity and value by reinvesting in our communities and the urgent need to transition to a clean energy economy, shifting to a healthy, sustainable model for our communities and the environment.” — Rachel Ehrlich, Associate Principal, Dattner Architects
The building’s colorful accents were inspired by the famous doors and stucco façades of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico with their bright, contrasting colors. The strong horizontal expression of the window groupings and lively alternating colors can be perceived from all angles, to be enjoyed by pedestrians, subway riders, and travelers on the Bronx River Parkway. The color palette continues within the building creating a warm and vibrant home for these Bronx residents.
“Santaella Gardens has been a collaborative endeavor from the beginning. This teamwork involving Phipps Houses and the Acacia Network, the entire design team, and the skills of Monadnock Construction was necessary to achieve this high-performance building. We hope this type of high quality, low energy building becomes the norm and serves as an example of how these types of affordable, mixed-use buildings can be achieved.” — John Woelfling, Principal, Dattner Architects
The development’s design solutions provide a precedent in utilizing emerging building construction systems to address community health disparities. Projects such as this help to further the mission of many non-profit developers in giving their affordable housing tenants a high quality of life and healthy living environments needed to tackle larger social issues such as climate justice and housing affordability.
Credit: Argenis Apolinario
“Phipps Houses is proud of our 20+ year partnership with Dattner Architects. They bring absolute professionalism in both design and service that continues to impress us after all these years. Their design skill and expertise were critical for the development of Santaella Gardens, the first Passive House development for Phipps Houses and the Acacia Network. Dattner’s ability to work pragmatically with Phipps and our general contractor Monadnock Construction on both the technical details of Passive House and the difficult approvals process has been invaluable. We’re thrilled with the end result – a beautiful, extremely energy efficient building, providing desperately needed affordable housing for low- and moderate-income New Yorkers, including units set-aside for formerly homeless households. We look forward to working on more projects with Dattner.” — Michael Wadman, Vice President of Development, Phipps Houses
Senior Associate Shefali Sanghvi, Associate Alex Muller, Project Architect Pascale Baladi, and Architectural Designer Soumya Rao will be speaking at this year’s Monograph Section Cut conference. Section Cut is Monograph’s semi-annual conference for Practice Operations and Design Professionals across Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, and Engineering. The Spring/Summer 2022 edition is being held from March 8-10.
Using Data to Push the Envelope on Sustainability
March 8 at 3:00pm EST
Representing Dattner Architects’ Sustainable Practice Group (SPG), Shefali and Alex will explore how SPG gathers usable metrics to measure the efficacy of sustainability goals. Over the years, this research has led to white papers and primers on changing codes and local laws, new technologies, case studies on existing infrastructure, and more.
Dattner Architects: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Strategies
March 9 at 12:00pm EST
As part of Dattner Architects’ Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee, Pascale and Soumya will discuss the firm’s six areas of commitment which tackle internal and external actions devoted to upholding sound social values through our practice. New processes have been implemented to not only deepen our understanding of the communities we work in, but to continue to foster a firm culture that enables our staff to achieve their highest level of creativity and authenticity.
Principal Beth Greenberg, Associate Principal Ruth Ro, and Senior Associate Keith Engel will join industry leaders and peers at this year’s New York Build Expo on March 2-3 at the Javits Center.
Panel: Housing New York
Date & Time: March 2, 2022 at 11:00am
Speakers: Keith Engel (Dattner Architects); Wendi Shafran (FXCollaborative Architects); Arvind Sohoni (New York City Housing Authority); Ahmed Tigani (NYC Housing Preservation & Development); Matthew Rooney (MDG Design+Construction)
Panel: A New World of Working and Collaboration
Date & Time: March 2, 2022 at 12:00pm
Speakers: Beth Greenberg (Dattner Architects); Vivian Lee (Woods Bagot); Daniel Topping (NK Architects); Raymond LeChase (LeChase Construction); Kimle Nailer (National Association of Black Women in Construction); Camille Rimmer (Gilbane Building Company); Adam Glass (Advance2000)
Panel: Pushing Boundaries in Urban Architecture and Design
Date & Time: March 3, 2022 at 2:00pm
Speakers: Ruth Ro (Dattner Architects); Nicole McGlinn (Kohn Pedersen Fox); Jun Seong Ahn (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill); Carisima Koenig (Perkins Eastman); Bettina Zerza (ZERZA); Emily Weidenhof (NYC Department of Transport); David Harber (David Harber)
New York Build Expo is the largest construction and design show for New York and the Tri-State area. The show features 300+ top industry speakers across 11 tracks and AIA CES approved workshops, 250+ exhibitors, exclusive free-to-attend networking events including the Women in Construction and Diversity in Construction, New York’s Festival of Construction, and much more.
