The New York City Economic Development Corporation has selected the team of Ennead + Dattner for the Science Park and Research Campus (SPARC) Kips Bay project.
SPARC Kips Bay will be a first-of-its-kind job and education center in the heart of New York City that in total will include up to two million square feet for educational programs, workforce development, and job opportunities in the life sciences, public health, and healthcare sectors. It will transform Hunter College’s Brookdale Campus into a state-of-the-art academic, healthcare, and life sciences hub that will provide myriad benefits to the city, including billions of dollars in economic impact, improvements to the public realm, and a pipeline from local public schools and city universities into these growing fields.
The team will design a new 700,000 GSF education building which will be shared by three integrated CUNY schools – Hunter College School of Nursing, CUNY Graduate School of Health & Health Policy, and Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) – and a new NYC Public Schools (NYCPS) health and science career-focused high school. The project also includes a large public open space, a new pedestrian bridge across the FDR to access the waterfront, and the continuation of floodproofing infrastructure along the East Side.
Ennead and Dattner Architects are thrilled to bring our years of experience working in NYC, our expertise in resiliency and sustainability, and our deep commitment to community and public space to help design this innovative new development to shape the city’s future. We look forward to sharing more updates soon.
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 State and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
In recognition of outstanding accomplishments and architectural excellence, annually the American Institute of Architects (AIA) appoints distinguished members to join the College of Fellows. Only 3% of AIA members attained this distinction.
Dattner Architects is delighted to announce that Principal John Woelfling FAIA has been chosen to join this year's cohort of AIA Fellows! Out of 96 candidates who were elevated by AIA National, John is one of the 10 members from the AIA New York chapter. John was recognized for his remarkable contributions to the advancement of the architectural profession through his commitment to innovative sustainable design and his continued advocacy for affordable housing.
John’s leadership in large-scale affordable housing has become a national model for addressing the housing crisis through sustainable, community-responsive design. With a commitment to sustainable practices, he has overseen the development of over twenty 100% affordable buildings, comprising more than 3,300 apartments. Notably, he has pioneered the integration of Passive House principles into multi-family affordable housing design, resulting in four of the largest Passive House mixed-use buildings in the United States, totaling 961 affordable apartments, with hundreds more now in design. These projects exemplify his dedication to environmental justice, resident health, and affordability. Moreover, each of these buildings marked the respective clients' first Passive House project, showcasing John’s innovative approach to sustainable architecture.
“The honor of having arrived at the professional milestone of joining the College of Fellows has clarified for me that a significant part of attaining this honor has been the journey. The self-reflecting process of preparing my application to the AIA N required that I assess the arc of my career and my impact on the profession. Some of it rewarding, some of it less so, but always an investment in something that was more than just a “job”. The worsening climate crisis and our City’s, State’s and Country’s affordable housing crisis call for architects to be civically engaged to guide public policy as well as designing environmentally responsible buildings. My application for Fellowship intertwined three themes that embody the Dattner Architects ethos and summarize my work: Affordable Housing, Leadership through Advocacy, and Innovative Sustainable Design. Architecture is an incredibly rewarding profession that requires patience and collaboration. The body of work that led to my elevation to the AIA College of Fellows resulted from both my personal and my colleagues’ dedication to civic and essential architecture.” – John Woelfling, FAIA
John has presented his experience successfully applying passive house principles to mid- and high-rise multifamily developments to a variety of audiences across North America including different organizations, professionals, students, and communities. He has led discussions at different events including the AIA National Conference, USGBC’s Greenbuild Conference, and was the keynote speaker at the PHIUS National Conference in Chicago. He was also named as one of Crain’s Notable Leaders in Sustainability last year.
As a board member of the NYS Association for Affordable Housing and of his local community board in Brooklyn, NY, John advocates for community based affordable housing and sustainable design approaches. His “open source” approach to knowledge sharing serves as an inclusive approach to environmental design and sets a national model for integrating affordable housing with sustainable design.
Under John’s leadership, the firm’s affordable housing work integrates sustainable design standards to achieve buildings with superior indoor air quality and energy performance that address environmental inequities and result in positive impacts on communities.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
“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.
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!
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.
Community and professional engagement is a critical component of daily life at Dattner Architects. Our collaborative team approach nurtures learning and professional growth through exposure not only to new project opportunities, but also to professional industry organizations and local community groups. We believe that active engagement in professional organizations empowers our staff to have agency over decisions that affect both their personal and professional lives, and leads to a more robust, well-rounded, and meaningful career.
Here are some highlights from the past quarter:
Keith Engel, Senior Associate & Studio Director
Keith Engel was appointed by the Queens Borough President to a Board member position on Queens Community Board 6, which encompasses the Forest Hills and Rego Park neighborhoods of Queens. His term began on April 1st and will run for two years. The Community Board is the official municipal body whose primary mission is to advise elected officials and government agencies on matters affecting the social welfare of their district, which include broad matters such as land use, housing, education, and transportation.
“As someone who has dedicated my career to practicing socially responsible design, I’ve worked extensively with various non-profits to develop affordable, supportive, and homeless housing for those New Yorkers who need it the most. Such endeavors often involve presentations to Community Board’s across the five boroughs, and it was during these conversations with Community Boards that I became concerned that – as an Architect – my ability to directly affect positive change within a community is limited. I am excited to begin my term as a Community Board member so I can be an active participant in the conversation, and to offer my professional expertise to the dialogue about the important issues affecting the community—of affordable housing, of homelessness, of climate change, and of social justice.”
— Keith Engel
Aimee Hultquist, Project Architect
Aimee Hultquist is participating in the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation (BWAF)’s Emerging Leaders Program, which is a selective professional development opportunity for women 5-10 years out of school. In small group format, participants engage with significant senior women in architecture, engineering, construction, real estate, law, and financial services to advance their own career goals.
“The fellowship theme this year is Perseverance, Politics, and Power – it's a great opportunity to interface with significant senior women in architecture about these topics and to share our experiences as young women building our careers in the A/E industry. The group is a mix of architects and engineers bringing their perspectives to discussions, which is different and exciting—I'm looking forward to being a part of it!”
— Aimee Hultquist
Ruth Ro, Associate Principal
Ruth Ro was selected as a Build Out Alliance board member. Build Out Alliance’s mission is to promote and advocate for the LGBTQ community within the building design and construction industry—where members can serve openly and with pride across all roles and sectors of the industry.
“When I am out and visible in the workplace, I’m able to open minds, break down preconceptions, and create a more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ colleagues. I have benefitted from brave trailblazers ahead of me and I have a responsibility to leave a wider path behind me. Through Build Out, we can continue to find strength in numbers, be more visible, and create a more inclusive industry.”
— Ruth Ro
Brandon Wang, Project Architect
Brandon Wang is an Architectural League mentor. The Architectural League's mentorship program fosters student-mentor relationships between practicing architects and designers in New York and architecture students from City Tech, CCNY, and Kean University. The program also aims to increase awareness of professional opportunities for students of diverse backgrounds and give mentoring architects a chance to share expertise and realistic career expectations. Through virtual check-ins, the relationships become a space for guidance and learning for students entering the practice.
“Though we have only met virtually, my mentee and I have discussed resumes, what an internship is like, his school studio work, and many other things in between. I am grateful I can share my own experience and help shape his successful entry into his architecture career."
— Brandon Wang
Kirsten Sibilia, Managing Principal
Kirsten Sibilia is serving the Nominating Committee for the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter. The committee is elected each year to select candidates for the AIA New York Board and the Fellows, Finance, Honors, Oculus, and Design Awards Committees.
“It has been enriching collaborating with my fellow committee members to help create a diverse, thoughtful, and talented slate of leaders for the Chapter, professionals that share our commitment to the AIA, our belief in New York City, and our support of equitable practice models.”
— Kirsten Sibilia
Community and professional engagement is a critical component of daily life at Dattner Architects. Our collaborative team approach nurtures learning and professional growth through exposure not only to new project opportunities, but also to professional industry organizations and local community groups. We believe that active engagement in professional organizations empowers our staff to have agency over decisions that affect both their personal and professional lives, and leads to a more robust, well-rounded, and meaningful career.
Here are some highlights from the past quarter:
Keith Engel, Senior Associate & Studio Director
Keith Engel was appointed by the Queens Borough President to a Board member position on Queens Community Board 6, which encompasses the Forest Hills and Rego Park neighborhoods of Queens. His term began on April 1st and will run for two years. The Community Board is the official municipal body whose primary mission is to advise elected officials and government agencies on matters affecting the social welfare of their district, which include broad matters such as land use, housing, education, and transportation.
“As someone who has dedicated my career to practicing socially responsible design, I’ve worked extensively with various non-profits to develop affordable, supportive, and homeless housing for those New Yorkers who need it the most. Such endeavors often involve presentations to Community Board’s across the five boroughs, and it was during these conversations with Community Boards that I became concerned that – as an Architect – my ability to directly affect positive change within a community is limited. I am excited to begin my term as a Community Board member so I can be an active participant in the conversation, and to offer my professional expertise to the dialogue about the important issues affecting the community—of affordable housing, of homelessness, of climate change, and of social justice.”
— Keith Engel
Aimee Hultquist, Project Architect
Aimee Hultquist is participating in the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation (BWAF)’s Emerging Leaders Program, which is a selective professional development opportunity for women 5-10 years out of school. In small group format, participants engage with significant senior women in architecture, engineering, construction, real estate, law, and financial services to advance their own career goals.
“The fellowship theme this year is Perseverance, Politics, and Power – it's a great opportunity to interface with significant senior women in architecture about these topics and to share our experiences as young women building our careers in the A/E industry. The group is a mix of architects and engineers bringing their perspectives to discussions, which is different and exciting—I'm looking forward to being a part of it!”
— Aimee Hultquist
Ruth Ro, Associate Principal
Ruth Ro was selected as a Build Out Alliance board member. Build Out Alliance’s mission is to promote and advocate for the LGBTQ community within the building design and construction industry—where members can serve openly and with pride across all roles and sectors of the industry.
“When I am out and visible in the workplace, I’m able to open minds, break down preconceptions, and create a more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ colleagues. I have benefitted from brave trailblazers ahead of me and I have a responsibility to leave a wider path behind me. Through Build Out, we can continue to find strength in numbers, be more visible, and create a more inclusive industry.”
— Ruth Ro
Brandon Wang, Project Architect
Brandon Wang is an Architectural League mentor. The Architectural League's mentorship program fosters student-mentor relationships between practicing architects and designers in New York and architecture students from City Tech, CCNY, and Kean University. The program also aims to increase awareness of professional opportunities for students of diverse backgrounds and give mentoring architects a chance to share expertise and realistic career expectations. Through virtual check-ins, the relationships become a space for guidance and learning for students entering the practice.
“Though we have only met virtually, my mentee and I have discussed resumes, what an internship is like, his school studio work, and many other things in between. I am grateful I can share my own experience and help shape his successful entry into his architecture career."
— Brandon Wang
Kirsten Sibilia, Managing Principal
Kirsten Sibilia is serving the Nominating Committee for the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter. The committee is elected each year to select candidates for the AIA New York Board and the Fellows, Finance, Honors, Oculus, and Design Awards Committees.
“It has been enriching collaborating with my fellow committee members to help create a diverse, thoughtful, and talented slate of leaders for the Chapter, professionals that share our commitment to the AIA, our belief in New York City, and our support of equitable practice models.”
— Kirsten Sibilia
“This is more than just bricks and mortar … this is more than dollar and cents … this is about families being able to call this their home … We are building community. This is a piece of a larger puzzle to make the Bronx better.” — Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
On April 1, Dattner Architects joined the Association of New York Catholic Homes, Cardinal Timothy Dolan (Archbishop of New York), Monsignor Kevin Sullivan (executive director of Catholic Charities of New York), Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Councilman Rafael Salamanca Jr., and building residents for the opening of Second Farms. Located at 1932 Bryant Avenue in the West Farms section of the Bronx, this new mixed-use residential development offers 319 units of affordable housing, a community facility, and commercial space. The 15-story building is sited on a narrow, sloped site, with rock outcroppings characteristic of much of the Bronx, and sits within a landscaped forecourt.
“I have a wonderful home here. I don’t have to worry about things like before when we were struggling and homeless. This is a new start for us.” — Nelly Perez, Second Farms resident
Second Farms is 100% affordable with units set aside for formerly homeless families, and residents with mobility disabilities or visually impaired. The building is designed as family housing, with apartments as large as 3-bedrooms, and also includes shared co-working spaces for tenants, bike storage space, a daycare facility, ground floor grocery store, and outdoor spaces for passive recreation and socializing.
