NYCHA Design Workshop Report Summaries
Photo by Michael Parkinson
Maya Shamir
mayashamir@utexas.edu
+1.512.632.7122
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-shamir-
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Photo by Michael Parkinson
mayashamir@utexas.edu
+1.512.632.7122
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-shamir-
June 23, 2022
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Eastchester Community Center
3016 Yates Ave
Bronx, NY 10469
Attendance: 58 Residents
Eastchester Gardens is a New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) campus in the Bronx designated as a Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) site. Developments selected to be a part of the PACT program will receive much needed renovations, professional property management, and enhanced on-site social services.
A major component of the PACT process involves gathering resident feedback on existing campus conditions and desired upgrades. This document includes a summary of priorities, ideas, challenges, and opportunities, as identified by residents, that should inform plans for improvements to Eastchester Gardens as facilitated by the PACT program. This feedback was solicited as a part of facilitated exercises and discussions designed to surface ideas and visions for the Eastchester campus, buildings, and homes.
Completion Date: 1950
Units: 877
Population: 1,965
Residential Buildings: 10
Gross Floor Area: 881,200 sq ft
20 Year Physical Needs Analysis Total: $224,840,294
5 Year Physical Needs Analysis Total: $159,600,000
In the first activity, residents were instructed to place dot stickers over areas of the campus and buildings that were particularly well liked (green), concerning (red) and top priorities for transformation (blue).
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Inadequate lighting, campus entry by non-residents, scooter or motorcycle use, and poor visibility in parking lots and walking paths cause safety concerns for residents
Renovation and maintenance are required to improve programming for the recreational and community spaces on campus
Flooding occurs after rain in the east side of the campus around the buildings and in the playground
Unsanitary site conditions are caused by improper waste disposal, often dog waste
Results Compiled From All Tables
Map Legend:
Green Dot: Well Liked or Area of Opportunity
Red Dot: Area of Concern
Blue Dot: Top Priorities for Transformation
The second activity asked residents and facilitators to work together and envision improvements to the site and grounds of their campus. Using the same map, facilitators used markers to sketch solutions to some of the areas of concern and opportunity identified in the first activity.
Residents are interested in additional and varied outdoor multi-generational programming alongside shaded seating areas at the main center lawn and senior center
Playground equipment and flooring needs updating across all playgrounds
Lighting, limiting vehicle access, and a fitness track will improve the pedestrian experience
A designated dog run on campus could help to limit the amount of mess left on pathways
Varied landscaping, including flower gardens and a bioswale would make the campus more beautiful and can mitigate flooding around the east area of campus
The third and last activity asked residents and facilitators to work together to envision improvements to the building common spaces and apartment interiors. Using the categories listed on the worksheets as a guide, residents and facilitators sketched solutions to address areas of concern and opportunity on the plan.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
There is a lack of safety at the building entries due to unlocked doors and inadequate lighting
Building services and equipment are outdated and deteriorated, including but not limited to: elevators, mail, windows, and appliances
Building common spaces are often unclean and unsafe
The basement and roof are an opportunity for additional services and programming
Suggested Resident Improvements Compiled From All Tables
Results Compiled From All Tables
3. Updated Elevators and Stairs
4. New AC Equipment
2. Mail and Package Lockers
5. Apartment Improvements
Enhanced Main Site Access Gateways and Establish Hierarchy of Pathways to create more welcoming connections and improved wayfinding.
Implement a Driveway and Resident Parking to Improve Campus Accessibility with a shared slow street and vehicle pickup and dropoff area.
Control Flooding Threats with a Resilient Landscape through alterations in grade that direct water to a central flood catchment zone at the existing topographical low point and interspersed bioswales.
Provide an Intergenerational Recreational Resource for the Neighborhood by activating the central spine with a recreational track that envelopes three intergenerational activity areas.
Improve Relationship to NYC Parks’ Eastchester Playground by removing unnecessary layers of fencing.
enhance much needed natural light and additional
accommodate
delivery
Expand Outdoor Front Patio with ramps for accessible entry encourages neighbor interaction, and provides a recreational space that keeps eyes on the front entry of each building.