Register for free tickets: https://www.newyorkbuildexpo.com
01.12.22
Alafia has been recognized with a Merit Award in the Urban Design category of the 2022 AIA New York Design Awards! As part of New York State’s Vital Brooklyn Initiative, this ambitious master plan creates a wellness-oriented resilient urban development designed to address the chronic social, economic, and health disparities in a historically underserved area.
During the jury symposium, members of the jury commented on the multiple layers of residential and community benefit Alafia provides. They commended the sustainable green environment within and were particularly impressed with how much detail had been thought out and addressed – from stormwater to rising sea levels.
Creating a community for approximately 7,500 people, the new 2,400-unit development is centered around a series of programmed open spaces that break down the scale, foster a sense of ownership and belonging, and encourage healthy activities and neighborly interaction. The project also includes a substantial amount of retail space and a major health clinic that will serve the residents as well as the greater south Brooklyn area. Alafia emphasizes the connections between economic and physical health through an ambitious urban agriculture program that will employ local residents and includes nearly 2-acres of outdoor growing space, a robust indoor farming operation, and facilities for “Meals on Wheels” food prep, distribution, and open-air markets.
Adjacent to Betts Creek and Jamaica Bay, the site abuts a coastal ecosystem of marshlands and maritime groves. The plan fully integrates long-term environmental resiliency. The campus will include over 6-acres of open space, including bioswales, farmland, and other measures to absorb water and control erosion. The project is expected to resist rising sea levels, 500-year storm events through the end of the century.
Dattner Architects is currently designing the first three buildings in the development.
All AIA New York Design Award winners are featured in an awards exhibition at the Center for Architecture through June 11.
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 12 new Associates and Senior Associates. Alex Muller, Jon King, Patrick McAffrey, and Wei Wang have been elevated to Associate. Our new Senior Associates are Brian Nesin, Daniella LaRocca, Earl Jones, Jen Switala, Mary Beth Lardaro, Philippe Martelly, Robert Drake, and Shefali Sanghvi.
ASSOCIATES
Alex Muller AIA, LEED AP understands the social impact of design and views each project as an opportunity to enhance urban life. His experience coordinating the design and construction of complex buildings, ranging from large government facilities and cultural structures to multi-family housing and adaptive reuse projects, informs his advocacy for environmentally sustainable architecture.
Jon King AIA, LEED AP applies a deep understanding of high performance building practices to his projects informed in part through continual research and collaboration with industry experts on subjects including thermal envelope assemblies and building systems. His ability to integrate and manage functionality and design goals results in built projects with enduring and sustainable value.
Formally trained in both architecture and product design, Patrick McAffrey AIA has a deep understanding of how finished projects at all scales can affect and influence end users. A 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.
Wei Wang AIA, LEED AP BD+C believes the architect’s role goes beyond design and function; it also uplifts communities and fosters social equity. She has experience managing projects, from mixed-use high-rise residential developments to various types of commercial buildings. Passionate about building materials and research, Wei is active within the firm’s Sustainable Practice Group.
SENIOR ASSOCIATES
Brian Nesin AIA, LEED AP’s design interest encompasses vastly different scales, from regional planning to furniture design. His portfolio comprises a similar range, from master plans to intricate building details, for clients including government agencies, not-for-profits, and businesses. Brian’s experience with woodworking and design-build informs his exploration of the materiality of buildings.
Daniella LaRocca AIA has focused her career on designing urban infrastructure and transportation projects. Her attention to the technical resolution of complex ideas and experience with the construction administration phase of multiple projects has given her the expertise to develop buildable details, critical to maintaining a project’s design integrity.
As Digital Design Director, Earl Jones Assoc. AIA manages the firm’s advanced computing, 3-D modeling, and BIM implementation. He is passionate about exploring software applications to advance technical resolutions and collaboration across disciplines. His architectural training and experience working for both architecture and engineering firms allows him to create cohesive, efficient workflows that support design.
Jen Switala AIA believes that architecture evokes different responses in each individual, and that this results in a meaningful complexity to the urban realm. With a diverse background of project experience, Jen has designed affordable and supportive housing, commercial buildings, and comprehensive master plans. She leads Dattner Architects’ R&D Co-Lab, which is focused on examining vital issues confronting the built environment.
As Human Resources Director, Mary Beth Lardaro supports the firm’s civic mission by nurturing a workplace culture that prioritizes mentorship and professional development and inspires designers to do their best work.
She leads recruitment, policy development, benefits, compensation, and pay equity.
Philippe Martelly AIA, CPHC is deeply invested in understanding the human experience and social impact of healthy, sustainable, and well-conceived affordable housing. Through community awareness and sensible design tailored for a given site and neighborhood’s needs, Philippe believes that civic-oriented architects are in a unique position to help create quality spaces as well as nourishing environments where the users and their communities-at-large can proudly prosper.
Guided by a belief that data gathering should always precede design, Robert Drake AIA strives to provide clients and project teams with support based on critical analysis. His experience and comprehensive understanding of the construction process allows him to focus parties on the joint goals of quality, budget, and schedule.