The modern building incorporates four different colors of brick, employed to distinguish the various sections of the building. Black brick connects windows making columns of two and three, informing the main design of the façade. White bricks cover two corners, and golden bricks rise in a thin column from above the main entrance, creating the illusion of division in the center of the structure to break down the visual mass of the long façade.
“Second Farms is the result of a sustained team effort over many years to redevelop a site which had long been underused and previously contained an abandoned, deteriorating parking garage. Through sensible and environmentally responsible design, our goal was to help improve people’s lives in the area and promote healthy living by providing quality affordable housing, as well as much needed space for a daycare facility and retail. We are confident that this building will help revitalize a key area in West Farms, and we hope that the residents and the community at-large will welcome this new addition as a prominent feature in their neighborhood.” — Philippe Martelly, Dattner Architects
“This is more than just bricks and mortar … this is more than dollar and cents … this is about families being able to call this their home … We are building community. This is a piece of a larger puzzle to make the Bronx better.” — Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
On April 1, Dattner Architects joined the Association of New York Catholic Homes, Cardinal Timothy Dolan (Archbishop of New York), Monsignor Kevin Sullivan (executive director of Catholic Charities of New York), Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Councilman Rafael Salamanca Jr., and building residents for the opening of Second Farms. Located at 1932 Bryant Avenue in the West Farms section of the Bronx, this new mixed-use residential development offers 319 units of affordable housing, a community facility, and commercial space. The 15-story building is sited on a narrow, sloped site, with rock outcroppings characteristic of much of the Bronx, and sits within a landscaped forecourt.
“I have a wonderful home here. I don’t have to worry about things like before when we were struggling and homeless. This is a new start for us.” — Nelly Perez, Second Farms resident
Second Farms is 100% affordable with units set aside for formerly homeless families, and residents with mobility disabilities or visually impaired. The building is designed as family housing, with apartments as large as 3-bedrooms, and also includes shared co-working spaces for tenants, bike storage space, a daycare facility, ground floor grocery store, and outdoor spaces for passive recreation and socializing.
The modern building incorporates four different colors of brick, employed to distinguish the various sections of the building. Black brick connects windows making columns of two and three, informing the main design of the façade. White bricks cover two corners, and golden bricks rise in a thin column from above the main entrance, creating the illusion of division in the center of the structure to break down the visual mass of the long façade.
“Second Farms is the result of a sustained team effort over many years to redevelop a site which had long been underused and previously contained an abandoned, deteriorating parking garage. Through sensible and environmentally responsible design, our goal was to help improve people’s lives in the area and promote healthy living by providing quality affordable housing, as well as much needed space for a daycare facility and retail. We are confident that this building will help revitalize a key area in West Farms, and we hope that the residents and the community at-large will welcome this new addition as a prominent feature in their neighborhood.” — Philippe Martelly, Dattner Architects
Dattner Architects celebrated Women’s History Month by highlighting women architects and designers within our firm. We kicked-off the month with our first ever “Lady Principal Panel” discussion. Each of Dattner’s four female principals shared their professional journeys, the different pathways they took to leadership, and multi-generational perspectives on female leadership and advocacy in the AEC industry.
On International Women’s Day, we published a one-on-one interview between two female colleagues. The conversational interview provided insight into the unique and dynamic women and supportive culture within Dattner Architects.
Throughout the month of March, we highlighted relationships in our Dattner Architects Mentoring Program. We asked our staff to reflect on the program, their mentor/mentee relationships, and the impact it has had during the pandemic. The result was a series of intimate portraits of mentoring at Dattner Architects. One of the relationships featured was a mentorship “tree”: a senior mentor, a mid-level mentor/mentee, and a junior mentee.
Mentoring is deeply important work and has proven to be a fulfilling and satisfying experience for both mentors and mentees. It is very personal work that is easily overlooked and undervalued in traditional corporate settings. By publishing these writings, we hoped to make this often-invisible work, visible.
Not just during Women’s History Month, but all year long, we encourage the professional development of women at Dattner Architects – and we are proud of the supportive culture we are building.
Links:
Ruth Ro and Kate McNamara on Representation and Being a Woman Architect
Mentor / Mentee Relationship: Taylor, Rebecca, and Laura
Mentor / Mentee Relationship: Athena, Soumya, and Gia
Mentor / Mentee Relationship: Mia, Wei, and Kristy
Mentor / Mentee Relationship: Kirsten, Shefali, and Emily
Dattner Architects celebrated Women’s History Month by highlighting women architects and designers within our firm. We kicked-off the month with our first ever “Lady Principal Panel” discussion. Each of Dattner’s four female principals shared their professional journeys, the different pathways they took to leadership, and multi-generational perspectives on female leadership and advocacy in the AEC industry.
On International Women’s Day, we published a one-on-one interview between two female colleagues. The conversational interview provided insight into the unique and dynamic women and supportive culture within Dattner Architects.
Throughout the month of March, we highlighted relationships in our Dattner Architects Mentoring Program. We asked our staff to reflect on the program, their mentor/mentee relationships, and the impact it has had during the pandemic. The result was a series of intimate portraits of mentoring at Dattner Architects. One of the relationships featured was a mentorship “tree”: a senior mentor, a mid-level mentor/mentee, and a junior mentee.
Mentoring is deeply important work and has proven to be a fulfilling and satisfying experience for both mentors and mentees. It is very personal work that is easily overlooked and undervalued in traditional corporate settings. By publishing these writings, we hoped to make this often-invisible work, visible.
Not just during Women’s History Month, but all year long, we encourage the professional development of women at Dattner Architects – and we are proud of the supportive culture we are building.
Links:
Ruth Ro and Kate McNamara on Representation and Being a Woman Architect
Mentor / Mentee Relationship: Taylor, Rebecca, and Laura
Mentor / Mentee Relationship: Athena, Soumya, and Gia
Mentor / Mentee Relationship: Mia, Wei, and Kristy
Mentor / Mentee Relationship: Kirsten, Shefali, and Emily
Dattner Architects joined Monadnock Development, Signature Urban Properties, as well as several community leaders for the ground breaking of the last phase of the Compass Residences — a mixed-use affordable housing complex in the West Farms section of the Bronx. Compass 6 will be 16 stories and offer 261 units of affordable housing, half of which will be reserved for families earning under $52,000 a year. Once completed, the 17-acre Compass Residences development will provide over 1,300 affordable apartments, ground floor retail spaces, community facility uses, and vibrant public outdoor space.
“Once this final building is complete, the development project will have changed the lives of nearly 1,400 households by providing quality affordable housing and access to great outdoor spaces and retail – all of which are critical to the City’s equitable recovery from this pandemic.” – Deputy Mayor Vicki Been
Compass Residences is the result of a large-scale redevelopment plan – the largest private rezoning in Bronx history, enabling a new neighborhood to be built on a largely underutilized manufacturing district, well-served by mass transit, schools, parks, and open space. The development provides buildings of varying heights stepping up to the urban edge along the Bronx River, organized around courtyards which provide recreational areas for residents with parking areas below. Mid-block passages humanize the streetscape and provide views to nearby Starlight Park. Compass Residences exemplifies transformative development with extensive community input, providing housing opportunities while reinforcing the fabric and life of the Bronx.
“Moving to Compass Residence was a gift from God. It was close, it was still in the neighborhood, but it’s a brand-new complex with elevators. It met all my needs. And it's good for the neighborhood. It's nice to see nice places for us to live. And I always believe it's not where you live, how you are. And hopefully, we can all take advantage of the parks, the new school and everything that's coming to the neighborhood.” – Vernice, Compass 2 resident
Dattner Architects joined Monadnock Development, Signature Urban Properties, as well as several community leaders for the ground breaking of the last phase of the Compass Residences — a mixed-use affordable housing complex in the West Farms section of the Bronx. Compass 6 will be 16 stories and offer 261 units of affordable housing, half of which will be reserved for families earning under $52,000 a year. Once completed, the 17-acre Compass Residences development will provide over 1,300 affordable apartments, ground floor retail spaces, community facility uses, and vibrant public outdoor space.
“Once this final building is complete, the development project will have changed the lives of nearly 1,400 households by providing quality affordable housing and access to great outdoor spaces and retail – all of which are critical to the City’s equitable recovery from this pandemic.” – Deputy Mayor Vicki Been
Compass Residences is the result of a large-scale redevelopment plan – the largest private rezoning in Bronx history, enabling a new neighborhood to be built on a largely underutilized manufacturing district, well-served by mass transit, schools, parks, and open space. The development provides buildings of varying heights stepping up to the urban edge along the Bronx River, organized around courtyards which provide recreational areas for residents with parking areas below. Mid-block passages humanize the streetscape and provide views to nearby Starlight Park. Compass Residences exemplifies transformative development with extensive community input, providing housing opportunities while reinforcing the fabric and life of the Bronx.
“Moving to Compass Residence was a gift from God. It was close, it was still in the neighborhood, but it’s a brand-new complex with elevators. It met all my needs. And it's good for the neighborhood. It's nice to see nice places for us to live. And I always believe it's not where you live, how you are. And hopefully, we can all take advantage of the parks, the new school and everything that's coming to the neighborhood.” – Vernice, Compass 2 resident
The future of affordable housing must be climate-friendly, and it must provide a model for community living that is splendid and racially just. How can the lessons of Via Verde help shape the future of green social housing in the United States?
On Thursday, March 18, we had a dynamic discussion on the future of green social housing with a focus on lessons learned from our award-winning project, Via Verde! Sponsored by UPenn and Pratt Institute, Dattner Architects’ Senior Consulting Principal William Stein was joined by Jonathan Rose (President, Jonathan Rose Companies), Jessica Clemente (CEO, WE STAY/Nos Quedamos), Karen Kubey (Visiting Associate Professor, Pratt Institute), Nikil Saval (State Senator, Pennsylvania’s First District), and Daniel Aldana Cohen (Director of the Socio-Spatial Climate Collaborative, UPenn).
Find a video recording of the event here: https://vimeo.com/527101000
Via Verde is an affordable, sustainable residential development providing healthy, urban living in the South Bronx. The winning entry in the New Housing New York Legacy Competition, it reflects a public commitment to create the next generation of social housing.
Sustainability and longevity were key drivers at Via Verde, enabling the project to become a stable precedent and archetype for future subsidized housing in New York. Using standard, cost-effective structural systems and a prefabricated, high-performance rain screen, the project was able to achieve lofty goals within its strict budget. Its 66 kW building-integrated photovoltaic system, onsite cogeneration, green roof, community vegetable gardens, green interior finishes, rainwater harvesting and drought tolerant vegetation helped the complex achieve LEED NC Gold certification.
The future of affordable housing must be climate-friendly, and it must provide a model for community living that is splendid and racially just. How can the lessons of Via Verde help shape the future of green social housing in the United States?
On Thursday, March 18, we had a dynamic discussion on the future of green social housing with a focus on lessons learned from our award-winning project, Via Verde! Sponsored by UPenn and Pratt Institute, Dattner Architects’ Senior Consulting Principal William Stein was joined by Jonathan Rose (President, Jonathan Rose Companies), Jessica Clemente (CEO, WE STAY/Nos Quedamos), Karen Kubey (Visiting Associate Professor, Pratt Institute), Nikil Saval (State Senator, Pennsylvania’s First District), and Daniel Aldana Cohen (Director of the Socio-Spatial Climate Collaborative, UPenn).
Find a video recording of the event here: https://vimeo.com/527101000
Via Verde is an affordable, sustainable residential development providing healthy, urban living in the South Bronx. The winning entry in the New Housing New York Legacy Competition, it reflects a public commitment to create the next generation of social housing.
Sustainability and longevity were key drivers at Via Verde, enabling the project to become a stable precedent and archetype for future subsidized housing in New York. Using standard, cost-effective structural systems and a prefabricated, high-performance rain screen, the project was able to achieve lofty goals within its strict budget. Its 66 kW building-integrated photovoltaic system, onsite cogeneration, green roof, community vegetable gardens, green interior finishes, rainwater harvesting and drought tolerant vegetation helped the complex achieve LEED NC Gold certification.
