We renovated the Emerson, a former trade school, and the Old School, a turn-of-the-century model tenement building, into 86 new affordable studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments. The buildings now share a grand entryway and a two-story light-filled lobby, as well as indoor and outdoor community space.

A new steel and glass system encloses the original open air stairs of the Emerson, maintaining the design intent while providing shelter for the new residents. The metal-clad top floor of the two new stories on the Old School is visually differentiated from the original brick façade, which we completely rebuilt to replicate the original design. Building restoration work includes new apartment layouts, masonry repair, new wood windows, roofing, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. The new interior finishes are true to the original, including hardwood and ceramic tile floors and wood trim. The project was funded in part by historic grants from the New York State Historic Preservation Office.

Client: Clinton Housing Development Company

Agency: NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD)

Structural: Silman

MEP: Abraham Joselow P.C., P.E.

Historical Consultant: Higgins Quasebarth & Partners

General Contractor: Mega Contracting Group

Photographer: T. Ligamari

Awards:
2009, Preservation League of New York State, Excellence in Historic Preservation Award

New York Construction Magazine, Preservation Merit Award