All Work

Harlem River Houses and Harlem River II

New York, NY

A comprehensive renewal creates a sustainable future for the landmarked Harlem River Houses, New York City’s first purpose-built public housing development, while preserving its historic character. Completed in 1937 by the Housing Division of the Public Works Administration as part of the New Deal, its construction was funded by the federal government to provide quality public housing for working-class African Americans. The historic design features seven four- and five-story meandering red-brick buildings grouped around large courtyards with wide Belgian-block walkways, sunken playgrounds, and integrates public art. The interior and exterior restoration and comprehensive renovation of the seven Harlem River Houses buildings and Harlem River II, an adjacent 15-story 1960s tower, preserves and enhances critical affordable residences.

Renovating and modernizing what the architectural critic at the time, Lewis Mumford, referred to as having “the equipment for decent living that every modern neighborhood needs: sunlight, air, safety, play space, meeting space, and living space,” the work involves renovating existing and creating new amenities for the Harlem River Houses community, including social services, tenant association and management spaces. The spacious grounds, central courtyard and fountain, outdoor amphitheater, playgrounds and landscaping have been restored and enhanced, bringing community play back to the heart of the campus. Historic statuary is being repaired and new murals created in collaboration with residents where historic frescoes were lost over time.

Retail storefronts and signage are renewed to complement the historic design. Along with upgrades to common areas, all 693 residential units have new finishes, fixtures, appliances, lighting, and high-efficiency domestic hot water and HVAC systems. The brick and concrete masonry of the façades was repaired, and site lighting replaced to correspond with historic fixtures. Non-historic double-hung windows were replaced with new energy efficient casement windows, matching the configuration of the historic steel casement windows. At the ’60s tower, a new exterior insulation finish system (EIFS) provides a modernized counterpart to the historically restored ’30s buildings.

• Size: 8 Acres, 8 Buildings
• Client: Settlement Housing Fund, Inc.
• Photographer: Alexander Severin
• Award: Lucy G. Moses Preservation Awards, 2025