On September 16, 2020, Associate Principal Rachel Ehrlich AIA, LEED AP discussed equity in community engagement with AIA New Jersey. She was joined on the panel by Simone Tsigounis AIA, Susan Pikaart Bristol AIA, and Stacey Ruhle Kliesch AIA.
Based on principles from the AIA Guides to Equitable Practice, the panelists identified areas of the profession that are lacking equity and provided tools and lessons that attendees can apply to increase equity in their own personal and professional communities.
Themes that were covered during the panel included strategies in achieving greater equity in community engagement, increasing the profession’s value to society as well as its visibility among potential partners and future practitioners. The panelists covered fundamental principles and attributes of community engagement and specific methods for working with community members in equitable, inclusive, and just design practices, decision making, and outcomes.
“When architects engage with local government, whether through elected office or appointment to boards and commissions, we demonstrate expertise and show our engagement with local issues that are important to our communities.
We can advocate and plan for affordable housing for all residents. We can make the case for calmer, safer streets that are walkable, bikeable, and equitable. We can champion regional planning partnerships to reduce congestion and guide smart development in our towns and counties. We can focus on infrastructure investment to build resiliency and transportation equity.
Architects are natural leaders and consensus-builders! Volunteer in your community to help lead the way.” – Rachel Ehrlich AIA, LEED AP
On September 16, 2020, Associate Principal Rachel Ehrlich AIA, LEED AP discussed equity in community engagement with AIA New Jersey. She was joined on the panel by Simone Tsigounis AIA, Susan Pikaart Bristol AIA, and Stacey Ruhle Kliesch AIA.
Based on principles from the AIA Guides to Equitable Practice, the panelists identified areas of the profession that are lacking equity and provided tools and lessons that attendees can apply to increase equity in their own personal and professional communities.
Themes that were covered during the panel included strategies in achieving greater equity in community engagement, increasing the profession’s value to society as well as its visibility among potential partners and future practitioners. The panelists covered fundamental principles and attributes of community engagement and specific methods for working with community members in equitable, inclusive, and just design practices, decision making, and outcomes.
“When architects engage with local government, whether through elected office or appointment to boards and commissions, we demonstrate expertise and show our engagement with local issues that are important to our communities.
We can advocate and plan for affordable housing for all residents. We can make the case for calmer, safer streets that are walkable, bikeable, and equitable. We can champion regional planning partnerships to reduce congestion and guide smart development in our towns and counties. We can focus on infrastructure investment to build resiliency and transportation equity.
Architects are natural leaders and consensus-builders! Volunteer in your community to help lead the way.” – Rachel Ehrlich AIA, LEED AP
Each year, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) selects members to be elevated to the College of Fellows—AIA’s highest membership honor in recognition of significant achievements and architectural excellence. Only 3% of AIA members have this distinction. Awarded for his notable contributions to the advancement of the profession of architecture, we are proud to announce that Principal Jeffrey Dugan has been selected as part of this year’s class of AIA Fellows!
“Jeff’s leadership and collaborative approach has advanced the art and practice of architecture, creating a model for managing civic projects, weaving together policy, design, technical, and constructability aspects to achieve excellence. The results are projects that have improved communities and cities with positive impacts on the lives of millions of users. His work provides a template for architects to take leadership roles in service of the public interest.” – William Stein FAIA, Dattner Architects’ Senior Consulting Principal
Jeff’s commitment to shaping and elevating the civic realm, advancing community, and creating connections among all elements of urban life has found its primary expression in the planning and design of facilities for public transportation. While Jeff has devoted his efforts and expertise to transportation, he has also designed educational, institutional, healthcare, and housing projects – both new and renovations. Through these projects, Jeff reveals a keen understanding of how people move through space, how architecture affects mood and behavior, and how the relationship between a project and its environs can create, enhance, or spark the development of community.
Co-Chair of AIA New York’s Transportation + Infrastructure (AIANY T+I) Committee, Jeff has been responsible not only for the committee’s growth in membership, but for its prominence within the Chapter. His programs, advocacy, and related initiatives have raised the visibility and captured the attention of the profession and the public alike. Among his most prominent efforts is his leadership in shaping the Committee’s contributions to the Chapter’s Post-Sandy Initiative Report. In addition to conducting research and identifying illustrative precedent projects, Jeff undertook a strategic analysis of local and international case studies, resulting in three key approaches to the issue of resilience: defensive, adaptive, and passive.
“It is a great honor to be elevated to the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows—to be associated with architects that I hold in such high esteem. The case for Fellowship was based on my practice and leadership in designing innovative and precedent setting transportation and community facilities that advance and enrich the urban social infrastructure and transform the public sphere. After nearly a year of political, social, and public health crises, this FAIA moment has re-energized me. This recognition affirms my belief that Infrastructure defines my community, it defines my practice, and it defines me.” – Jeff Dugan FAIA
Each year, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) selects members to be elevated to the College of Fellows—AIA’s highest membership honor in recognition of significant achievements and architectural excellence. Only 3% of AIA members have this distinction. Awarded for his notable contributions to the advancement of the profession of architecture, we are proud to announce that Principal Jeffrey Dugan has been selected as part of this year’s class of AIA Fellows!
“Jeff’s leadership and collaborative approach has advanced the art and practice of architecture, creating a model for managing civic projects, weaving together policy, design, technical, and constructability aspects to achieve excellence. The results are projects that have improved communities and cities with positive impacts on the lives of millions of users. His work provides a template for architects to take leadership roles in service of the public interest.” – William Stein FAIA, Dattner Architects’ Senior Consulting Principal
Jeff’s commitment to shaping and elevating the civic realm, advancing community, and creating connections among all elements of urban life has found its primary expression in the planning and design of facilities for public transportation. While Jeff has devoted his efforts and expertise to transportation, he has also designed educational, institutional, healthcare, and housing projects – both new and renovations. Through these projects, Jeff reveals a keen understanding of how people move through space, how architecture affects mood and behavior, and how the relationship between a project and its environs can create, enhance, or spark the development of community.
Co-Chair of AIA New York’s Transportation + Infrastructure (AIANY T+I) Committee, Jeff has been responsible not only for the committee’s growth in membership, but for its prominence within the Chapter. His programs, advocacy, and related initiatives have raised the visibility and captured the attention of the profession and the public alike. Among his most prominent efforts is his leadership in shaping the Committee’s contributions to the Chapter’s Post-Sandy Initiative Report. In addition to conducting research and identifying illustrative precedent projects, Jeff undertook a strategic analysis of local and international case studies, resulting in three key approaches to the issue of resilience: defensive, adaptive, and passive.
“It is a great honor to be elevated to the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows—to be associated with architects that I hold in such high esteem. The case for Fellowship was based on my practice and leadership in designing innovative and precedent setting transportation and community facilities that advance and enrich the urban social infrastructure and transform the public sphere. After nearly a year of political, social, and public health crises, this FAIA moment has re-energized me. This recognition affirms my belief that Infrastructure defines my community, it defines my practice, and it defines me.” – Jeff Dugan FAIA
On February 23, Associate Principal Ruth Ro and Principal Gia Mainiero will join other industry leaders and peers for this year’s New York Festival of Construction.
Panel: Keeping Up the Collaboration – Staying Connected During Covid
Date & Time: February 23, 2021 at 10:30am
Speakers: Ruth Ro (Dattner Architects); Yemi Green (AECOM); Meredith Neistadt (SOM); Chris Pollock (ARUP); Jenna Pellegrino (Autodesk)
Panel: Best Practice in Design & Build
Date & Time: February 23, 2021 at 1:00pm
Speakers: Gia Mainiero (Dattner Architects); Rakesh Shah (Burns & McDonnell); Brian Strydom (FXCollaborative); Jacob Raskin (Structure Tone); Oliver Burkler (FARO Technologies)
New York Festival of Construction is New York’s largest online construction event, covering all the latest projects and opportunities for the construction and design industry across New York and the Tri-State area. Over the course of five days, the festival brings together thousands of professionals from the AEC and real estate industries for panels, webinars, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Register for free tickets: https://newyorkfestivalofconstruction.com/live-webinars
On February 23, Associate Principal Ruth Ro and Principal Gia Mainiero will join other industry leaders and peers for this year’s New York Festival of Construction.
Panel: Keeping Up the Collaboration – Staying Connected During Covid
Date & Time: February 23, 2021 at 10:30am
Speakers: Ruth Ro (Dattner Architects); Yemi Green (AECOM); Meredith Neistadt (SOM); Chris Pollock (ARUP); Jenna Pellegrino (Autodesk)
Panel: Best Practice in Design & Build
Date & Time: February 23, 2021 at 1:00pm
Speakers: Gia Mainiero (Dattner Architects); Rakesh Shah (Burns & McDonnell); Brian Strydom (FXCollaborative); Jacob Raskin (Structure Tone); Oliver Burkler (FARO Technologies)
New York Festival of Construction is New York’s largest online construction event, covering all the latest projects and opportunities for the construction and design industry across New York and the Tri-State area. Over the course of five days, the festival brings together thousands of professionals from the AEC and real estate industries for panels, webinars, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Register for free tickets: https://newyorkfestivalofconstruction.com/live-webinars
The Real Deal recently named Dattner Architects as one of the most active architects in 2020. Based on new building permit applications filed in the last year in New York City, Dattner was ranked #2 with 12 new projects totaling 1.98 million square feet.
2020 proved to be a challenging year for both the regional and national economy, with the advent of COVID-19 upending day-to-day life in NYC and beyond. Through the height of the pandemic, Dattner Architects’ diverse expertise — spanning transportation, healthcare, housing, education, and more — allowed the firm to be nimble, pivoting to meet client’s changing needs and schedules, never compromising design or quality. Together with our clients and consultants, we found new ways to collaborate and connect. Through this, Dattner Architects was able to continue to deliver the social infrastructure projects for which they are so well-known.
“We are incredibly proud that our staff was so resilient, tremendously grateful for our clients, and truly appreciative of the supportive A/E/C community that is working together to get New York City back,” said Kirsten Sibilia, Managing Principal. “We are drawing on the lessons learned during this unprecedented time to continue to improve the way we practice.”
The Real Deal recently named Dattner Architects as one of the most active architects in 2020. Based on new building permit applications filed in the last year in New York City, Dattner was ranked #2 with 12 new projects totaling 1.98 million square feet.
2020 proved to be a challenging year for both the regional and national economy, with the advent of COVID-19 upending day-to-day life in NYC and beyond. Through the height of the pandemic, Dattner Architects’ diverse expertise — spanning transportation, healthcare, housing, education, and more — allowed the firm to be nimble, pivoting to meet client’s changing needs and schedules, never compromising design or quality. Together with our clients and consultants, we found new ways to collaborate and connect. Through this, Dattner Architects was able to continue to deliver the social infrastructure projects for which they are so well-known.
“We are incredibly proud that our staff was so resilient, tremendously grateful for our clients, and truly appreciative of the supportive A/E/C community that is working together to get New York City back,” said Kirsten Sibilia, Managing Principal. “We are drawing on the lessons learned during this unprecedented time to continue to improve the way we practice.”
Dattner Architects is pleased to announce that Gia Mainiero AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Assoc. DBIA has been elevated to Principal in recognition of her contributions to the firm and her evolving role in the practice.
A born-and-raised New Yorker, Gia came to Dattner Architects in 2006, captivated by the intricate and interrelated systems that make urban life possible. Her determination to garner a big picture understanding of how things work has led her to manage many of the firm’s infrastructure and transportation projects. Passionate about public architecture, Gia was a core team member for the Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage and Spring Street Salt Shed, and is committed to creating inspiring, sustainable infrastructure for future generations. Her recent clients include NYC Department of Design & Construction, NYC Department of Sanitation, the General Services Administration, and MTA Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority.
"Gia Mainiero’s commitment to the design of essential infrastructure, improving the built environment throughout New York City, and ability to build consensus among project stakeholders make her Dattner Architects’ newest valued partner." — expressed principal Paul Bauer AIA.
In her new role as Principal, Gia will lead the design and management of infrastructure, transportation, and design-build projects at Dattner Architects and continue her role as a mentor within the office.
“I am grateful and honored to join the other principals in leading our community of driven professionals at Dattner Architects. A strong conviction for the value of essential architecture is what drew me to Dattner 15 years ago, and I am thrilled to continue and evolve the firm’s positive impact in sustaining urban life.” — Gia Mainiero AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Assoc. DBIA
Dattner Architects is pleased to announce that Gia Mainiero AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Assoc. DBIA has been elevated to Principal in recognition of her contributions to the firm and her evolving role in the practice.
