We designed True Colors Residence in Central Harlem, the first housing facility in New York City to offer dynamic and much-needed permanent living space for formerly homeless LGBT youth. The six-story building hosts 30 studio apartments, ideal for residents to learn independent living. A lounge, kitchen, library, administrative offices, and meeting room will provide numerous gathering places for residents to socialize as well as to receive support services. Our budget-conscious design uses texture and color to enliven the building. Warm red brick accents the façade and glazed CMU units visually separate the public shared spaces from the private residential area. The façade gives way to large openings that optimize daylighting in each apartment.

Client: Homeward NYC.
Agency: NYC HPD.
Program: Residential (supportive housing).
Size: 25,000 SF, 6 stories.
Team: Structural: Dunne & Markis Consulting Structural Engineers. Mechanical: Abraham Joselow, P.E. Landscape: Billie Cohen, Ltd. Energy: Association for Energy Affordability. Civil: Mike Wein, P.E. General Contractor: C&A General Contracting Corporation.
Photography: David Sundberg / ESTO. T. Ligamari.
Awards: Residence of the Year | Supportive Housing Network of New York, 2012. SARA | Design Award, 2012. BSA | Housing Design Award, 2012.