New Compliant Elevators to replace existing, with new equipment sized to accommodate a compliant cab fit for an emergency medical service stretcher.
1
Improved Corridors with updated finishes and improved lighting fixtures will transform the hallways on all levels from cold and dark to warm and inviting.
Expanded Trash Chute in Former Fresh Air Vent allows for a larger chute door and a secondary chute for recyclables.
New Stair Cores will improve resident safety.
New Fresh Air Vents in the interstitial space in between the turning radius of the egress stair, enabling three new fresh air vents can be installed on each floor for improved ventilation.
Existing Typical Apartment Conditions
Diagram Legend:
Proposed Typical Apartment Conditions
Install a New Overclad Insulation and Cladding System and Expand Windows to add much needed insulation and ventilation to the building and redefine the campus identity.
Upgrade Bathrooms and Plumbing Pipes within the depth of the overclad. Existing plumbing chases and pipes are re-purposed as fresh air vents. Fresh fixtures and finishes on the walls and floors of the bathroom provide them a clean and updated aesthetic.
Update Kitchens and Open Floorplans by eliminating partition walls between the kitchen and living rooms of each unit to create a larger and lighter living space. An eat-in kitchen island is a multifunctional element that can add much needed storage and working surface.
Install Additional Lights and Warm Finishes in natural materials and textures to make apartments appear warmer and more inviting.
May 25, 2022
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Polo Grounds Community Center
3005 Frederick Douglass Blvd
New York, NY 10039
Attendance: 58 Residents
The Rangel Houses is a New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) campus in Upper Manhattan designated as a Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) site. Developments selected to be a part of the PACT program will receive much needed renovations, professional property management, and enhanced on-site social services.
A major component of the PACT process involves gathering resident feedback on existing campus conditions and desired upgrades. This document includes a summary of priorities, ideas, challenges, and opportunities, as identified by residents, that should inform plans for improvements to Rangel Houses as facilitated by the PACT program. This feedback was solicited as a part of facilitated exercises and discussions designed to surface ideas and visions for the Rangel campus, buildings, and homes.
Completion Date: 1951
Units: 984
Population: 2,120
Residential Buildings: 8
Gross Floor Area: 810,090 sq ft
Physical Needs Analysis Total:
$150,388,362
In the first activity, residents were instructed to place dot stickers over areas of the campus and buildings that were particularly well liked (green), concerning (red) and top priorities for transformation (blue).
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Construction, poor lighting, and traffic cause safety concerns for residents, particularly at the site entry
Although maintenance is required, the amount of recreational space on campus is an opportunity for improved programming
Flooding occurs after heavy rain at the southeast corner of the site near the pharmacy
There is a lack of parking around the site, and cars often park illegally, creating congestion
Unsanitary site conditions, caused by dogs and improper waste disposal, attract pests
Example of a completed Activity 1 Map Example of a completed Activity 1 Map
Results Compiled From All Tables
Map Legend:
Green Dot: Well Liked or Area of Opportunity
Red Dot: Area of Concern
Blue Dot: Top Priorities for Transformation
The second activity asked residents and facilitators to work together and envision improvements to the site and grounds of their campus. Using the same map, facilitators used markers to sketch solutions to some of the areas of concern and opportunity identified in the first activity.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Residents are interested in additional and varied outdoor multi-generational programming alongside shaded seating areas to cool down in the summer months at the main center lawn
Recreational equipment needs updating across all playgrounds
An improvement to the pedestrian experience around the site entry is needed and would impact how the campus is perceived from the outside
A designated dog run on campus could help to keep residents safe and limit the amount of mess left on pathways
Varied landscaping, including flower gardens, would make the campus more beautiful and can help to mitigate flooding around the southeast area of campus
Example of a completed Activity 2 Map Example of a completed Activity 2 Map
The third and last activity asked residents and facilitators to work together to envision improvements to the building common spaces and apartment interiors. Using the categories listed on the worksheets as a guide, residents and facilitators sketched solutions to address areas of concern and opportunity on the plan.