A born-and-raised New Yorker, Gia came to Dattner Architects in 2006, captivated by the intricate and interrelated systems that make urban life possible. Her determination to garner a big picture understanding of how things work has led her to manage many of the firm’s infrastructure and transportation projects. Passionate about public architecture, Gia was a core team member for the Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage and Spring Street Salt Shed, and is committed to creating inspiring, sustainable infrastructure for future generations. Her recent clients include NYC Department of Design & Construction, NYC Department of Sanitation, the General Services Administration, and MTA Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority.
"Gia Mainiero’s commitment to the design of essential infrastructure, improving the built environment throughout New York City, and ability to build consensus among project stakeholders make her Dattner Architects’ newest valued partner." — expressed principal Paul Bauer AIA.
In her new role as Principal, Gia will lead the design and management of infrastructure, transportation, and design-build projects at Dattner Architects and continue her role as a mentor within the office.
“I am grateful and honored to join the other principals in leading our community of driven professionals at Dattner Architects. A strong conviction for the value of essential architecture is what drew me to Dattner 15 years ago, and I am thrilled to continue and evolve the firm’s positive impact in sustaining urban life.” — Gia Mainiero AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Assoc. DBIA
The NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) has approved the application for St. James Terrace – a supportive and affordable housing development and community center adjacent to the landmarked St. James Episcopal Church in the Bronx.
The south end of the new residential building incorporates a monumental entrance from Jerome Avenue to the existing church site. The Gothic arches visually connect the double-height passageway to the historic buildings. As you move through the entrance arcade, the arched openings frame oblique and axial views of the "English country church on a hill" before opening on to a new, landscaped courtyard. This outdoor room is proposed as a new cloister or "close" for the church that ties together the new building, the existing Parish House, and the sanctuary. The new building and site design replace a parking lot, creating new ways to view and access the historic buildings while providing much-needed housing and new services to the Fordham community.
The NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) has approved the application for St. James Terrace – a supportive and affordable housing development and community center adjacent to the landmarked St. James Episcopal Church in the Bronx.
The south end of the new residential building incorporates a monumental entrance from Jerome Avenue to the existing church site. The Gothic arches visually connect the double-height passageway to the historic buildings. As you move through the entrance arcade, the arched openings frame oblique and axial views of the "English country church on a hill" before opening on to a new, landscaped courtyard. This outdoor room is proposed as a new cloister or "close" for the church that ties together the new building, the existing Parish House, and the sanctuary. The new building and site design replace a parking lot, creating new ways to view and access the historic buildings while providing much-needed housing and new services to the Fordham community.
Dattner Architects’ Gia Mainiero has been selected as one of PWC’s 40 Under 40 Outstanding Women in Construction. The 40 recipients are a diverse group of women with every chapter of PWC represented.
“I am truly grateful to be recognized with this group of incredible women, representing interdisciplinary leadership and collaboration throughout our industry!" – Gia Mainiero, Associate Principal
An Associate Principal at Dattner Architects, Gia is the Director of the Transportation and Infrastructure studio where she is responsible for the studio culture, staffing, design, and management of a variety of infrastructure and building projects in the public realm. She plays a key role on public agency contracts with the NYC Department of Design & Construction, NYC Department of Sanitation, and has made significant contributions to the design of projects for the GSA, Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, and the Battery Park City Authority.
The 2020 40 Under 40 Class will be recognized during PWC’s 40th Anniversary Celebration on December 10.
Dattner Architects’ Gia Mainiero has been selected as one of PWC’s 40 Under 40 Outstanding Women in Construction. The 40 recipients are a diverse group of women with every chapter of PWC represented.
“I am truly grateful to be recognized with this group of incredible women, representing interdisciplinary leadership and collaboration throughout our industry!" – Gia Mainiero, Associate Principal
An Associate Principal at Dattner Architects, Gia is the Director of the Transportation and Infrastructure studio where she is responsible for the studio culture, staffing, design, and management of a variety of infrastructure and building projects in the public realm. She plays a key role on public agency contracts with the NYC Department of Design & Construction, NYC Department of Sanitation, and has made significant contributions to the design of projects for the GSA, Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, and the Battery Park City Authority.
The 2020 40 Under 40 Class will be recognized during PWC’s 40th Anniversary Celebration on December 10.
CURBED recently covered the energy-efficiency report cards for 50 of New York's most recognizable buildings. Ranked according to the U.S. Energy Star Score, topping the list is Via Verde with a score of 96 – giving it an A.
Using standard, cost-effective structural systems and a prefabricated, high-performance rain screen, Via Verde was able to achieve lofty goals within its strict budget. Its 66-kW building-integrated photovoltaic system, onsite cogeneration, green roof, community vegetable gardens, green interior finishes, rainwater harvesting, and drought tolerant vegetation helped the complex achieve LEED NC Gold certification.
A model for affordable, sustainable residential developments, Via Verde reflects the City's public commitment to creating the next generation of social housing.
CURBED recently covered the energy-efficiency report cards for 50 of New York's most recognizable buildings. Ranked according to the U.S. Energy Star Score, topping the list is Via Verde with a score of 96 – giving it an A.
Using standard, cost-effective structural systems and a prefabricated, high-performance rain screen, Via Verde was able to achieve lofty goals within its strict budget. Its 66-kW building-integrated photovoltaic system, onsite cogeneration, green roof, community vegetable gardens, green interior finishes, rainwater harvesting, and drought tolerant vegetation helped the complex achieve LEED NC Gold certification.
A model for affordable, sustainable residential developments, Via Verde reflects the City's public commitment to creating the next generation of social housing.
To protect the safety of the community, OHNY Weekend—an annual, citywide celebration of architecture—went virtual this year, offering everyone an opportunity to learn more about New York City's built environment and the important architectural works fundamental to civic life. As a longtime supporter of OHNY, we are always excited and proud to participate every year—and this year was no exception. On October 17 and 18, OHNY Weekenders were given access to more than 150 ways to explore and experience the city.
Here is a quick sneak peek:
[video width="854" height="480" mp4="https://www.dattner.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Teaser_2.mp4"][/video]
Re-live the unique experience with tours of the East 91st Street Marine Transfer Station and the award-winning Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage and Spring Street Salt Shed.
To protect the safety of the community, OHNY Weekend—an annual, citywide celebration of architecture—went virtual this year, offering everyone an opportunity to learn more about New York City's built environment and the important architectural works fundamental to civic life. As a longtime supporter of OHNY, we are always excited and proud to participate every year—and this year was no exception. On October 17 and 18, OHNY Weekenders were given access to more than 150 ways to explore and experience the city.
Here is a quick sneak peek:
[video width="854" height="480" mp4="https://www.dattner.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Teaser_2.mp4"][/video]
Re-live the unique experience with tours of the East 91st Street Marine Transfer Station and the award-winning Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage and Spring Street Salt Shed.
A collaboration between the Urban Design Forum and Van Alen Institute, Neighborhoods Now connects leading design firms with neighborhoods hard-hit by COVID-19 – working together to develop safe and effective reopening strategies. Dattner Architects partnered with MBB and community partner, University Neighborhood Housing Program (UNHP), a non-profit organization working to create, preserve, and finance affordable housing in the Northwest Bronx.
Two priorities for UNHP included:
Updating UNHP’s main office located at 2751 Grand Concourse for core employees to safely return to work
Update community rooms at UNHP’s senior housing facilities for safe social gathering
Utilizing a phased approach and a menu of implementation strategies, the Dattner/MBB/UNHP team reconfigured UNHP’s main office to accommodate for social distancing. Programming elements include reducing the number of workstations in each room, implementing a COVID-19 check-in station, and installing plexiglass partitions and air purifiers. The team will also provide the Rose Hill Community Center with a cost-friendly outdoor module planter system to encourage tenants to gather safely outside their apartments.
To learn more, please join us on October 7 as we take part in a virtual public forum to discuss our work with the Neighborhoods Now initiative and reflect on how collaborative design can inform neighborhood recovery strategies.
A collaboration between the Urban Design Forum and Van Alen Institute, Neighborhoods Now connects leading design firms with neighborhoods hard-hit by COVID-19 – working together to develop safe and effective reopening strategies. Dattner Architects partnered with MBB and community partner, University Neighborhood Housing Program (UNHP), a non-profit organization working to create, preserve, and finance affordable housing in the Northwest Bronx.
Two priorities for UNHP included:
Updating UNHP’s main office located at 2751 Grand Concourse for core employees to safely return to work
Update community rooms at UNHP’s senior housing facilities for safe social gathering
Utilizing a phased approach and a menu of implementation strategies, the Dattner/MBB/UNHP team reconfigured UNHP’s main office to accommodate for social distancing. Programming elements include reducing the number of workstations in each room, implementing a COVID-19 check-in station, and installing plexiglass partitions and air purifiers. The team will also provide the Rose Hill Community Center with a cost-friendly outdoor module planter system to encourage tenants to gather safely outside their apartments.
To learn more, please join us on October 7 as we take part in a virtual public forum to discuss our work with the Neighborhoods Now initiative and reflect on how collaborative design can inform neighborhood recovery strategies.
“As the founding partner, I come to the office just about every day to work with a diverse staff from around the world and see the incredible variety of projects coming through our office.” – Richard Dattner
Dattner Architects’ Founding Principal Richard Dattner is featured in an alumni profile by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)’s world-renowned, independent media company, MIT Technology Review. Richard speaks with Julie Fox about how MIT influenced his interest in large-scale infrastructure, the humble beginnings of Dattner Architects, the birth of PlayCubes, and more.
“As the founding partner, I come to the office just about every day to work with a diverse staff from around the world and see the incredible variety of projects coming through our office.” – Richard Dattner
Dattner Architects’ Founding Principal Richard Dattner is featured in an alumni profile by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)’s world-renowned, independent media company, MIT Technology Review. Richard speaks with Julie Fox about how MIT influenced his interest in large-scale infrastructure, the humble beginnings of Dattner Architects, the birth of PlayCubes, and more.
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. Dattner Architects’ first year participating in Day of Service was a great success thanks to a tremendous group effort by the Dattner and Services for the UnderServed (S:US) team.
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. Their thriving Urban Farms program provides therapeutic horticulture, nutritional programming, and employment opportunities to the individuals they serve – through workshops, field experiences, and their network of community farms and garden spaces.
We partnered with S:US to make a series of improvements to their urban garden at the Marcy Hart residences in Brooklyn, NY. This garden is home to everything from beehives to a rice pond along with a wide array of garden beds and native plants.
Held on site on August 15, 2020, our goal was to help S:US realize a portion of their master plan for the Marcy Hart space. We are proud to say that we were able to rebuild raised garden beds, install new fencing, update patios and planting areas, and add our own bench/planter modules.
We are grateful that we were able to make such positive impacts for the Marcy Hart Farm and the many people who depend on and use this space! Thank you to everyone who donated their creativity, their labor, and funds.
“Beyond just being able to harvest their own fruits and vegetables, the Marcy Hart backyard is a little green oasis for the residents. You made it even more so." – Minjung Park, Volunteer & Community Relations Manager, Services for the UnderServed (S:US)
“Dattner Architects partnership with S:US for our first year participating in the AIANY Day of Service was a successful, tremendous group effort. Coming together as a community to help others during this time of crisis was particularly meaningful.” Emily Trulson, Day of Service Leader, Dattner Architects
Be sure to join us on September 15 as we discuss the Marcy Hart project, including the collaborative process of design, material procurement, and implementation during AIA New York’s Day of Service: 2020 Program Highlights live webinar.
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. Dattner Architects’ first year participating in Day of Service was a great success thanks to a tremendous group effort by the Dattner and Services for the UnderServed (S:US) team.
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. Their thriving Urban Farms program provides therapeutic horticulture, nutritional programming, and employment opportunities to the individuals they serve – through workshops, field experiences, and their network of community farms and garden spaces.
We partnered with S:US to make a series of improvements to their urban garden at the Marcy Hart residences in Brooklyn, NY. This garden is home to everything from beehives to a rice pond along with a wide array of garden beds and native plants.
Held on site on August 15, 2020, our goal was to help S:US realize a portion of their master plan for the Marcy Hart space. We are proud to say that we were able to rebuild raised garden beds, install new fencing, update patios and planting areas, and add our own bench/planter modules.
