Two New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) projects have been selected by Architecture Press Release (APR) to receive its Global Future Design Award. The Snug Harbor Cultural Center Music Hall Addition in Randall Manor, Staten Island and the Manhattan Pet Adoption Center in East Harlem, Manhattan were both designed by Studio Joseph under DDC’s Project Excellence Program, and received recognition in the Unbuilt category, DDC commissioner Lorraine Grillo said in an Oct. 30 statement.
“These award-winning projects represent DDC’s pledge to delivering world-class buildings that contribute to a healthier and more sustainable city,” Grillo said. “Congratulations to all the DDC employees whose dedication has been recognized by APR today, and to Studio Joseph for their remarkable contributions to DDC’s Project Excellence Program.”
The landmarked, 686-seat Snug Harbor Music Hall was built in 1892 and is the second oldest music hall in the northeastern United States. The building will receive a 6,974-sq. ft. extension with two levels that will have a low-profile design to not visually overwhelm the historic exterior of the Hall. The lower level of the extension will house dressing rooms, restrooms and storage, while the main level will contain a loading dock, stage door, storage, restrooms, a sound and light lock, pantry, backstage room, extra wing space for the stage, offices and a flex space.
The existing Music Hall building will receive upgrades including underpinning to stabilize the foundation and prevent it from shifting, waterproofing, a new sprinkler system and fire alarm. The two sets of exterior stairs leading to the balcony will receive a de-icing system to be used during cold weather. The building will also be upgraded to meet requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the project is anticipated to meet the requirements for LEED Silver certification. The project is funded by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, managed by DDC and is anticipated to be completed in fall 2021.
The new Manhattan Pet Adoption Center in East Harlem will convert a deteriorated one-story garage into a dedicated adoption facility for the Animal Care Center of East Harlem. The building’s façade will bring in daylight and create an attractive and engaging street presence. An existing overhead garage door is reimagined as a new entry and storefront window that provides solar screening while offering views into the building. A steel rainscreen adds depth while preserving the existing masonry behind. The use of a color gradient on the screen’s fins creates an optical illusion, people to come inside. Construction for the project which is funded by the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene and managed by DDC, is anticipated to begin in 2021.
Both of these projects received the Public Design Commission’s Annual Award for Excellence in Design; the Snug Harbor Cultural Center Music Hall Addition was recognized in 2016 while the Manhattan Pet Adoption Center was recognized in 2019.
