HHL Architects, in collaboration with Victor Morales, Architect of Brooklyn, NY, designed this mixed-use low income housing project for local artists and their families. The project involved the adaptive reuse of a historic Charles Snyder designed, New York City public school building into 90 loft units, including gallery space, community storefront and common space for use by the residents and neighborhood.

The scope of work included abatement of hazardous materials, replacement of all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems, historic window restoration/replacement, roof replacement, copper turret restoration, exterior masonry and terra cotta fenestration restoration, and interior renovations converting classroom spaces into apartments with first floor retail and gallery space.

The project won six awards, including the 2014 State Preservation Award from New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, the 2015 Renaissance Award from FRIENDS of the Upper East Side Historic Districts, The Lucy G. Moses 2015 Preservation Award from the New York Landmarks Conservancy, the 2015 Preservation Award from The Preservation League of New York, the 2015 Preservation Award from the Victorian Society of New York and the 11th Annual J. Timothy “Timmy” Anderson Award – Excellence in Historic Preservation.