We are grateful that we were able to make such positive impacts for the Marcy Hart Farm and the many people who depend on and use this space! Thank you to everyone who donated their creativity, their labor, and funds.
“Beyond just being able to harvest their own fruits and vegetables, the Marcy Hart backyard is a little green oasis for the residents. You made it even more so." – Minjung Park, Volunteer & Community Relations Manager, Services for the UnderServed (S:US)
“Dattner Architects partnership with S:US for our first year participating in the AIANY Day of Service was a successful, tremendous group effort. Coming together as a community to help others during this time of crisis was particularly meaningful.” Emily Trulson, Day of Service Leader, Dattner Architects
Be sure to join us on September 15 as we discuss the Marcy Hart project, including the collaborative process of design, material procurement, and implementation during AIA New York’s Day of Service: 2020 Program Highlights live webinar.
Dattner Architects is proud to be a part of the Steiner Studios team that has been selected to design and develop a new 500,000 square foot film and television production facility. Located at Bush Terminal’s Made in New York Campus in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, the new hub will mark the first expansion beyond Steiner’s Brooklyn Navy Yard media campus – which currently houses the largest and preeminent film and TV lot outside of Hollywood.
The new Steiner Studios complex will include eight soundstages, the gut renovation of two buildings for additional production support space, and a new parking structure. The project is estimated to create at least 1,800 construction jobs and 2,200 full-time jobs and will include several local workforce-development programs for high school students, summer internships, and funding for non-profit organizations supporting gender equity, diversity, and inclusion in the NYC film and TV industry.
As our longtime client, we are thrilled to continue our relationship with Steiner Studios and Steiner NYC. We look forward to designing spaces that help contribute to the growth of the City’s creative industry.
Dattner Architects is proud to be a part of the Steiner Studios team that has been selected to design and develop a new 500,000 square foot film and television production facility. Located at Bush Terminal’s Made in New York Campus in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, the new hub will mark the first expansion beyond Steiner’s Brooklyn Navy Yard media campus – which currently houses the largest and preeminent film and TV lot outside of Hollywood.
The new Steiner Studios complex will include eight soundstages, the gut renovation of two buildings for additional production support space, and a new parking structure. The project is estimated to create at least 1,800 construction jobs and 2,200 full-time jobs and will include several local workforce-development programs for high school students, summer internships, and funding for non-profit organizations supporting gender equity, diversity, and inclusion in the NYC film and TV industry.
As our longtime client, we are thrilled to continue our relationship with Steiner Studios and Steiner NYC. We look forward to designing spaces that help contribute to the growth of the City’s creative industry.
“…we as architects must envision a new normal.”
– Jeff Dugan AIA
Public mass transportation is the arterial system of New York City. It connects us to the robust built environment where we live, work, and play. However, the global COVID-19 pandemic has put a strain on this very system. Safe and reliable transportation is key to re-establishing normalcy. But what does that look like? What are the challenges moving forward? What must we, as architects, do to create a safe space and environment for our citizens?
Dattner Architects’ Principal Jeff Dugan AIA addresses these issues and more in his Op-Ed in the Summer Issue of Oculus Magazine. As our firm’s transportation design leader and Co-Chair of AIA New York’s Transportation + Infrastructure Committee, Jeff uses his vast experience and expertise to reimagine what mass transportation in cities looks like in a post-COVID future.
“In this moment of great uncertainty, architects have a unique opportunity to provide a global model for mass transportation in a post-pandemic New York City.”
“…we as architects must envision a new normal.”
– Jeff Dugan AIA
Public mass transportation is the arterial system of New York City. It connects us to the robust built environment where we live, work, and play. However, the global COVID-19 pandemic has put a strain on this very system. Safe and reliable transportation is key to re-establishing normalcy. But what does that look like? What are the challenges moving forward? What must we, as architects, do to create a safe space and environment for our citizens?
Dattner Architects’ Principal Jeff Dugan AIA addresses these issues and more in his Op-Ed in the Summer Issue of Oculus Magazine. As our firm’s transportation design leader and Co-Chair of AIA New York’s Transportation + Infrastructure Committee, Jeff uses his vast experience and expertise to reimagine what mass transportation in cities looks like in a post-COVID future.
“In this moment of great uncertainty, architects have a unique opportunity to provide a global model for mass transportation in a post-pandemic New York City.”
Dattner Architects is pleased to announce that East New York Health Hub is the recipient of a 2020 AIA New York State Excelsior Honor Award. This prestigious award recognizes design excellence, user impact, and overall performance within the context of a publicly funded project.
Located in Brooklyn’s East New York neighborhood, the addition to and transformation of this turn-of-the-century structure allows a growing non-profit to provide essential healthcare and social services in an underserved neighborhood.
The addition and gut renovation expanded existing operations on site from 9,000 to 45,000 square feet, allowing the Institute for Community Living (ICL) to create a one-stop-shop community health facility for mental and physical wellbeing. The design approach creates synergy between programs by consolidating ICL’s extensive existing outreach, mental health service, and family support into one facility and co-locating a new health center operated by non-profit partner Community Healthcare Network.
The architecture of East New York Health Hub encourages physical and mental healing through visual connections to both nature and the community. Garden and terrace spaces, framed views, and access to light and air reinforce the link to the surrounding environment, while framing activities to engage the street and support the relationship with the community.
Dattner Architects is pleased to announce that East New York Health Hub is the recipient of a 2020 AIA New York State Excelsior Honor Award. This prestigious award recognizes design excellence, user impact, and overall performance within the context of a publicly funded project.
Located in Brooklyn’s East New York neighborhood, the addition to and transformation of this turn-of-the-century structure allows a growing non-profit to provide essential healthcare and social services in an underserved neighborhood.
The addition and gut renovation expanded existing operations on site from 9,000 to 45,000 square feet, allowing the Institute for Community Living (ICL) to create a one-stop-shop community health facility for mental and physical wellbeing. The design approach creates synergy between programs by consolidating ICL’s extensive existing outreach, mental health service, and family support into one facility and co-locating a new health center operated by non-profit partner Community Healthcare Network.
The architecture of East New York Health Hub encourages physical and mental healing through visual connections to both nature and the community. Garden and terrace spaces, framed views, and access to light and air reinforce the link to the surrounding environment, while framing activities to engage the street and support the relationship with the community.
As part of the development team led by Bayfront Development Partners (a joint venture of Pennrose and Omni America), Dattner Architects has been selected to design two sites – part of the first phase of the 100-acre Bayfront redevelopment in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Phase one of the development includes 16 acres, four parcels, and a total of 1,092 units of multi-family housing. The Pennrose/Omni/Dattner team will design 540 units, 189 of which will be affordable housing.
“Featuring green design, top-notch amenities, and ample outdoor and community spaces, the plans for the Bayfront development will have long-term, positive impacts on the entire neighborhood.” – Jacob Fisher, Regional Vice President at Pennrose
Located on a former brownfield site on the Hackensack River, the Bayfront Redevelopment project will transform the once contaminated site into a vibrant mixed-use, mixed-income community. When completed, the project is expected to bring 8,000 units to the city’s west side. It is the largest development project in Jersey City since the Newport community helped transform the Hudson River waterfront into a complex of commercial and residential buildings.
As part of the development team led by Bayfront Development Partners (a joint venture of Pennrose and Omni America), Dattner Architects has been selected to design two sites – part of the first phase of the 100-acre Bayfront redevelopment in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Phase one of the development includes 16 acres, four parcels, and a total of 1,092 units of multi-family housing. The Pennrose/Omni/Dattner team will design 540 units, 189 of which will be affordable housing.
“Featuring green design, top-notch amenities, and ample outdoor and community spaces, the plans for the Bayfront development will have long-term, positive impacts on the entire neighborhood.” – Jacob Fisher, Regional Vice President at Pennrose
Located on a former brownfield site on the Hackensack River, the Bayfront Redevelopment project will transform the once contaminated site into a vibrant mixed-use, mixed-income community. When completed, the project is expected to bring 8,000 units to the city’s west side. It is the largest development project in Jersey City since the Newport community helped transform the Hudson River waterfront into a complex of commercial and residential buildings.
The NYC Department of Design and Construction (NYC DDC) started 2020 with an exhibit at the Center for Architecture – Public Works: Reflecting on 15 Years of Project Excellence for New York City. Dattner Architects is honored to have the 116th Precinct, Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage, and Spring Street Salt Shed featured in the Public Works exhibit, which is on display till April 4, 2020.
Situated between an active Long Island Railroad (LIRR) raised railway and a residential neighborhood, the new 116th Precinct Station will serve as a mediator between these contrasting urban scales. A key site strategy was to locate the building along the street and place parking behind, shielding it from public view. This gives the police station a presence along the street and protects the character of the residential streetscape and sidewalk from vehicular activity. Designed to encourage community awareness, interaction, and engagement with the NYPD 116th Precinct team, a new public plaza will include public seating and bike racks, and connects the neighborhood to the LIRR Rosedale station entrance. A new community room anchors the corner of the station and serves as a prime programmatic element of the plaza.
Overlooking the Hudson River at the corner of Spring Street and West Street, the Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage houses three district garages for the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY). The garage accommodates over 150 sanitation vehicles including trucks, frontend loaders, salt spreaders, heavy-equipment wreckers, and personnel vehicles; separate vehicle wash and personnel facilities for each district; and centralized fueling and repair facilities. The double-skin façade wraps the curtain wall with 2,600 custom, perforated, metal fins, vertically articulating and lighting the building’s massing. An extensive 1.5 acre green roof softens views from neighboring buildings, protects the roof membrane, and enhances storm water retention and thermal performance. A benchmark project for NYC’s Active Design program, the garage has achieved LEED Gold certification.
Directly across Spring Street to the north, the Salt Shed’s crystalline, faceted planes enliven this highly visible structure, acting as a counterpoint to the diaphanous, scrim-like façade of the Garage. The cast-in-place concrete structure tapers toward the bottom—creating more pedestrian space—and rises from a glazed moat that is illuminated at night. Rising nearly 70 feet, the shed houses 5,000 tons of salt and creates an iconic landmark at this important intersection. Within the year of opening, the Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage & Salt Shed have become a source of neighborhood pride. The garage and salt shed were designed in association with WXY Architecture + Urban Design.
Dattner Architects is a proud partner and supporter of NYC DDC, an agency delivering high-quality public projects that contribute to a thriving and resilient city for all New Yorkers.
The NYC Department of Design and Construction (NYC DDC) started 2020 with an exhibit at the Center for Architecture – Public Works: Reflecting on 15 Years of Project Excellence for New York City. Dattner Architects is honored to have the 116th Precinct, Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage, and Spring Street Salt Shed featured in the Public Works exhibit, which is on display till April 4, 2020.
Situated between an active Long Island Railroad (LIRR) raised railway and a residential neighborhood, the new 116th Precinct Station will serve as a mediator between these contrasting urban scales. A key site strategy was to locate the building along the street and place parking behind, shielding it from public view. This gives the police station a presence along the street and protects the character of the residential streetscape and sidewalk from vehicular activity. Designed to encourage community awareness, interaction, and engagement with the NYPD 116th Precinct team, a new public plaza will include public seating and bike racks, and connects the neighborhood to the LIRR Rosedale station entrance. A new community room anchors the corner of the station and serves as a prime programmatic element of the plaza.
Overlooking the Hudson River at the corner of Spring Street and West Street, the Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage houses three district garages for the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY). The garage accommodates over 150 sanitation vehicles including trucks, frontend loaders, salt spreaders, heavy-equipment wreckers, and personnel vehicles; separate vehicle wash and personnel facilities for each district; and centralized fueling and repair facilities. The double-skin façade wraps the curtain wall with 2,600 custom, perforated, metal fins, vertically articulating and lighting the building’s massing. An extensive 1.5 acre green roof softens views from neighboring buildings, protects the roof membrane, and enhances storm water retention and thermal performance. A benchmark project for NYC’s Active Design program, the garage has achieved LEED Gold certification.
Directly across Spring Street to the north, the Salt Shed’s crystalline, faceted planes enliven this highly visible structure, acting as a counterpoint to the diaphanous, scrim-like façade of the Garage. The cast-in-place concrete structure tapers toward the bottom—creating more pedestrian space—and rises from a glazed moat that is illuminated at night. Rising nearly 70 feet, the shed houses 5,000 tons of salt and creates an iconic landmark at this important intersection. Within the year of opening, the Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage & Salt Shed have become a source of neighborhood pride. The garage and salt shed were designed in association with WXY Architecture + Urban Design.