There is a lack of safety at the building entries due to broken and unlocked doors, poor visibility, and inadequate lighting
Building services and equipment are outdated and deteriorated, including but not limited to: elevators, plumbing, laundry, and appliances
There is a lack of organized and clean space in building common areas due to undersized mailboxes and trash chutes
There is an opportunity for outdoor building common spaces
Suggested Resident Improvements Compiled From All Tables
Map Legend: Building Laundry Room
1 Upgraded Door with Security System Mail and Package Lockers Updated Elevators
3 2 4 5 6
Apartment Improvements Shaded Back Patio
Results Compiled From All Tables
Map Legend:
1
Enhance Main Site Access Gateway and Establish Hierarchy of Pathways to clearly define limits of campus, improve accessibility, and create more welcoming connections from the south.
Beautify the Ring Road and Consolidate Parking to free the front of the site from vehicles in exchange for a large programmed outdoor community space.
Protect Against Flooding Threats with a recreational resiliency park at the vulnerable front of the site.
Multigenerational Activity Zones consolidate the recreational spaces around the central lawn and fitness track for separate, but adjacent, areas for resident families to gather, play, and exercise.
Interspersed Low-Maintenance Plantings improve campus aesthetics and stormwater absorption.
Map Legend:
1 A Lobby Expansion marks a clear front entrance with added glazing and doors for increased daylighting and natural ventilation. Spaces formerly occupied by kitchens in the two apartments nearest the entry, which have been relocated and reclaimed as part of the expansion, become a space for a waste collection room and mail and package area.
Front Patios are expanded to create highly visible entry areas that feel safe to occupy. Exterior ramps from the main campus pathway allow for residents to enter the lobby at-grade, improving accessibility. New Compliant Elevators are relocated and sized to fit an emergency medical service stretcher cab.
Map Legend:
1 New Laundry and Lounge Spaces on the second floor allow for a row of washers and dryers within each building, making laundry convenient and providing a space for neighbors to congregate indoors.
Improved Corridors with updated finishes and improved lighting fixtures will transform the hallways on all levels from cold and dark to warm and inviting.
3
New Trash Rooms and Chutes on every floor improve waste infrastructure for contemporary-sized bags for separate waste streams.
4 Expanded Air Vents in the former trash chutes of every floor keep hallways fresh and well-ventilated.
Cold, Hard Finishes Throughout
Map Legend:
1 Install a New Overclad Insulation and Cladding System to add much needed insulation to the building and redefine the identity of the campus
Replace Windows Throughout to provide better ventilation and insulation to units
3
Upgrade Plumbing and HVAC Systems with new pipes to eliminate persistent flooding and mold issues in apartment interiors. Integrating ductless HVAC units will provide added comfort during extreme weather
Open Floorplans by eliminating partition walls between the kitchen and living rooms of each unit to create a larger and lighter living space. An eat-in kitchen island is a multifunctional element that can add much needed storage and working surface
Install Additional Lights and Warm Finishes in natural materials and textures to make apartments appear warmer and more inviting
April 28, 2022
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Manhattanville Community Center
530 W. 133rd Street
New York, NY 10027
Attendance: 72 Residents
The
Houses is a New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) campus in Upper Manhattan designated as a Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) site. Developments selected to be a part of the PACT program will receive much needed renovations, professional property management, and enhanced on-site social services.
A major component of the PACT process involves gathering resident feedback on existing campus conditions and desired upgrades. This document includes a summary of priorities, ideas, challenges, and opportunities, as identified by residents, that should inform plans for improvements to Manhattanville Houses as facilitated by the PACT program. This feedback was solicited as a part of facilitated exercises and discussions designed to surface ideas and visions for the Manhattanville campus, buildings, and homes.
Manhattanville
Completion Date: 1961
Units: 1,271
Population: 2,893
Residential Buildings: 6
Gross Floor Area: 538,367 SF
Lot Acreage: 12.36
Floor-Area Ratio (FAR): 2.414
Physical Needs Analysis Total: $280,597,320
In the first activity, residents were instructed to place dot stickers over areas of the campus and buildings that were particularly well liked (green), concerning (red) and top priorities for transformation (blue).