Shefali Sanghvi AIA, LEED AP BD+C has a deep background in affordable housing. She is dedicated to designing buildings that are socially, environmentally, and financially sustainable and has become an expert on urban Passive House projects. Shefali believes it is the architect’s responsibility to respect the power that we hold on the built environment by designing spaces that are welcoming to all members of society.
12.16.21
Hegeman Avenue Apartments has been recognized with a 2021 Residential Building Award from the Queens & Bronx Building Association (QBBA). Built by Galaxy G. C. Group, Hegeman Avenue was designed by Dattner Architects and developed by CAMBA Housing Ventures in partnership with NYC Housing Preservation & Development’s Supportive Housing Loan Program, New York State’s Homes & Community Renewal Program and Homeless Housing Assistance Program.
Hegeman Avenue is a new affordable and supportive housing development in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn. The building was designed to support the health, wellness, and stability of its residents. Apartments are light, bright, and airy with high quality finishes and appliances. A large garden, front and rear courtyards, a community room with kitchen, library/computer room, and on-site social services are available for all tenants.
“Dattner is thrilled to be part of the QBBA winning team with Galaxy and CAMBA Housing Ventures to create this unique affordable supportive housing project. Hegeman Avenue presented a new building opportunity to provide quality, energy-efficient and sustainable design to positively impact not only the individuals who live there but the neighborhood at large. Congratulations to the entire team. We look forward to the next collaboration!” — Principal Catherine Selby
10.27.21
Dattner Architects is proud to announce that Alafia and Charles F. Murphy Early Childhood Development Center have won design awards from the Society of American Registered Architects – New York Council (SARA NY)! Held at the TWA Hotel on October 26, the SARA NY Design Awards gala celebrated winners from 2020 and 2021.
Honored with a Design Award of Merit in the Urban Design category, Alafia is part of New York State’s Vital Brooklyn initiative—an ongoing community development program for underserved neighborhoods in Central Brooklyn. The plan invests $1.4 Billion for community-based healthcare, affordable housing, and open-space and other programming. Alafia will be the largest development within the Vital Brooklyn initiative.
Situated on a 28-acre site at the edge of New York City, Alafia is an ambitious master plan created through a public-private partnership that includes the state and the city; non-profit, community, and for-profit developers; and local designers and planners. The master plan transforms a decommissioned state psychiatric hospital into a wellness-oriented resilient urban development designed to address the chronic social, economic, and health disparities in a historically underserved area.
Creating a community for approximately 7,500 people, the new 2,400-unit development is centered around a series of programmed open spaces that break down the scale, foster a sense of ownership and belonging, and encourage healthy activities and neighborly interaction. The housing includes affordable and supportive units, providing homes for formerly homeless, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and seniors. An ambitious urban agriculture program will employ local residents and includes nearly 2-acres of outdoor growing space, a robust indoor farming operation, and facilities for “Meals on Wheels” food prep, distribution, and open-air markets.
Selected for a Design Award of Merit in the Educational category, the Charles F. Murphy Early Childhood Development Center is an iconic symbol of Coney Island’s post-Hurricane Sandy revitalization. The new preschool provides sought-after education for local children and has become a vital neighborhood resource.
The school serves 85 children, fostering social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Their Montessori philosophy that the most important learning occurs outside of the classroom became a vital design driver. Instructional spaces are organized around play roof terraces, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors. The landscaping of these play roofs is inspired by Coney Island’s sand dunes and native grasses—in essence, a scaled down version of the barrier beach ecology, incorporating nature into children’s everyday learning. Light-filled classrooms with expansive windows strengthen their relationship to the play roofs; clustered into “neighborhoods,” a sense of safety and intimacy is reinforced throughout.
As part of its community-focused mission, the ground floor is designed for shared use. A daylit, double-height multipurpose space is used as a gym by children during the day and for community events afterhours. The expansive lobby serves as a pre-function space, showcasing artwork by children as well as local artists.
Every October, Open House New York (OHNY) provides unprecedented access to New York City’s built environment—offering locals and visitors an opportunity to learn more about the vital architectural projects that are fundamental to civic life. As part of that effort, Dattner Architects was excited to share a glimpse into two of our award-winning projects—Riverbank State Park and the Spring Street Salt Shed—during this year’s OHNY Weekend.
Riverbank State Park
On October 16, founder Richard Dattner led three tours at Riverbank State Park—New York City’s first and largest public green roof. We were joined on the tours by Riverbank’s Cultural Complex Manager Travis Berry. A first-of-its-kind recreation facility with numerous year-round recreational amenities, the park has become a true community amenity. OHNY Weekenders were treated to the history of Riverbank’s inception, design, and construction as they toured through the park grounds, including the swimming pool complex, skating rink, and indoor athletic complex complete with fitness facilities.
