The Harlem Children’s Zone is a pioneering, community-based non-profit that works to enhance the quality of life for children and families in New York City’s most underserved areas. The project developed a network of school-based programs, providing an array of services to help create significant, positive opportunities for families and children.
The new, 94,000 square foot facility, located at the corner of 125th Street and Madison Avenue, was designed to accommodate a variety of programs. The facility houses the Promise Academy Charter School; a medical clinic to provide families with free immunizations, physicals and health education; a community center; and the new administrative offices of the president and staff. The project also provides community-use space for initiatives such as community meetings, health fairs, book fairs, parent forums and youth leadership programs.
Reflecting the Harlem Children’s Zone goal of engaging the community, the transparency of the building’s first floor visually invites the community in, while still providing a child-friendly, secure environment. The glass façade allows the community to witness the activity inside the center, projecting the center’s dynamic energy outward.
The building’s scale successfully mediates between its commercial and residential neighbors. The building is composed of warm brick, with carefully proportioned windows, echoing the adjacent residential brownstones while still projecting a modern, forward-thinking image reflective of the Harlem Children’s Zone’s mission.
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