Settlement Housing Fund was selected by Trinity Church to develop 50-58 Cliff Street into a 24-story residential tower designed by Dattner Architects. The tower, which will be adjacent to the existing Southbridge Towers and St. Margaret’s House will provide 120 permanently affordable housing units in Lower Manhattan. Designed for Passive House certification, 50-58 Cliff Street will provide on-site social services, indoor and outdoor community-oriented amenity spaces, and a rooftop terrace.
Fronting unique pedestrian-only streets, the design is expressed through a carefully calibrated scale, and an elegant, thoughtfully shaped stepped massing with predominantly brick façades that echo the neighboring context. As a nod to its surroundings, the base is activated by an arcade of red stone panels with planters at the edge, behind which a ramp and stairs lead to the elevated entry porch – and open the building at ground level in a way which enhances the pedestrian experience and further beautifies the streetscape. The recessed exterior walls of the lobby beyond are wrapped in a rich green brick, reminiscent of the historic green panels and delicate brickwork in the Financial District. The interior design prioritizes the residents’ wellbeing with flexible layouts, warm finishes, gracious indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, and generous natural light throughout the building.
Dattner Architects views housing as essential infrastructure supporting health, economic stability, and social equity through beautiful and sustainable architecture.
