Make the Road New York is a 23,000-member organization that seeks to empower underserved individuals by offering leadership in education, immigration, and health, environmental, and housing justice. To establish a hub for the members and let the city at large know that Make the Road is here to stay, the organization needed a permanent space that was visible, accessible and embodies the mission of this civic-minded community. The design creates a strong connection with the neighborhood by conceptually extending the public streetscape into the building, providing the community with a civic landscape for change, exchange, and an inviting connection to resources.
Image credit: TEN Arquitectos/Enrique Norten with ASA/Andrea Steele
This internalized landscape steps up to create terraced seating and will serve as the town hall—hosting staff meetings, large member gatherings, community dinners, job fairs, and a wide range of activities supporting the organization’s mission. Above this main hall, open work areas and private offices enable members to work together in a light-filled space. Three large glass volumes, which act as light wells, bringing natural light to the conference rooms, informal meeting areas, and communal dining space, rise above the roofline and adjacent train tracks to serve as a beacon to the surrounding city.
Image credit: TEN Arquitectos/Enrique Norten with ASA/Andrea Steele
Andrea Steele’s partnership with MRNY began in 2016 while Andrea was principal at TEN Arquitectos NY office. In 2019, the studio was renamed Andrea Steele Architecture and has continued to oversee the design and execution of MRNY Community Center in collaboration with MRNY and the consultant team. Make the Road New York’s estimated completion date is spring 2022.
Project Team
Architecture: Andrea Steele Architecture
Code: Robert W. Scarpa Jr. Architect
Contractor: KBE Building Corporation
Lighting: Taylor and Miller
Structural Engineering: Silman
MEP: Gallen Engineering
Civil Engineering: FNA Engineering Services, Derosier Engineering
Owner’s Representative: Hester Street, SCCS Group