“Riverbank State Park, in its 28th year of operation, has become the third most visited State Park in New York—with over 3,500,000 visits per year. Riverbank is also a social success, serving every cultural, interest, and age group in its diverse community. Three groups of OHNY visitors enjoyed the tour—and their ride on the artist-designed carousel.” — Richard Dattner, Founder
Spring Street Salt Shed
A staple site during each OHNY Weekend, the Spring Street Salt Shed remains popular among OHNY visitors. The Salt Shed’s crystalline, faceted planes enliven this highly visible structure, acting as a counterpoint to its sister-project: the diaphanous, scrim-like façade of the Manhattan 1/2/5 Garage. Critical pieces of urban infrastructure, both Dattner-designed buildings have become iconic landmarks and are a source of neighborhood pride. Tours were led by Dattner Architects’ Principals Paul Bauer and Gia Mainiero, and included a presentation on the M125 Garage.
“It is always so invigorating to share our projects with passionate guests during OHNY Weekend, revealing that glimpse inside cherished yet enigmatic projects! The insights and questions this weekend sparked a great dialogue about the impact of our work on the city, and how we as architects respond to both the environment and the communities we serve.” — Gia Mainiero, Principal
Dattner Architects is thrilled to announce that Chestnut Commons has been named the NYSAFAH Downstate Project of the Year! The project will be honored during NYSAFAH’s annual Awards for Excellence in Affordable Housing ceremony on November 9 at The Yale Club.
One of the first developments stemming from the East New York Neighborhood Plan, Chestnut Commons will provide affordable housing for formerly homeless and low-income households. Community-centric in both design and development, the project integrates a satellite Community College campus, a food manufacturing incubator that will provide job training, and a credit union. Currently under construction, Chestnut Commons is expected to be completed in 2022.
Developed and operated by locally-based organizations with strong community ties, Chestnut Commons will strengthen the neighborhood with the inclusion of economic development and educational opportunities, arts programming, and job training services. Keeping with the project vision for a healthy, sustainable, and affordable community, the 14-story building is being designed to Passive House standards and in compliance with NYC Active Design Guidelines to promote healthy living for residents.
“To speak broadly of Chestnut Commons, I would start by highlighting the word 'Commons' within its name, which is defined as ‘land or resources belonging to or affecting the whole of a community.’
Therein lies the project's underlying 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 project’s affects to the whole of the community are incremental, yet 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.
I'd like to thank NYSAFAH for their recognition of this project and its future service to the Cypress Hills community.” — Keith Engel AIA, Senior Associate
The NYSAFAH awards program recognizes excellence in design, financing, construction, affordability, community need, supportive services, and energy efficiency in affordable housing developments throughout New York State.
On October 13, Managing Principal Kirsten Sibilia was at the Center for Architecture as part of a panel discussion sponsored by AIA New York's Women in Architecture Committee. Entitled “Women at the Helm,” the event featured representatives from leading New York firms including Laura Ettelman (SOM), Latoya Nelson Kamdang (Moody Nolan), and Elizabeth Leber (Beyer Blinder Belle). The women discussed their professional journeys, the role of mentoring and firm culture, and how they define leadership.
Dattner Architects is pleased to share that Santaella Gardens is the Multifamily Northeast Regional winner for the Metropolis Planet Positive Awards!
Located in the Soundview area of the Bronx, Santaella Gardens offers exciting opportunities to revitalize this portion of Westchester Avenue, providing urgently needed workforce and affordable housing. Adjacent to an elevated railway, the 12-story building includes 249 units of mixed-used affordable housing with ground floor retail and community facilities. This Passive House development is a partnership between Phipps Houses, the oldest and largest not-for-profit developer, owner, and manager of affordable housing in New York City, and Acacia Network, one of the leading social services organizations in New York City and the largest Hispanic-led nonprofit in the state.
Santaella Gardens exemplifies an innovative sustainable affordable housing development model that leverages a building system (Passive House) not typically used in the affordable market, proving that you don't need to design a luxury condominium in order to get the benefits of Passive House. The design details and solutions provide a precedent in utilizing emerging building construction systems to address larger regional health disparities. Projects such as this help to further the mission of many non-profit developers in giving their affordable housing tenants a high quality of life and healthy living environments needed to tackle larger social issues such as climate justice and housing affordability.
Metropolis’ Planet Positive Awards recognizes the most creative projects and products from around the world that benefit people and planet. 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.
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 three award-winning projects on Saturday, October 16: Riverbank State Park, Bronx Library Center, and the Spring Street Salt Shed.
Riverbank State Park
Riverbank State Park opened to the public in 1993, quickly becoming one of New York State’s busiest parks—and New York City’s first public green roof. A first-of-its-kind recreation facility with numerous year-round recreational amenities, the park has become a true community amenity. 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.
The tour will be led by Dattner Architects’ founder Richard Dattner and will include the fascinating history of Riverbank’s inception, design, and construction – and a discussion of the critical importance of creating public open space accessible for each New Yorker.
