Prospero Hall is a permanent housing development for homeless veterans and low-income single adults residing in East Harlem. This residence was developed by The Lantern Organization with funding from NYC HPD and tax credits from HCR. The building is located at the south east corner of East 118th Street and Park Avenue, is six-stories high, and consists of eighty-six studios and a super’s apartment. To the immediate south of Prospero Hall is The Magic Garden, a green thumb garden that will remain preserved as a result of this development.
The façade features classical proportions, an ashlar stone base, large windows with cast stone surrounds, and an articulated cornice. The building is designed with wide corridors, two elevators, and bathrooms and kitchenettes that are fully handicap accessible. Counseling offices are provided, as well as a teaching kitchen adjoining the community room, and a landscaped rear yard.
The site’s close proximity to the elevated MetroNorth railroad tracks required noise mitigation measures to be integrated into the building envelope design. A well insulated cavity wall system, specification and installation of sound attenuating windows, and a centralized HVAC system that did not require penetrating the building facade combined to provide quiet and comfortable apartments.