Dattner Architects is a proud partner and supporter of NYC DDC, an agency delivering high-quality public projects that contribute to a thriving and resilient city for all New Yorkers.
How does an Ivy League university plan and design pivotal campus facilities to meet current and future needs of its users in a rapidly changing educational landscape? What strategies are used to design a campus that fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration and integrates seamlessly into the fabric of the local community?
On March 10, Dattner Architects’ Catherine Selby and Columbia University’s Denise Ferris will discuss many of these issues and more at The Society for College & University Planning (SCUP) North Atlantic Regional Conference in New Haven, CT.
Title: Inclusive & Pivotal: University Buildings Designed to Serve the Community
Date/Time: 3/10/2020 at 8:30-9:30am
Location: Omni New Haven at Yale, Temple
Conference attendees will learn how the partnership between Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW), Dattner Architects, and Columbia University created the Forum – the gateway to Columbia University’s Manhattanville Campus. This multipurpose facility features a state-of-the-art 437-seat auditorium to host academic conferences, meetings, and symposia. Additional meeting rooms, offices, and open gathering spaces provide generous shared meeting space. A highly visible and iconic component of the new campus, this academic conference center is designed to encourage thought-leaders and scholars from across the university and the world to come together to share ideas. The Forum’s ground floor flexible spaces establish an “Urban Layer,” further opening the facility spaces to the local community, establishing an important connection to both the neighborhood and city. Dattner Architects served as Executive Architect to RPBW.
SCUP unites the best of college, university, and professional planners. Creating a range of learning opportunities, from publications to SCUP conferences, SCUP offers its members a community to share perspectives, resources, best practices, and new ideas that move challenges to solutions.
How does an Ivy League university plan and design pivotal campus facilities to meet current and future needs of its users in a rapidly changing educational landscape? What strategies are used to design a campus that fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration and integrates seamlessly into the fabric of the local community?
On March 10, Dattner Architects’ Catherine Selby and Columbia University’s Denise Ferris will discuss many of these issues and more at The Society for College & University Planning (SCUP) North Atlantic Regional Conference in New Haven, CT.
Title: Inclusive & Pivotal: University Buildings Designed to Serve the Community
Date/Time: 3/10/2020 at 8:30-9:30am
Location: Omni New Haven at Yale, Temple
Conference attendees will learn how the partnership between Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW), Dattner Architects, and Columbia University created the Forum – the gateway to Columbia University’s Manhattanville Campus. This multipurpose facility features a state-of-the-art 437-seat auditorium to host academic conferences, meetings, and symposia. Additional meeting rooms, offices, and open gathering spaces provide generous shared meeting space. A highly visible and iconic component of the new campus, this academic conference center is designed to encourage thought-leaders and scholars from across the university and the world to come together to share ideas. The Forum’s ground floor flexible spaces establish an “Urban Layer,” further opening the facility spaces to the local community, establishing an important connection to both the neighborhood and city. Dattner Architects served as Executive Architect to RPBW.
SCUP unites the best of college, university, and professional planners. Creating a range of learning opportunities, from publications to SCUP conferences, SCUP offers its members a community to share perspectives, resources, best practices, and new ideas that move challenges to solutions.
How does good design factor into the production of housing developments? What non-traditional forms of housing can be created to meet the nuanced needs of a community? What are the City’s housing goals, and can the City create interim milestones to help show progress?
Affordable housing is a critical focus for New York City and our firm, and we are engaged in this urgent effort to meet the housing crisis in several ways: active participation on zoning and code committees; large scale rezoning efforts on behalf of our clients; and creating new neighborhoods.
On March 4, Dattner Architects’ Associate Principal Rachel Ehrlich discussed these topics and more on the Combating the Affordable Housing Crisis panel at New York Build’s Residential and Future Construction Summit. Moderated by Frank Mahan (Associate Director – Skidmore, Owings & Merrill), Rachel was joined by Ariel Aufgang (Principal – Aufgang Architects), Isaac-Daniel Astrachan (Principal – Stephen B. Jacobs Group), and Raquel Vazquez (Director of Housing Development – Joy Construction Corp).
New York Build Expo is the leading and largest free-to-attend construction and design show for New York and the Tri-State area. Held at the Javits Center, the expo brings together thousands of professionals from the AEC and real estate industries for panels, exhibits, workshops, and networking opportunities.
How does good design factor into the production of housing developments? What non-traditional forms of housing can be created to meet the nuanced needs of a community? What are the City’s housing goals, and can the City create interim milestones to help show progress?
Affordable housing is a critical focus for New York City and our firm, and we are engaged in this urgent effort to meet the housing crisis in several ways: active participation on zoning and code committees; large scale rezoning efforts on behalf of our clients; and creating new neighborhoods.
On March 4, Dattner Architects’ Associate Principal Rachel Ehrlich discussed these topics and more on the Combating the Affordable Housing Crisis panel at New York Build’s Residential and Future Construction Summit. Moderated by Frank Mahan (Associate Director – Skidmore, Owings & Merrill), Rachel was joined by Ariel Aufgang (Principal – Aufgang Architects), Isaac-Daniel Astrachan (Principal – Stephen B. Jacobs Group), and Raquel Vazquez (Director of Housing Development – Joy Construction Corp).
New York Build Expo is the leading and largest free-to-attend construction and design show for New York and the Tri-State area. Held at the Javits Center, the expo brings together thousands of professionals from the AEC and real estate industries for panels, exhibits, workshops, and networking opportunities.
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.
Community and professional engagement is a critical component of daily life at Dattner Architects. Our collaborative team approach nurtures learning and professional growth through exposure not only to new project opportunities, but also to professional industry organizations and local community groups. We believe that active engagement in professional organizations empowers our staff to have agency over decisions that affect both their personal and professional lives, and leads to a more robust, well-rounded, and meaningful career.
Here are some highlights from the past quarter:
Keith Engel, Senior Associate & Studio Director
Keith Engel was appointed by the Queens Borough President to a Board member position on Queens Community Board 6, which encompasses the Forest Hills and Rego Park neighborhoods of Queens. His term began on April 1st and will run for two years. The Community Board is the official municipal body whose primary mission is to advise elected officials and government agencies on matters affecting the social welfare of their district, which include broad matters such as land use, housing, education, and transportation.
“As someone who has dedicated my career to practicing socially responsible design, I’ve worked extensively with various non-profits to develop affordable, supportive, and homeless housing for those New Yorkers who need it the most. Such endeavors often involve presentations to Community Board’s across the five boroughs, and it was during these conversations with Community Boards that I became concerned that – as an Architect – my ability to directly affect positive change within a community is limited. I am excited to begin my term as a Community Board member so I can be an active participant in the conversation, and to offer my professional expertise to the dialogue about the important issues affecting the community—of affordable housing, of homelessness, of climate change, and of social justice.”
— Keith Engel
Aimee Hultquist, Project Architect
Aimee Hultquist is participating in the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation (BWAF)’s Emerging Leaders Program, which is a selective professional development opportunity for women 5-10 years out of school. In small group format, participants engage with significant senior women in architecture, engineering, construction, real estate, law, and financial services to advance their own career goals.
“The fellowship theme this year is Perseverance, Politics, and Power – it's a great opportunity to interface with significant senior women in architecture about these topics and to share our experiences as young women building our careers in the A/E industry. The group is a mix of architects and engineers bringing their perspectives to discussions, which is different and exciting—I'm looking forward to being a part of it!”
— Aimee Hultquist
Ruth Ro, Associate Principal
Ruth Ro was selected as a Build Out Alliance board member. Build Out Alliance’s mission is to promote and advocate for the LGBTQ community within the building design and construction industry—where members can serve openly and with pride across all roles and sectors of the industry.
“When I am out and visible in the workplace, I’m able to open minds, break down preconceptions, and create a more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ colleagues. I have benefitted from brave trailblazers ahead of me and I have a responsibility to leave a wider path behind me. Through Build Out, we can continue to find strength in numbers, be more visible, and create a more inclusive industry.”
— Ruth Ro
Brandon Wang, Project Architect
Brandon Wang is an Architectural League mentor. The Architectural League's mentorship program fosters student-mentor relationships between practicing architects and designers in New York and architecture students from City Tech, CCNY, and Kean University. The program also aims to increase awareness of professional opportunities for students of diverse backgrounds and give mentoring architects a chance to share expertise and realistic career expectations. Through virtual check-ins, the relationships become a space for guidance and learning for students entering the practice.
“Though we have only met virtually, my mentee and I have discussed resumes, what an internship is like, his school studio work, and many other things in between. I am grateful I can share my own experience and help shape his successful entry into his architecture career."
— Brandon Wang
Kirsten Sibilia, Managing Principal
Kirsten Sibilia is serving the Nominating Committee for the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter. The committee is elected each year to select candidates for the AIA New York Board and the Fellows, Finance, Honors, Oculus, and Design Awards Committees.
“It has been enriching collaborating with my fellow committee members to help create a diverse, thoughtful, and talented slate of leaders for the Chapter, professionals that share our commitment to the AIA, our belief in New York City, and our support of equitable practice models.”
— Kirsten Sibilia
“This is more than just bricks and mortar … this is more than dollar and cents … this is about families being able to call this their home … We are building community. This is a piece of a larger puzzle to make the Bronx better.” — Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
On April 1, Dattner Architects joined the Association of New York Catholic Homes, Cardinal Timothy Dolan (Archbishop of New York), Monsignor Kevin Sullivan (executive director of Catholic Charities of New York), Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Councilman Rafael Salamanca Jr., and building residents for the opening of Second Farms. Located at 1932 Bryant Avenue in the West Farms section of the Bronx, this new mixed-use residential development offers 319 units of affordable housing, a community facility, and commercial space. The 15-story building is sited on a narrow, sloped site, with rock outcroppings characteristic of much of the Bronx, and sits within a landscaped forecourt.
“I have a wonderful home here. I don’t have to worry about things like before when we were struggling and homeless. This is a new start for us.” — Nelly Perez, Second Farms resident
Second Farms is 100% affordable with units set aside for formerly homeless families, and residents with mobility disabilities or visually impaired. The building is designed as family housing, with apartments as large as 3-bedrooms, and also includes shared co-working spaces for tenants, bike storage space, a daycare facility, ground floor grocery store, and outdoor spaces for passive recreation and socializing.
The modern building incorporates four different colors of brick, employed to distinguish the various sections of the building. Black brick connects windows making columns of two and three, informing the main design of the façade. White bricks cover two corners, and golden bricks rise in a thin column from above the main entrance, creating the illusion of division in the center of the structure to break down the visual mass of the long façade.
“Second Farms is the result of a sustained team effort over many years to redevelop a site which had long been underused and previously contained an abandoned, deteriorating parking garage. Through sensible and environmentally responsible design, our goal was to help improve people’s lives in the area and promote healthy living by providing quality affordable housing, as well as much needed space for a daycare facility and retail. We are confident that this building will help revitalize a key area in West Farms, and we hope that the residents and the community at-large will welcome this new addition as a prominent feature in their neighborhood.” — Philippe Martelly, Dattner Architects
Dattner Architects celebrated Women’s History Month by highlighting women architects and designers within our firm. We kicked-off the month with our first ever “Lady Principal Panel” discussion. Each of Dattner’s four female principals shared their professional journeys, the different pathways they took to leadership, and multi-generational perspectives on female leadership and advocacy in the AEC industry.
On International Women’s Day, we published a one-on-one interview between two female colleagues. The conversational interview provided insight into the unique and dynamic women and supportive culture within Dattner Architects.
Throughout the month of March, we highlighted relationships in our Dattner Architects Mentoring Program. We asked our staff to reflect on the program, their mentor/mentee relationships, and the impact it has had during the pandemic. The result was a series of intimate portraits of mentoring at Dattner Architects. One of the relationships featured was a mentorship “tree”: a senior mentor, a mid-level mentor/mentee, and a junior mentee.
Mentoring is deeply important work and has proven to be a fulfilling and satisfying experience for both mentors and mentees. It is very personal work that is easily overlooked and undervalued in traditional corporate settings. By publishing these writings, we hoped to make this often-invisible work, visible.
Not just during Women’s History Month, but all year long, we encourage the professional development of women at Dattner Architects – and we are proud of the supportive culture we are building.
