New York Construction Report staff writer
The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) has launched the second cohort of the NYC Mass Timber Studio, a technical assistance program that aims to encourage adoption of mass timber in construction projects across the five boroughs. It’s part of the strategy to foster sustainable building practices and reduce carbon emissions in the construction sector.
Applications for the second cohort of the NYC Mass Timber Studio are now open and will be accepted until April 4, 2025. Selected teams will begin their technical sessions in May, with the goal of advancing some of the city’s most ambitious sustainable construction projects.
“The Mass Timber Studio is catalyzing innovation in sustainable construction, helping to advance building technologies that will not only improve environmental impact but ideally lead to lower building costs for housing and community anchor projects like libraries and similar civic infrastructure,” said Lindsay Greene, President and CEO of Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation. “Congratulations to NYCEDC on the successful completion of your first cohort, and this expansion of the partnership with Newlab to guide the second class of pioneering design and development teams.”
Mass timber, an engineered wood product, is gaining traction as a low-carbon alternative to traditional concrete and steel. Its use in construction not only helps reduce the environmental impact of buildings but also opens the door to innovative designs.
The NYC Mass Timber Studio is designed to support design and development teams as they navigate the complexities of mass timber construction, ensuring that these projects comply with local building codes and regulations.
“We are excited to see the Mass Timber Studio enter its second cohort and continue to build on its success in transforming New York City’s built environment,” said Andrew Kimball, President and CEO of NYCEDC. “This program not only advances sustainability but also creates new economic opportunities by supporting innovative design solutions that align with our broader goals of decarbonizing construction.”
The first cohort of the program, launched in 2024, included seven projects spanning a range of building types, from community centers and public libraries to multi-family residential developments. Notable successes from the inaugural cohort include the Walter Gladwin Recreation Center in the Bronx and the Brooklyn Public Library’s New Lots branch, both of which are advancing toward construction.
The program is a joint effort between NYCEDC and Newlab, a Brooklyn-based venture platform focused on accelerating cutting-edge technologies. The initiative also benefits from collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice (MOCEJ), WoodWorks, and key city agencies, including the Department of Buildings (DOB) and the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY).
For the second round of the program, teams will receive technical assistance and advisory support over the course of eight months, starting in May 2025. This includes regular consultations with experts in mass timber construction, regulatory guidance from DOB, and safety protocols from FDNY. By providing this level of hands-on support, the studio ensures that these pioneering projects can successfully navigate the challenges of incorporating mass timber into their designs.
“We are committed to positioning New York City as a leader in sustainable construction,” said Maria Torres Springer, First Deputy Mayor. “Through the adoption of mass timber, we can not only reduce carbon emissions but also create thousands of green jobs and enhance the city’s resilience in the face of climate change.”
The program is part of NYC’s larger push to develop its Green Economy Action Plan, which focuses on expanding green sectors and training New Yorkers for the projected 400,000 “green-collar” jobs by 2040. Mass timber is seen as a cornerstone of this plan, offering both environmental and economic benefits by fostering local manufacturing and skilled labor in sustainable construction.
In addition to the Mass Timber Studio, NYCEDC is also launching the next round of the Resilient Energy Studio, which aims to accelerate the deployment of energy storage systems across the city. Together, these initiatives represent NYC’s commitment to building a sustainable, low-carbon future.
As New York City continues to explore and embrace mass timber, the studio is setting the stage for a new era of green construction, one where innovation, sustainability, and community are at the forefront of the urban landscape.