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
The community center is a valuable resource for socializing and special events
Although maintenance is required, the amount of recreational spaces on campus is an opportunity for improved programming
New commercial uses in the area provide an opportunity for outward connections
There is a lack of safety on campus, specifically due to poor lighting conditions, unmaintained recreation areas, and broken lock systems
Rodent infestations around overflowing trash compactors and the vacant (former grocery store lot) create unsanitary site conditions
Results Compiled From All Tables
Map Legend:
Green Dot: Well Liked or Area of Opportunity
Red Dot: Area of Concern
Blue Dot: Top Priorities for Transformation
The second activity asked residents and facilitators to work together and envision improvements to the site and grounds of their campus. Using the same map, facilitators used markers to sketch solutions to some of the areas of concern and opportunity identified in the first activity.
Residents are interested in additional and varied outdoor multi-generational programming alongside shaded seating areas to cool down in the summer months
Playground equipment should be designed for a larger range of ages and abilities
Improvements to security should include lighting upgrades throughout campus, specifically at all paths, building entries, and around recreation areas
A designated dog run on campus could help to keep residents safe and limit the amount of mess left on pathways
Varied landscaping, including flower gardens, would make the campus more beautiful
The third and last activity asked residents and facilitators to work together to envision improvements to the building common spaces and apartment interiors. Using the categories listed on the worksheets as a guide, residents and facilitators sketched solutions to address areas of concern and opportunity on the plan.
There is an extreme lack of safety within the buildings, specifically due to the lack of lighting and security at building entrances, and the improper use of shared terraces on each floor
Building services and equipment are outdated and deteriorated, including but not limited to: elevators, plumbing, laundry, and appliances,
There is a lack of organized and clean space in building common areas due to undersized mailboxes and trash chutes
The underutilized multi-purpose rooms at the back of each building ground level are opportunities for expanded building amenities and social programming
Suggested Resident Improvements Compiled From All Tables
Map Legend: Building Laundry Room
Upgraded Door with Security System
Mail and Package Lockers
On-Site Door-person Security
Updated Elevators
Outdoor Furniture
Results Compiled From All Tables
Map Legend:
1 Site Entry Courts clearly define limits of campus and create welcoming neighborhood connections.
Wide Pedestrian Boulevards link site entry courts, and provide safe circulation paths for residents.
Central Ball Court improvements revitalize an existing asset that brings neighbor children together.
Multi-generational Fitness Track provides active outdoor programming opportunities for adults and seniors.
Secondary Park Programming is added to activate former fenced lawn to maximize use of open space.
Meadow Gardens are added to outward facing lawns to further define entries and absorb stormwater
Map Legend:
A Lobby Expansion marks a clear front entrance with added glazing and doors for increased daylighting and natural ventilation. Unnecessary partition walls are removed for a front desk, and the underutilized space at the back is divided into a mail and package area, a laundry room, and a flexible tenant activity room.
Back Entrance Patios are expanded to create highly visible entry areas that feel safe to occupy. New Compliant Elevators are relocated and sized to fit an emergency medical service stretcher cab.
Map Legend:
1 Updated Corridors bring new finishes and improved lighting fixtures to all floors. Improved Shared Balconies are given multiple entry points to increase ventilation into corridors and elevator waiting areas. Fixed furniture creates useful semi-outdoor space for neighbors to socialize.
3
New Trash Rooms are relocated to the former elevator shafts, with expanded chutes for both trash and recycling that land on the cellar level for easy removal.
Install a New Overclad Insulation and Cladding System to add much needed insulation to the building and redefine the identity of the campus
Replace Windows Throughout to provide better ventilation and insulation to units
Upgrade Plumbing and HVAC Systems with new pipes to eliminate persistent flooding and mold issues in apartment interiors. Integrating ductless HVAC units will provide added comfort during extreme weather
Open Floorplans by eliminating partition walls between the kitchen and living rooms of each unit to create a larger and lighter living space. An eat-in kitchen island is a multifunctional element that can add much needed storage and working surface
Install Additional Lights and Warm Finishes in natural materials and textures to make apartments appear warmer and more inviting