A six-acre parcel on the Lower East Side of New York City, vacant since tenements were torn down in 1967, will be the site of the new Essex Crossing mixed-use development. The product of a compromise between Mayor Michael Bloomberg and various interested community groups, the complex will include ~1,000 apartments, giving priority placement to some of the families who lost their homes in the demolition decades ago. Also on tap for the site, which is also known as the Seward Park urban renewal area, are retailing, offices, a movie theater, parks, and a museum showcasing the work of Andy Warhol.
The plan for the area is a joint effort of SHoP Architects and Beyer Blinder Belle. Developers L&M Development, BFC Partners, Taconic Investment Partners, and Grand Street Settlement will pay the city $180 million. The plan calls for half affordable and half market-rate housing units, representing a pullback in the position of some community groups who have long demanded that all housing on the site should be devoted to low-income residents. Concerns about uncontrolled gentrification have been amplified by the construction of the nearby Blue Building, a 17-story high-end condo project built in 2007.
A tentative timeline calls for the first Essex Crossing buildings to be started within 18 months.
(http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/18/nyregion/city-plans-redevelopment-for-vacant-area-in-lower-manhattan.html?pagewanted=all&_r=3&)
Related Stories
| Feb 7, 2012
Shepley Bulfinch opens San Francisco office
This expansion establishes a physical presence that builds on a portfolio of work for institutional clients on the West Coast, dating to the development of the original Stanford University campus in 1891
| Feb 7, 2012
Thornton Tomasetti opens new office in Denver
The firm, which now has 25 offices internationally, opened the new office to better serve current and potential clients in the western Central region and Mountain States.
| Feb 6, 2012
Slight increase in nonres construction spending expected in 2012, growth projected for 2013
Commercial sector expected to lead real estate recovery.
| Feb 6, 2012
FMI releases 2012 Construction Productivity Report
Downsizing has resulted in retaining the most experienced and best-trained personnel who are the most capable of working more efficiently and harder.
| Feb 6, 2012
Kirchhoff-Consigli begins Phase 2 renovations at FDR Presidential Library and Museum
EYP Architecture & Engineering is architect for the $35 million National Archives Administration project.
| Feb 6, 2012
Batson-Cook announces the appointment of Hall as president
Hall will manage and direct all aspects of the firm’s day-to-day operations. He will be based in Batson-Cook’s Atlanta office.
| Feb 6, 2012
Siemens gifts Worcester Polytechnic Institute $100,000 for fire protection lab renovation
Siemens support is earmarked for the school’s Fire Protection Engineering Lab, a facility that has been forwarding engineering and other advanced degrees, graduating fire protection engineers since 1979.
| Feb 2, 2012
Call for Entries: 2012 Building Team Awards. Deadline March 2, 2012
Winning projects will be featured in the May issue of BD+C.
| Feb 2, 2012
VLK Architects selected for new Cypress, Texas elementary school
The Bridgeland Elementary School will be a new prototype school for the District. Designed to meet the requirements of The Collaborative for High Performance Schools.
