All Work

Castle III

New York, NY

Castle III brings a new dimension to supportive housing in East Harlem, uniting contextual architecture, restorative spaces, and environmental innovation in a building designed to foster dignity, connection, and opportunity. Developed in collaboration with and for The Fortune Society, this 15-story, 82-unit residence builds on C+GA’s commitment to creating environments that support both affordability for the community and successful reentry for individuals transitioning from incarceration, while contributing to the vitality of the surrounding neighborhood.

Drawing inspiration from East Harlem’s architectural diversity, the building reinterprets traditional masonry through a contemporary lens. Articulated piers and grouped windows give the south-facing façade depth and texture. At street level, a landscaped courtyard, generous awning, and carefully considered planting create an inviting threshold between the neighborhood and the residential community.

The design extends well beyond the building envelope. A landscaped rear garden brings together spaces for gardening, exercise, and gathering, offering residents opportunities for recreation and connection. Skylights integrated into the landscape introduce natural light to the lower-level support spaces, while a community room and teaching kitchen encourage shared experiences and a sense of belonging.

Environmental performance is equally integral to the architectural vision. Designed to meet Passive House standards, Castle III is an all-electric, low-carbon building that combines a high-performance envelope, efficient mechanical systems, and carefully selected materials to reduce energy demand and enhance indoor comfort. Crowning the building, a distinctive solar pergola generates renewable energy while giving the roofline a defining architectural identity.

Castle III demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform supportive housing into a vibrant residential community, where architecture, sustainability, and human experience come together to create lasting value for residents and the neighborhood.

• Size: 68,340 SF
• Client: The Fortune Society
• Photographer: Alexander Severin