Architect: Beyer Blinder Belle
Location: New York
Completion Date: 2024
New York City–based design firm Beyer Blinder Belle (BBB) has completed the Urban Empowerment Center, a new mixed-use development along Harlem’s 125th Street. In addition to retail, office space, and affordable housing, the building will contain the headquarters of the National Urban League (NUL), a historic civil rights organization; and a new Urban Civil Rights Museum.
Office and retail programs are housed in the glazed portion of the building, while the affordable apartment units are located within a brick tower above.
The new Urban Empowerment Center is sited on land owned by Empire State Development (ESD), a public-benefit corporation managed by New York’s State Government. Previously, a parking garage existed on the lot. The ESDC worked with several nonprofit developers to devise a new building that would contribute to the economic development of Harlem.
For over a century, the NUL has fought for the equal rights and empowerment of African Americans. According to the group’s website, this mission is pursued “though education and job training, housing and community development, workforce development, entrepreneurship, health and quality of life.”
Previously, the NUL Headquarters were located in the Manhattan’s Financial District. The move to Harlem marks a homecoming: The organization was originally founded in the neighborhood in 1910.
Across a podium that contains the first 6 stories of the building BBB specified a reflective glass curtain wall.
“One of the reasons why we wanted to have a curtain wall system was because it reflects the neighborhood around it,” said Cassie Walker, partner at BBB. “You can see reflections of the buildings across the street, some of which are much older. You can also see reflections of people moving around on the street—it has a really dynamic look to it,” she added.
On the north-facing elevation of the podium a segment of metal panels were implemented to accommodate a retail tenant’s need for opacity. These metal panels appear in various shades of gray, matching the coloration and appearance of misalignment used on the masonry of the apartment tower above.
Brick was used above the podium to approximate the character of Harlem’s historic residential architecture.
“The whole block from 125th to 126th street is lined with brick townhomes and brownstone style buildings,” added Walker. “We wanted to have a brick that spoke to that, but in a different blend and mix that you wouldn’t see anywhere else.”
Alternating bands of darker brick accent each apartment window. This alternating pattern adds an interesting visual effect, making it appear as if the windows are misaligned when in fact they are completely symmetrical.
In keeping with the National Urban League’s mission, 100 percent of the units in the apartment tower are affordable. Of the 170 apartment units, 30 percent are reserved for individuals transitioning out of foster care. These units are equipped with facilities, community spaces, and groups to aid tenants with the transition to independent living.
Project Specifications
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- Architect: Beyer Blinder Belle
- Client: BRP Companies, L+M Development Partners, Taconic Partners
- Structural Engineer: McNamara Salvia
- MEP Engineer: ICOR Associates
- Exterior Envelope: Socotec
- Civil Engineer: Sullivan Group Design
- Lighting Design: Horton Lees Brogden
- AV, Low Voltage, Security: Sage AV
- Code & Expediting: William Vitacco Associates
- Accessibility: United Spinal Association
- Environmental Engineering: AKRF
- Energy Consultants: Bright Power
- Geotechnical: GeoDesign
- Vertical Transportation: Fortune Shepler Saling
- Construction Manager: L+M Builders Group
- Landscape Design: Terrain
- Curtain Wall Installation: Custom Metalcrafters
- Curtain Wall Manufacturer: Pielle Aluminum Systems
- Storefront Installation: Diversified Glass & Storefronts
- Storefront Glazing: YKK AP
- Mason: King Contracting
- Brick Manufacturer: Glen Gery
- Exhibition Design: Local Projects
- Exhibition Architect: The Switzer Group
