Dual towers designed by SHoP create new affordable housing in NYC

With the construction of Hunters Point South, New York City will get its first large new housing development for middle-class families in more than 30 years. Related Companies is partnering with the nonprofit Phipps Houses in the project, designed by SHoP Architects with Ismael Leyva Architects. The initial phase has broken ground on the Queens waterfront, and will consist of two towers encompassing 925 affordable-housing units, plus 17,000 of retail space, a 1,100-seat school, and a five-acre park. The $332 million Phase 1 project may start accepting residents as soon as next year.

The two towers, featuring complementary but not identical designs, will stand 37 and 35 stories tall and will feature views of the midtown Manhattan skyline. Mechanical systems and other key infrastructure will be situated on upper floors in an effort to avoid flood damage from future storm surges. A concrete base faces the anticipated floodplain, and entrances can accommodate flood gates if necessary. LEED Silver is anticipated.

RFPs for the next phase of the project will be issued in April, calling for another 1,000 units and 28,000 sf of retail. The complete development is projected to contain 5,000 housing units on a 30-acre site.

(http://blog.archpaper.com/wordpress/archives/56057)

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