Bronx Library Center
The Bronx Library Center anchors a pivotal spot on a major Bronx thoroughfare and provides cultural and social amenities in an underserved part of the City. When it opened in 2007, the Bronx Library was NYPL’s largest capital project in decades, and it remains the largest library in the borough. A model for publicly funded sustainable design, this pioneering project was the first public building in NYC to receive LEED certification. Since its opening, the branch has become a beloved part of the Bronx community, a destination offering robust collections and a wide variety of programs and classes, including job search assistance, ESOL classes, and more. The tour will be led by Dattner Architects’ Principal Daniel Heuberger and NYPL Supervising Librarian Jennifer Watson, and is a part of OHNY’s Radical Knowledge series.
Spring Street Salt Shed
This 70’ tall concrete wonder houses 5,000 tons of road salt for the Department of Sanitation. Sited at the historic location where the former canal enclosing Lower Manhattan met the Hudson River, the Spring Street Salt Shed’s solid, crystalline form acts as a counterpoint to its sister-project: the diaphanous, scrim-like façade of the Manhattan 1/2/5 Garage. Both Dattner-designed buildings have become new landmarks and are a source of neighborhood pride. The tour will be led by Dattner Architects’ Principals Paul Bauer and Gia Mainiero, and will include a presentation on the M125 Garage.
All tours at Riverbank State Park, Bronx Library Center, and Spring Street Salt Shed will require advanced reservations. Reservation Day is October 7. Proof of vaccination with ID and masks will be required for all participants.
We can’t wait to celebrate OHNY Weekend with all of you. See you on October 16!
Celebrating its 50th Anniversary in Detroit, the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) Conference and Expo is being held on Friday, October 22nd, offering over 50 sessions covering a variety of tracks covering architectural design and practice. Dattner Architects is pleased to lead two sessions:
WFH Lessons: Building Equity through Technology led by Associate Principal Ruth Ro AIA, NOMA, LEED AP BD+C and Associate & Digital Design Director Earl Jones Assoc. AIA will discuss IT infrastructure, various digital design software, and digital communication tools that supports a productive and creative hybrid-remote workplace. This session will cover IT concepts including remote access vs. mobile workstations and local vs. cloud servers, inclusive digital design software options that enables participation at all skill levels, and digital communication methods that continue to support collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and firm culture. They will discuss the ways in which firm resiliency plans directly impact on the equity initiatives and ways in which firms can establish a more equitable workplace through technology.
Sustainability and Affordable Housing in NYC led by Associate & Sustainable Practice Group co-chair Shefali Sanghvi AIA, LEED AP BD+C and Associate Philippe Martelly AIA, this session will discuss the implementation of sustainability in affordable housing in New York City and explore how inclusive sustainable design strategies can help to tackle regional health disparities that disproportionately affect low-income neighborhoods. This session will delve into the history of sustainable design in affordable housing and provide current case studies and design precedents that address the challenges of implementing sustainable strategies in affordable developments. Shefali and Philippe will discuss the complexities of working with limited development budgets and encouraging developers to pursue active and passive design strategies to address a myriad of disparities that affect predominantly communities of color.
425 Grand Concourse finds itself in the spotlight during the month of October. The new mixed-use and mixed-income development is currently under construction and set to open in 2022. The Passive House-designed project creates 277 units of affordable housing with a medical facility, supermarket, community support space, and a student services center housed in the two-story base.
Two members of our project team are set to discuss this vital project at two upcoming events.
Beyond Zero Series: Big Buildings, Big Impacts
Date/Time: Wednesday, October 6 | 9:00am – 10:30am
Moderator: Mark Gardner (Jaklitsch/Gardner Architects)
Speakers: Heather McKinstry (Dattner Architects); Deborah Moelis (Handel Architects); Louis Koehl (Handel Architects); Christoph Stump (Trinity Financial)
“Big Buildings, Big Impacts” is a panel discussion about high-impact, high-profile construction projects. Associate Heather McKinstry will present an overview of 425 Grand Concourse, including lessons learned during design and construction, followed by a conversation with fellow panelists about the impact of Passive House design in affordable housing.
The Beyond Zero Series celebrates low carbon projects across New York State that improves the health, affordability, and resiliency of communities. The educational series will highlight successes, strategies, incentives, and goals for accelerating building decarbonization and optimizing carbon neutral design and construction.
PhiusCon Case Studies: Affordable Multifamily
Date/Time: Friday, October 15 | 10:15am – 12:15pm
Moderator: Katrin Klingenberg (PHIUS)
Speakers: John Woelfling (Dattner Architects); Jon Jensen (MaGrann Associates); Nicole Burger (MaGrann Associates); Elizabeth Turner (Precipitate Architecture); Peter Schmelzer (Kaas Wilson Architects); Peter Houseknecht (LRS Architects)
As part of an affordable housing case study series, Principal John Woelfling will be presenting 425 Grand Concourse on Day 2 of PhiusCon. John will also be a juror for the conference’s Annual Design Competition.