Links:
Ruth Ro and Kate McNamara on Representation and Being a Woman Architect
Mentor / Mentee Relationship: Taylor, Rebecca, and Laura
Mentor / Mentee Relationship: Athena, Soumya, and Gia
Mentor / Mentee Relationship: Mia, Wei, and Kristy
Mentor / Mentee Relationship: Kirsten, Shefali, and Emily
Dattner Architects joined Monadnock Development, Signature Urban Properties, as well as several community leaders for the ground breaking of the last phase of the Compass Residences — a mixed-use affordable housing complex in the West Farms section of the Bronx. Compass 6 will be 16 stories and offer 261 units of affordable housing, half of which will be reserved for families earning under $52,000 a year. Once completed, the 17-acre Compass Residences development will provide over 1,300 affordable apartments, ground floor retail spaces, community facility uses, and vibrant public outdoor space.
“Once this final building is complete, the development project will have changed the lives of nearly 1,400 households by providing quality affordable housing and access to great outdoor spaces and retail – all of which are critical to the City’s equitable recovery from this pandemic.” – Deputy Mayor Vicki Been
Compass Residences is the result of a large-scale redevelopment plan – the largest private rezoning in Bronx history, enabling a new neighborhood to be built on a largely underutilized manufacturing district, well-served by mass transit, schools, parks, and open space. The development provides buildings of varying heights stepping up to the urban edge along the Bronx River, organized around courtyards which provide recreational areas for residents with parking areas below. Mid-block passages humanize the streetscape and provide views to nearby Starlight Park. Compass Residences exemplifies transformative development with extensive community input, providing housing opportunities while reinforcing the fabric and life of the Bronx.
“Moving to Compass Residence was a gift from God. It was close, it was still in the neighborhood, but it’s a brand-new complex with elevators. It met all my needs. And it's good for the neighborhood. It's nice to see nice places for us to live. And I always believe it's not where you live, how you are. And hopefully, we can all take advantage of the parks, the new school and everything that's coming to the neighborhood.” – Vernice, Compass 2 resident
The future of affordable housing must be climate-friendly, and it must provide a model for community living that is splendid and racially just. How can the lessons of Via Verde help shape the future of green social housing in the United States?
On Thursday, March 18, we had a dynamic discussion on the future of green social housing with a focus on lessons learned from our award-winning project, Via Verde! Sponsored by UPenn and Pratt Institute, Dattner Architects’ Senior Consulting Principal William Stein was joined by Jonathan Rose (President, Jonathan Rose Companies), Jessica Clemente (CEO, WE STAY/Nos Quedamos), Karen Kubey (Visiting Associate Professor, Pratt Institute), Nikil Saval (State Senator, Pennsylvania’s First District), and Daniel Aldana Cohen (Director of the Socio-Spatial Climate Collaborative, UPenn).
Find a video recording of the event here: https://vimeo.com/527101000
Via Verde is an affordable, sustainable residential development providing healthy, urban living in the South Bronx. The winning entry in the New Housing New York Legacy Competition, it reflects a public commitment to create the next generation of social housing.
Sustainability and longevity were key drivers at Via Verde, enabling the project to become a stable precedent and archetype for future subsidized housing in New York. Using standard, cost-effective structural systems and a prefabricated, high-performance rain screen, the project was able to achieve lofty goals within its strict budget. Its 66 kW building-integrated photovoltaic system, onsite cogeneration, green roof, community vegetable gardens, green interior finishes, rainwater harvesting and drought tolerant vegetation helped the complex achieve LEED NC Gold certification.
On September 16, 2020, Associate Principal Rachel Ehrlich AIA, LEED AP discussed equity in community engagement with AIA New Jersey. She was joined on the panel by Simone Tsigounis AIA, Susan Pikaart Bristol AIA, and Stacey Ruhle Kliesch AIA.
Based on principles from the AIA Guides to Equitable Practice, the panelists identified areas of the profession that are lacking equity and provided tools and lessons that attendees can apply to increase equity in their own personal and professional communities.
Themes that were covered during the panel included strategies in achieving greater equity in community engagement, increasing the profession’s value to society as well as its visibility among potential partners and future practitioners. The panelists covered fundamental principles and attributes of community engagement and specific methods for working with community members in equitable, inclusive, and just design practices, decision making, and outcomes.
“When architects engage with local government, whether through elected office or appointment to boards and commissions, we demonstrate expertise and show our engagement with local issues that are important to our communities.
We can advocate and plan for affordable housing for all residents. We can make the case for calmer, safer streets that are walkable, bikeable, and equitable. We can champion regional planning partnerships to reduce congestion and guide smart development in our towns and counties. We can focus on infrastructure investment to build resiliency and transportation equity.
Architects are natural leaders and consensus-builders! Volunteer in your community to help lead the way.” – Rachel Ehrlich AIA, LEED AP
Each year, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) selects members to be elevated to the College of Fellows—AIA’s highest membership honor in recognition of significant achievements and architectural excellence. Only 3% of AIA members have this distinction. Awarded for his notable contributions to the advancement of the profession of architecture, we are proud to announce that Principal Jeffrey Dugan has been selected as part of this year’s class of AIA Fellows!
“Jeff’s leadership and collaborative approach has advanced the art and practice of architecture, creating a model for managing civic projects, weaving together policy, design, technical, and constructability aspects to achieve excellence. The results are projects that have improved communities and cities with positive impacts on the lives of millions of users. His work provides a template for architects to take leadership roles in service of the public interest.” – William Stein FAIA, Dattner Architects’ Senior Consulting Principal
Jeff’s commitment to shaping and elevating the civic realm, advancing community, and creating connections among all elements of urban life has found its primary expression in the planning and design of facilities for public transportation. While Jeff has devoted his efforts and expertise to transportation, he has also designed educational, institutional, healthcare, and housing projects – both new and renovations. Through these projects, Jeff reveals a keen understanding of how people move through space, how architecture affects mood and behavior, and how the relationship between a project and its environs can create, enhance, or spark the development of community.
Co-Chair of AIA New York’s Transportation + Infrastructure (AIANY T+I) Committee, Jeff has been responsible not only for the committee’s growth in membership, but for its prominence within the Chapter. His programs, advocacy, and related initiatives have raised the visibility and captured the attention of the profession and the public alike. Among his most prominent efforts is his leadership in shaping the Committee’s contributions to the Chapter’s Post-Sandy Initiative Report. In addition to conducting research and identifying illustrative precedent projects, Jeff undertook a strategic analysis of local and international case studies, resulting in three key approaches to the issue of resilience: defensive, adaptive, and passive.
“It is a great honor to be elevated to the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows—to be associated with architects that I hold in such high esteem. The case for Fellowship was based on my practice and leadership in designing innovative and precedent setting transportation and community facilities that advance and enrich the urban social infrastructure and transform the public sphere. After nearly a year of political, social, and public health crises, this FAIA moment has re-energized me. This recognition affirms my belief that Infrastructure defines my community, it defines my practice, and it defines me.” – Jeff Dugan FAIA
On February 23, Associate Principal Ruth Ro and Principal Gia Mainiero will join other industry leaders and peers for this year’s New York Festival of Construction.
Panel: Keeping Up the Collaboration – Staying Connected During Covid
Date & Time: February 23, 2021 at 10:30am
Speakers: Ruth Ro (Dattner Architects); Yemi Green (AECOM); Meredith Neistadt (SOM); Chris Pollock (ARUP); Jenna Pellegrino (Autodesk)
Panel: Best Practice in Design & Build
Date & Time: February 23, 2021 at 1:00pm
Speakers: Gia Mainiero (Dattner Architects); Rakesh Shah (Burns & McDonnell); Brian Strydom (FXCollaborative); Jacob Raskin (Structure Tone); Oliver Burkler (FARO Technologies)
New York Festival of Construction is New York’s largest online construction event, covering all the latest projects and opportunities for the construction and design industry across New York and the Tri-State area. Over the course of five days, the festival brings together thousands of professionals from the AEC and real estate industries for panels, webinars, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Register for free tickets: https://newyorkfestivalofconstruction.com/live-webinars
The Real Deal recently named Dattner Architects as one of the most active architects in 2020. Based on new building permit applications filed in the last year in New York City, Dattner was ranked #2 with 12 new projects totaling 1.98 million square feet.
2020 proved to be a challenging year for both the regional and national economy, with the advent of COVID-19 upending day-to-day life in NYC and beyond. Through the height of the pandemic, Dattner Architects’ diverse expertise — spanning transportation, healthcare, housing, education, and more — allowed the firm to be nimble, pivoting to meet client’s changing needs and schedules, never compromising design or quality. Together with our clients and consultants, we found new ways to collaborate and connect. Through this, Dattner Architects was able to continue to deliver the social infrastructure projects for which they are so well-known.
“We are incredibly proud that our staff was so resilient, tremendously grateful for our clients, and truly appreciative of the supportive A/E/C community that is working together to get New York City back,” said Kirsten Sibilia, Managing Principal. “We are drawing on the lessons learned during this unprecedented time to continue to improve the way we practice.”
Dattner Architects is pleased to announce that Gia Mainiero AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Assoc. DBIA has been elevated to Principal in recognition of her contributions to the firm and her evolving role in the practice.
A born-and-raised New Yorker, Gia came to Dattner Architects in 2006, captivated by the intricate and interrelated systems that make urban life possible. Her determination to garner a big picture understanding of how things work has led her to manage many of the firm’s infrastructure and transportation projects. Passionate about public architecture, Gia was a core team member for the Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage and Spring Street Salt Shed, and is committed to creating inspiring, sustainable infrastructure for future generations. Her recent clients include NYC Department of Design & Construction, NYC Department of Sanitation, the General Services Administration, and MTA Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority.
"Gia Mainiero’s commitment to the design of essential infrastructure, improving the built environment throughout New York City, and ability to build consensus among project stakeholders make her Dattner Architects’ newest valued partner." — expressed principal Paul Bauer AIA.
In her new role as Principal, Gia will lead the design and management of infrastructure, transportation, and design-build projects at Dattner Architects and continue her role as a mentor within the office.
“I am grateful and honored to join the other principals in leading our community of driven professionals at Dattner Architects. A strong conviction for the value of essential architecture is what drew me to Dattner 15 years ago, and I am thrilled to continue and evolve the firm’s positive impact in sustaining urban life.” — Gia Mainiero AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Assoc. DBIA
The NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) has approved the application for St. James Terrace – a supportive and affordable housing development and community center adjacent to the landmarked St. James Episcopal Church in the Bronx.
The south end of the new residential building incorporates a monumental entrance from Jerome Avenue to the existing church site. The Gothic arches visually connect the double-height passageway to the historic buildings. As you move through the entrance arcade, the arched openings frame oblique and axial views of the "English country church on a hill" before opening on to a new, landscaped courtyard. This outdoor room is proposed as a new cloister or "close" for the church that ties together the new building, the existing Parish House, and the sanctuary. The new building and site design replace a parking lot, creating new ways to view and access the historic buildings while providing much-needed housing and new services to the Fordham community.
Dattner Architects’ Gia Mainiero has been selected as one of PWC’s 40 Under 40 Outstanding Women in Construction. The 40 recipients are a diverse group of women with every chapter of PWC represented.
“I am truly grateful to be recognized with this group of incredible women, representing interdisciplinary leadership and collaboration throughout our industry!" – Gia Mainiero, Associate Principal
An Associate Principal at Dattner Architects, Gia is the Director of the Transportation and Infrastructure studio where she is responsible for the studio culture, staffing, design, and management of a variety of infrastructure and building projects in the public realm. She plays a key role on public agency contracts with the NYC Department of Design & Construction, NYC Department of Sanitation, and has made significant contributions to the design of projects for the GSA, Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, and the Battery Park City Authority.
The 2020 40 Under 40 Class will be recognized during PWC’s 40th Anniversary Celebration on December 10.
CURBED recently covered the energy-efficiency report cards for 50 of New York's most recognizable buildings. Ranked according to the U.S. Energy Star Score, topping the list is Via Verde with a score of 96 – giving it an A.
Using standard, cost-effective structural systems and a prefabricated, high-performance rain screen, Via Verde was able to achieve lofty goals within its strict budget. Its 66-kW building-integrated photovoltaic system, onsite cogeneration, green roof, community vegetable gardens, green interior finishes, rainwater harvesting, and drought tolerant vegetation helped the complex achieve LEED NC Gold certification.
