The original building, located at 50 Nevins Street, was the Institute of Community Living (ICL)’s first housing program launched when the organization was founded in 1987. It provided transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness and mental health concerns. The historic building, designed by famed Brooklyn architect Frank Freeman, opened in 1913 as a YWCA for 225 single women.

Nevins Street Apartments has undergone various interior and exterior alterations while maintaining its meaningful purpose. An extensive portion of the building was shaved off to enlarge Schermerhorn Street and make way for the subway line in the early 1930’s. That adjustment resulted in an imbalance to the massing of the YWCA’s very symmetrical Colonial Revival Style. We were mindful of the building’s evolution when we developed what is clearly an asymmetrical design. Our design interventions ascribe value to the existing building and help restore the balance it had lost, while aiming to improve the lives of both residents and the local community.

The building is served by a common entry and lobby with shared facilities on the ground floor, including a pantry, art gallery, medical room, mail room, and community/recreation room. ICL’s support and office spaces are located on the cellar and the ground floors. The building complies with Enterprise Green Communities Program energy and sustainability requirements.