PhiusCon is the leading passive building conference for climate-specific zero energy design, construction, and building science expertise. This year’s conference is scheduled for October 12-15 in Tarrytown, New York.
Sustainability goals are often thrown aside in discussions about affordable housing, seen as an unachievable luxury on a tight budget. But what if sustainability was possible, while staying within budget?
On August 5, Principal John Woelfling discussed this very topic and more on the “Scaling up Passive House—For the Greater Good” panel at Facades+ Conference Day 1. Moderated by Samuel Medina (The Architect’s Newspaper), John was joined by Louis Koehl (Handel Architects), Lois Arena (Steven Winter Associates), and William Zoeller (Steven Winter Associates). The panel dove into exemplary projects, 425 Grand Concourse, Sendero Verde, and the Pirelli Building—all of which have set a high standard for what can be achieved in scaled up Passive House design.
425 Grand Concourse is the largest Passive House project planned for North America to date. This new mixed-use and mixed-income development will create 277 units of affordable housing. The two-story base houses a medical facility, supermarket, community support space, and a new student services center for CUNY Hostos—each also designed by Dattner Architects. Currently in construction, 425 Grand Concourse is set to be completed next year.
The Facades+ Conference brings together some of the world’s most productive and successful building professionals and leading researchers to share insights on how façade ideas are brought to life. Held in major cities all over the country, each conference combines stimulating presentations and panels that examine the fast-paced evolution of façade technology.
AIA New York’s annual Day of Service is an opportunity for architects to bring ideas to life for nonprofit organizations around the city, including much-needed upgrades to their facilities or assistance with their mission. For the second year in a row, Dattner Architects has partnered with Services for the Underserved (S:US) to transform one of their urban garden spaces. A leading NYC nonprofit, S:US provides support for populations in need through both housing and counseling services.
This year, the Dattner team was tasked with creating a sensory garden for the residents of S:US’ E34th Street property. Volunteers were able to turn the previously unprogrammed space into a colorful oasis that provides a vast array of new amenities including: a vibrant mural to add interest during all seasons, a yard game area, new fencing that offers increased privacy and shade in the sunny backyard, plant beds and a raised planter that host a variety of edible plants and fragrant flowers, and a much-needed regrading of the yard so residents with limited mobility are able to enjoy their new space safely.
Many thanks to our generous sponsors for making this project possible: Skyline Engineering, Mountco Construction & Development Corp., Andron Construction, Tukuru Technologies, Maloney & Company LLC, and ARC Document Solutions. We are grateful that we were able to make such positive impacts for the E34th Street residents and staff who depend on this space, and we hope it brings them joy for years to come.
“Dattner's AIANY Day of Service project was a great success this year thanks to a tremendous group effort by the Dattner/S:US team. We created a sensory garden featuring new planters and garden beds, improved grading, a colorful mural, yard games, and updated fencing that provides both shade and visual interest. We're grateful that we were able to make such positive impacts for the residents at E34th Street who depend on this space!” — Emily Trulson, Designer & Day of Service Leader, Dattner Architects
“S:US has been working in partnership with Dattner Architects since 2020. We thought that our first project with Dattner would have to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However as soon as it was safe, Dattner Architects re-scheduled their volunteer build day from spring to late summer 2020.
Recently, Dattner Architects’ volunteers once again helped to transform the backyard of one of our residences into a colorful oasis. They redesigned a plain rectangle backyard and then put their backs into building the elements, some of which included leveling the soil/ground for the people we serve with stability issues to more safely enjoy the space; adding fencing to brighten and gain more privacy; designing a mural for pops of color; and creating areas for playing games and growing vegetables, herbs, and fruit. The residents and staff are excited to enjoy their ‘new’ space.” — Minjung Park, Volunteer & Community Relations Manager, S:US
Dattner Architects joined the Bronx High School of Science (Bronx Science), Mayor Bill de Blasio, NYC Department of Education Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter, and several community leaders for the ground breaking of the Stanley Manne ’52 Science Institute. This new state-of-the-art research building was named after, and generously funded by, Bronx Science alumnus Stanley Manne, who was also in attendance. 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 will house 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.
The Manne Institute will enable Bronx Science to offer public high school students additional advanced research opportunities, including Summer Institutes, new mentorship programs, and a vast variety of specialty courses such as Microbiology, Animal Behavior, and Genetics. This new facility will serve not only Bronx Science students but also seven neighboring schools as well as providing support for local educators through tailored programming.
"The Bronx High School of Science celebrated a historic event with the groundbreaking of this new state-of-the-art research building. One of the wonderful things about the project has been discovering how many members of the design team, engineers, architects, and others had some connection to the school! So many New Yorkers have been influenced and set on a path by Bronx Science." — Daniel Heuberger AIA, Principal
"The groundbreaking was an exciting milestone for the Bronx Science team, who started the design process after the pandemic changed the way we live and work. It is inspiring to consider that the facility, by giving NYC public students a unique introduction to scientific research, may very well produce scientists who invent the vaccines of the future.” — Brian Nesin AIA, Associate
Dattner Architects is a proud recipient of two Marketing Communications Awards in the Website and Video categories at SMPS NY’s 2021 Liberty Awards.