A model for affordable, sustainable residential developments, Via Verde reflects the City's public commitment to creating the next generation of social housing.
To protect the safety of the community, OHNY Weekend—an annual, citywide celebration of architecture—went virtual this year, offering everyone an opportunity to learn more about New York City's built environment and the important architectural works fundamental to civic life. As a longtime supporter of OHNY, we are always excited and proud to participate every year—and this year was no exception. On October 17 and 18, OHNY Weekenders were given access to more than 150 ways to explore and experience the city.
Here is a quick sneak peek:
[video width="854" height="480" mp4="https://www.dattner.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Teaser_2.mp4"][/video]
Re-live the unique experience with tours of the East 91st Street Marine Transfer Station and the award-winning Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage and Spring Street Salt Shed.
A collaboration between the Urban Design Forum and Van Alen Institute, Neighborhoods Now connects leading design firms with neighborhoods hard-hit by COVID-19 – working together to develop safe and effective reopening strategies. Dattner Architects partnered with MBB and community partner, University Neighborhood Housing Program (UNHP), a non-profit organization working to create, preserve, and finance affordable housing in the Northwest Bronx.
Two priorities for UNHP included:
Updating UNHP’s main office located at 2751 Grand Concourse for core employees to safely return to work
Update community rooms at UNHP’s senior housing facilities for safe social gathering
Utilizing a phased approach and a menu of implementation strategies, the Dattner/MBB/UNHP team reconfigured UNHP’s main office to accommodate for social distancing. Programming elements include reducing the number of workstations in each room, implementing a COVID-19 check-in station, and installing plexiglass partitions and air purifiers. The team will also provide the Rose Hill Community Center with a cost-friendly outdoor module planter system to encourage tenants to gather safely outside their apartments.
To learn more, please join us on October 7 as we take part in a virtual public forum to discuss our work with the Neighborhoods Now initiative and reflect on how collaborative design can inform neighborhood recovery strategies.
“As the founding partner, I come to the office just about every day to work with a diverse staff from around the world and see the incredible variety of projects coming through our office.” – Richard Dattner
Dattner Architects’ Founding Principal Richard Dattner is featured in an alumni profile by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)’s world-renowned, independent media company, MIT Technology Review. Richard speaks with Julie Fox about how MIT influenced his interest in large-scale infrastructure, the humble beginnings of Dattner Architects, the birth of PlayCubes, and more.
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. Dattner Architects’ first year participating in Day of Service was a great success thanks to a tremendous group effort by the Dattner and Services for the UnderServed (S:US) team.
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. Their thriving Urban Farms program provides therapeutic horticulture, nutritional programming, and employment opportunities to the individuals they serve – through workshops, field experiences, and their network of community farms and garden spaces.
We partnered with S:US to make a series of improvements to their urban garden at the Marcy Hart residences in Brooklyn, NY. This garden is home to everything from beehives to a rice pond along with a wide array of garden beds and native plants.
Held on site on August 15, 2020, our goal was to help S:US realize a portion of their master plan for the Marcy Hart space. We are proud to say that we were able to rebuild raised garden beds, install new fencing, update patios and planting areas, and add our own bench/planter modules.
We are grateful that we were able to make such positive impacts for the Marcy Hart Farm and the many people who depend on and use this space! Thank you to everyone who donated their creativity, their labor, and funds.
“Beyond just being able to harvest their own fruits and vegetables, the Marcy Hart backyard is a little green oasis for the residents. You made it even more so." – Minjung Park, Volunteer & Community Relations Manager, Services for the UnderServed (S:US)
“Dattner Architects partnership with S:US for our first year participating in the AIANY Day of Service was a successful, tremendous group effort. Coming together as a community to help others during this time of crisis was particularly meaningful.” Emily Trulson, Day of Service Leader, Dattner Architects
Be sure to join us on September 15 as we discuss the Marcy Hart project, including the collaborative process of design, material procurement, and implementation during AIA New York’s Day of Service: 2020 Program Highlights live webinar.
Dattner Architects is proud to be a part of the Steiner Studios team that has been selected to design and develop a new 500,000 square foot film and television production facility. Located at Bush Terminal’s Made in New York Campus in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, the new hub will mark the first expansion beyond Steiner’s Brooklyn Navy Yard media campus – which currently houses the largest and preeminent film and TV lot outside of Hollywood.
The new Steiner Studios complex will include eight soundstages, the gut renovation of two buildings for additional production support space, and a new parking structure. The project is estimated to create at least 1,800 construction jobs and 2,200 full-time jobs and will include several local workforce-development programs for high school students, summer internships, and funding for non-profit organizations supporting gender equity, diversity, and inclusion in the NYC film and TV industry.
As our longtime client, we are thrilled to continue our relationship with Steiner Studios and Steiner NYC. We look forward to designing spaces that help contribute to the growth of the City’s creative industry.
“…we as architects must envision a new normal.”
– Jeff Dugan AIA
Public mass transportation is the arterial system of New York City. It connects us to the robust built environment where we live, work, and play. However, the global COVID-19 pandemic has put a strain on this very system. Safe and reliable transportation is key to re-establishing normalcy. But what does that look like? What are the challenges moving forward? What must we, as architects, do to create a safe space and environment for our citizens?
Dattner Architects’ Principal Jeff Dugan AIA addresses these issues and more in his Op-Ed in the Summer Issue of Oculus Magazine. As our firm’s transportation design leader and Co-Chair of AIA New York’s Transportation + Infrastructure Committee, Jeff uses his vast experience and expertise to reimagine what mass transportation in cities looks like in a post-COVID future.
“In this moment of great uncertainty, architects have a unique opportunity to provide a global model for mass transportation in a post-pandemic New York City.”
Dattner Architects is pleased to announce that East New York Health Hub is the recipient of a 2020 AIA New York State Excelsior Honor Award. This prestigious award recognizes design excellence, user impact, and overall performance within the context of a publicly funded project.
Located in Brooklyn’s East New York neighborhood, the addition to and transformation of this turn-of-the-century structure allows a growing non-profit to provide essential healthcare and social services in an underserved neighborhood.
The addition and gut renovation expanded existing operations on site from 9,000 to 45,000 square feet, allowing the Institute for Community Living (ICL) to create a one-stop-shop community health facility for mental and physical wellbeing. The design approach creates synergy between programs by consolidating ICL’s extensive existing outreach, mental health service, and family support into one facility and co-locating a new health center operated by non-profit partner Community Healthcare Network.
The architecture of East New York Health Hub encourages physical and mental healing through visual connections to both nature and the community. Garden and terrace spaces, framed views, and access to light and air reinforce the link to the surrounding environment, while framing activities to engage the street and support the relationship with the community.
As part of the development team led by Bayfront Development Partners (a joint venture of Pennrose and Omni America), Dattner Architects has been selected to design two sites – part of the first phase of the 100-acre Bayfront redevelopment in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Phase one of the development includes 16 acres, four parcels, and a total of 1,092 units of multi-family housing. The Pennrose/Omni/Dattner team will design 540 units, 189 of which will be affordable housing.
“Featuring green design, top-notch amenities, and ample outdoor and community spaces, the plans for the Bayfront development will have long-term, positive impacts on the entire neighborhood.” – Jacob Fisher, Regional Vice President at Pennrose
Located on a former brownfield site on the Hackensack River, the Bayfront Redevelopment project will transform the once contaminated site into a vibrant mixed-use, mixed-income community. When completed, the project is expected to bring 8,000 units to the city’s west side. It is the largest development project in Jersey City since the Newport community helped transform the Hudson River waterfront into a complex of commercial and residential buildings.
The NYC Department of Design and Construction (NYC DDC) started 2020 with an exhibit at the Center for Architecture – Public Works: Reflecting on 15 Years of Project Excellence for New York City. Dattner Architects is honored to have the 116th Precinct, Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage, and Spring Street Salt Shed featured in the Public Works exhibit, which is on display till April 4, 2020.
Situated between an active Long Island Railroad (LIRR) raised railway and a residential neighborhood, the new 116th Precinct Station will serve as a mediator between these contrasting urban scales. A key site strategy was to locate the building along the street and place parking behind, shielding it from public view. This gives the police station a presence along the street and protects the character of the residential streetscape and sidewalk from vehicular activity. Designed to encourage community awareness, interaction, and engagement with the NYPD 116th Precinct team, a new public plaza will include public seating and bike racks, and connects the neighborhood to the LIRR Rosedale station entrance. A new community room anchors the corner of the station and serves as a prime programmatic element of the plaza.
Overlooking the Hudson River at the corner of Spring Street and West Street, the Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage houses three district garages for the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY). The garage accommodates over 150 sanitation vehicles including trucks, frontend loaders, salt spreaders, heavy-equipment wreckers, and personnel vehicles; separate vehicle wash and personnel facilities for each district; and centralized fueling and repair facilities. The double-skin façade wraps the curtain wall with 2,600 custom, perforated, metal fins, vertically articulating and lighting the building’s massing. An extensive 1.5 acre green roof softens views from neighboring buildings, protects the roof membrane, and enhances storm water retention and thermal performance. A benchmark project for NYC’s Active Design program, the garage has achieved LEED Gold certification.
Directly across Spring Street to the north, the Salt Shed’s crystalline, faceted planes enliven this highly visible structure, acting as a counterpoint to the diaphanous, scrim-like façade of the Garage. The cast-in-place concrete structure tapers toward the bottom—creating more pedestrian space—and rises from a glazed moat that is illuminated at night. Rising nearly 70 feet, the shed houses 5,000 tons of salt and creates an iconic landmark at this important intersection. Within the year of opening, the Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage & Salt Shed have become a source of neighborhood pride. The garage and salt shed were designed in association with WXY Architecture + Urban Design.
Dattner Architects is a proud partner and supporter of NYC DDC, an agency delivering high-quality public projects that contribute to a thriving and resilient city for all New Yorkers.
How does an Ivy League university plan and design pivotal campus facilities to meet current and future needs of its users in a rapidly changing educational landscape? What strategies are used to design a campus that fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration and integrates seamlessly into the fabric of the local community?
On March 10, Dattner Architects’ Catherine Selby and Columbia University’s Denise Ferris will discuss many of these issues and more at The Society for College & University Planning (SCUP) North Atlantic Regional Conference in New Haven, CT.
Title: Inclusive & Pivotal: University Buildings Designed to Serve the Community
Date/Time: 3/10/2020 at 8:30-9:30am
Location: Omni New Haven at Yale, Temple
Conference attendees will learn how the partnership between Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW), Dattner Architects, and Columbia University created the Forum – the gateway to Columbia University’s Manhattanville Campus. This multipurpose facility features a state-of-the-art 437-seat auditorium to host academic conferences, meetings, and symposia. Additional meeting rooms, offices, and open gathering spaces provide generous shared meeting space. A highly visible and iconic component of the new campus, this academic conference center is designed to encourage thought-leaders and scholars from across the university and the world to come together to share ideas. The Forum’s ground floor flexible spaces establish an “Urban Layer,” further opening the facility spaces to the local community, establishing an important connection to both the neighborhood and city. Dattner Architects served as Executive Architect to RPBW.
SCUP unites the best of college, university, and professional planners. Creating a range of learning opportunities, from publications to SCUP conferences, SCUP offers its members a community to share perspectives, resources, best practices, and new ideas that move challenges to solutions.
How does good design factor into the production of housing developments? What non-traditional forms of housing can be created to meet the nuanced needs of a community? What are the City’s housing goals, and can the City create interim milestones to help show progress?
Affordable housing is a critical focus for New York City and our firm, and we are engaged in this urgent effort to meet the housing crisis in several ways: active participation on zoning and code committees; large scale rezoning efforts on behalf of our clients; and creating new neighborhoods.
On March 4, Dattner Architects’ Associate Principal Rachel Ehrlich discussed these topics and more on the Combating the Affordable Housing Crisis panel at New York Build’s Residential and Future Construction Summit. Moderated by Frank Mahan (Associate Director – Skidmore, Owings & Merrill), Rachel was joined by Ariel Aufgang (Principal – Aufgang Architects), Isaac-Daniel Astrachan (Principal – Stephen B. Jacobs Group), and Raquel Vazquez (Director of Housing Development – Joy Construction Corp).
New York Build Expo is the leading and largest free-to-attend construction and design show for New York and the Tri-State area. Held at the Javits Center, the expo brings together thousands of professionals from the AEC and real estate industries for panels, exhibits, workshops, and networking opportunities.
