True Colors Bronx (TCBx) is the second housing development from the True Colors Foundation and the West End Residences, furthering the mission of providing supportive housing for formerly homeless LGBT youth in all five New York City boroughs. True Colors Bronx provides independent permanent housing to formerly homeless LGBT youths, many of whom are supporting themselves for the first time. We created a design that ties into the context of the adjacent 1920s apartment buildings to the north and south, setting the base of TCBx to follow the line of the street while the upper floors set back in a rhythm similar to the building to the south. The brick pattern is a modern version of the expressive detailing throughout the neighborhood, including a masonry screen, accent color brick corners, and projecting bands of brick throughout the upper floors.

Located adjacent to the elevated 4 train and off Jerome Avenue, TCBx’s upper floors feature both dynamic and passive views. We designed the rear yard with a variety of scale of spaces for a broad range of activities. We also salvaged large boulders discovered in the construction phase and sited them throughout the landscape to provide natural lounging or climbing elements.

We incorporated group activity space, a library, support spaces, and offices on the lower two floors, and 30 efficiency apartment units on the upper floors. Each unit has a full bathroom and kitchenette, and all residents pay rent and are responsible for utilities.

Client: West End Residences

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

Housing Consultant: Joseph Biber

Owner’s Representative: Artemis Development

Structural: Silman

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

Landscape: Billie Cohen, Ltd.

Energy: Steven Winter Associates

Civil: Michael Wein P.E.

General Contractor: DP Group

Awards:
Brick Industry Association – Silver Brick in Architecture Award, 2016
Boston Society of Architects | Housing Design Award, 2012
Society of American Registered Architects | Design Award, 2012
Residence of the Year | Supportive Housing Network of New York, 2012