WWW.DATTNER.COM
Dattner Architects launched its new website in July 2020, designed by For Office Use Only (FOUO). With a growing staff of design professionals along with an increasingly diverse regional and typological project portfolio, Dattner engaged FOUO to help communicate Dattner's ethos and architectural impact on the NYC built environment. The creation of a new website reflects current and future organizational needs of the firm, while recognizing the impact of our civic projects through over 50 years of architectural practice.
"Our new website is truly a reflection of Dattner's current design practice, our legacy of civic work, and our ethos of creating impactful community-focused spaces in NYC and beyond. We are incredibly thankful to our collaborators, For Office Use Only, for helping to create a site that allows us to add depth to the stories of our people, projects, and practice as well as our aspirations for providing creative architectural solutions that help to enhance the urban built environment." — Martin Tolentino, Marketing Director
Marine Transfer Station Video
Working with the Department of Sanitation, Dattner Architects developed three virtual tours for the Open House New York Virtual Events amidst social distancing guidelines. These tours told a holistic story of the building process, state-of-the-art mechanical systems that allow such a large sanitation facility to be located in a dense residential neighborhood, and the stories of the staff that operate the building systems on a day to day. The SMPS Liberty Award winning video highlights NYC Department of Sanitation’s (DSNY) East 91st Street Marine Transfer Station — the transfer point for household waste from Manhattan residents. The video provides vignettes of the waste processing stream — highlighting how waste is loaded into containers and placed on barges to be offloaded onto a rail service for a facility that processes an average of 550 tons per day.
“The new East 91st Street Marine Transfer Station is the result of tackling the complex questions of program, scale, community engagement, and equity. This entertaining and informative video captures DSNY's innovative process of containerizing Manhattan's trash, as well as the experience of local residents living and recreating in and around the riverfront architecture. We are proud to work with the friendly and enthusiastic people at DSNY to provide NYC with this facility befitting of their essential services.” — Stephen Hoang, Project Architect
Dattner Architects is pleased to announce that Riverside School for Makers and Artists is the recipient of a 2021 AIA New York State Excelsior Merit Award. This prestigious award recognizes design excellence, user impact, and overall performance within the context of a publicly funded project.
The result of a public-private partnership, the Riverside School for Makers and Artists is the first new public school constructed on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in decades. Located in the base of a 43-story tower in the mixed-use Riverside Center development, this Pre-K through 8th grade facility serves 692 students with tailored facilities to support a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) educational program.
"21st century cities will be denser but greener, more crowded, but also more livable. Urban school design will be part of that transformation. Vertically organized, sharing increasingly valuable sites with non-school uses and populations, using roof tops for teaching and recreation rather than equipment. They will be part of a new integrated urban fabric rather than freestanding landmarks. The Riverside School is a look at the possibilities.” — Principal Daniel Heuberger AIA
Senior Consulting Principal William Stein FAIA is also the recipient of the 2021 AIA New York State Henry Hobson Richardson Award, which recognizes New York State-licensed AIA members practicing in the private sector who have made a significant contribution to the quality of New York State public architecture.
An advocate for socially conscious and sustainable architecture, Bill’s record of distinguished public projects and professional leadership exemplifies a commitment to design excellence and responsiveness to communities. From Via Verde, a model for affordable, sustainable urban living, to the Bronx Library Center, a leader in energy-efficient, sustainable library design, his body of work is versatile, spanning different typologies and complexities — leaving a lasting impact on the public realm.
“I am thrilled to receive the Henry Hobson Richardson Award from the AIA New York State. This award, in the name of one of America’s greatest architects, highlights the importance of public architecture. It is truly an honor to be its recipient. I’d like to thank my partners and colleagues at Dattner Architects and colleagues throughout the profession for their support of my career and their commitment to architecture in the public interest.” — Senior Consulting Principal William Stein FAIA
“A commonality unites Ruth Ro’s undertakings as associate principal at Dattner Architects: a consistent push for increased diversity and inclusion.” — Crain’s New York Business
Dattner Architects is pleased to announce that Associate Principal Ruth Ro has been named to the 2021 Notable LGBTQ Leaders and Executives list by Crain’s New York Business. This list celebrates 58 LGBTQ professionals in New York City who are making a major impact through their “career accomplishments, their mentorship of others, and their involvement in community and industry organizations.”
