Highbridge Terrace and Overlook

Location: 220-240 West 167th Street, Bronx, New York
Role: Design Architect & Technical Delivery
Type: Affordable Housing, Supportive Housing
Status: Completed 2012
Scale: Highbridge Terrace - 67,900 sq. ft., 7 Stories, 65 Units / Highbridge Overlook - 156,000 sq. ft., 11 Stories, 155 Units

Located along the Harlem River and Highbridge Park in the South Bronx, Highbridge Terrace and Overlook are two new-construction, low-income housing apartment buildings. The site was developed on vacant land purchased from the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) as part of joint efforts between it and Housing Preservation & Development to identify sites for affordable housing.

Rock outcrops and a steep slope added new challenges to the site, located on an underutilized corner, while considerations were made for the existing wooded area that serves the surrounding community. The final design features carefully thought-out foundations to achieve minimal site remediation. Outdoor terrace spaces are located on the roofs of the buildings in order to retain existing flora and take advantage of the sweeping views of Manhattan. The two buildings activate a long-vacant corner and promote pedestrian activity while bringing safety and security to residents of the community.

Highbridge Terrace, completed in 2010, is a seven-story, 67,900-square-foot building comprised of 65 units. Highbridge Overlook, completed in 2012, is an 11-story, 156,000-square-foot building comprised of 155 units. The 220 total units include studios and one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. The buildings provide affordable housing for low-income working families at 50 percent and 60 percent of area median income. Additional units are set aside for formerly homeless families and for NYCHA residents.

Because of the unique topography of the site, all four façades of the buildings are quite visible. Varying tones of red and gray brick are featured on both buildings, with the use of metal panels as a unifying element. The buildings are designed to achieve Energy Star certification and incorporate extensive high-performance and energy-efficient components. Photovoltaic solar panels were installed on the main roof of Highbridge Overlook. Both buildings feature rooftop exterior terraces overlooking the East River, and many additional amenities. These include indoor recreation, community rooms, a computer room, on-site laundry, bicycle parking, and a covered parking garage.