"One of the most important moves we can make as members of an underrepresented or marginalized group is to be visible. In a leadership role, I have a responsibility to represent, to empower, and to fight for change with every opportunity I get." — Ruth Ro
Over the years, Ruth has spearheaded a number of LGBTQ initiatives at Dattner Architects and has participated in several panels discussing the importance in facilitating an inclusive and understanding workplace in the AEC industry. In 2020, Ruth founded the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion group at Dattner Architects — tackling intersectional issues that affect minority employees in the workplace. Her leadership and advocacy have led her to be an active voice in the AIA New York Diversity and Inclusion committee. In addition, Ruth was named a Board Member at Build Out Alliance, a leading non-profit whose mission is to promote and advocate for inclusion of LGBTQ community within the building, design, and construction industries.
"During this difficult year that has exposed the persistent racial inequities that affect our industry and society at large, Ruth has exemplified fearless leadership and tireless advocacy for equity and inclusion within our practice, industry, and beyond. It has been inspiring to work with Ruth in tackling issues that not only affect the LGBTQ+ community, but also the diverse intersectional issues we face in our industry and in our day to day lives." — Martin Tolentino, Dattner Architects’ Marketing Director
“As the project manager for challenging and complex buildings, Ruth gives her team members the room to expand their professional experiences and capabilities. She provides a supportive, mentorship-focused structure to facilitate individual, as well as team success. All project team members are given ownership over components of a project’s design and are empowered to present them to clients and other project stakeholders. This confident leadership style enables junior team members to become more skilled design advocates and public presenters. Her approach to her work and team leadership includes an enthusiasm that inspires colleagues and clients. She is a true leader in every sense of the word.” — John Woelfling, Dattner Architects’ Principal
Congratulations to all those being honored this year by Crain's. See the full list here.
On May 25, Dattner Architects held a live virtual Datt-A-Thon fundraising event in support of Heart of Dinner, a nonprofit organization that works to fight food insecurity and isolation experienced by Asian American elderly in New York City. The emceed event featured a live “exquisite building” drawing collaboration (a la exquisite corpse), a silent auction, poetry readings, and more.
In addition to the virtual Datt-A-Thon event, we also ran a marathon over the Memorial Day weekend. Led by Project Architects Brandon Wang and Wei Wang, the route went through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan—stopping at several Dattner-designed buildings along the way. Brandon and Wei were joined on the run by Principal John Woelfling and Project Architect Pascale Baladi. Orange sweat bands, wrist bands, compression socks, and tutus were worn in recognition of major fundraising milestones hit during the Datt-A-Thon event.
All proceeds from the silent auction and GoFundMe donations went directly to Heart of Dinner. Proceeds from the event helped to raise $4,391—more than doubling our original goal of $2,000.
Many thanks to everyone who supported and donated to our effort!
Set to open in 2022, Vital Brookdale topped out on May 3rd. This new mixed-use residential development will create 160 affordable housing units and approximately 25,000 square feet of health-focused community space in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn. The project is part of New York State’s Vital Brooklyn Initiative—an ongoing community development program for underserved neighborhoods in Central Brooklyn. Offering a holistic approach, the program focuses on eight integrated areas of improvement: open space and recreation; healthy food; education; economic empowerment; community-based violence prevention; community-based health care; affordable housing; and resiliency.
“Working on Vital Brookdale from design and into the first year of construction has been rewarding—just as one would expect an affordable passive house project would be. The developer and contractor’s commitment to building this project to meet PHIUS 2015+ certification standards has been critical to getting us to this point, especially through this pandemic. Being able to see one of the last pieces of plank being dropped into place was a momentous way to mark this milestone.” — Dattner Architects’ Associate Shefali Sanghvi
Comprised of studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units, 133 of the apartments will be reserved for households earning between 30- 60% of area median income (AMI) and 26 households earning 80% AMI. Alongside deeply affordable units, Vital Brookdale provides resources that promote health and wellness, job training, outdoor green space, and opportunities for recreation, that will support residents and the larger Brownsville community.
Tenants will have access to a second-floor terrace, and front and rear-courtyards, which will include landscaping, a dog run, play area as well as active and passive recreation and seating areas. Additional amenities will include complimentary building-wide wireless-internet access, a multipurpose community room, game room, library/resident co-working space, fitness room, laundry room, cold-storage locker and package rooms, and a bike storage room.
The development will pursue Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) + 2015 certification, an North American standard of building for maximized energy efficiency, for the residential component. The project will have a 100kW roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system, 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 Vital Brookdale project is the result of an incredible collaborative effort led by a dedicated client that includes multiple design specialists and is a real partnership with the contractor. This type of approach is necessary to achieve a successful passive house project that will reduce the building’s energy consumption by over 60%. We are proud to be part of the team that is delivering 160 apartments that will be affordable, welcoming, healthy, and tread lightly on the planet.” — Dattner Architects’ Principal John Woelfling
The Vital Brookdale project team comprises MDG Design + Construction, Smith & Henzy Advisory Group, The New York Foundling, Monadnock Construction, Dattner Architects, Skyline Engineering, DeNardis Engineering, Starr Whitehouse, and Bright Power.
