St. Augustine Terrace
Bronx, N.Y.
Architect/Designer | Magnusson Architecture and Planning PC
Builder | Mega Contracting Group LLC
Developer | New York Institute for Human Development
Photographers | Ari Burling | Architectural Photography | Esto Photography | Seong Kwon Photography
Built on the site of a former church in the Bronx, this LEED Gold, 112-unit building is a mix of supportive and affordable housing. The design was inspired by the notion that a house of worship is a beacon of light in its community. From that idea came 12 floors of large, fully glazed elevator lobbies, which provide spectacular views by day and become a glowing tower at night.
Rock formations uncovered during construction were incorporated into the landscape, providing a visual association with the park and a connection to the area’s natural environment. They also supply an organic complement to the straight lines and right angles of the building.
Decking extends out over the rocks to a lookout point, where the topography slopes downward toward the west, revealing more views. The bell and stones from the original church, placed throughout the landscaping, celebrate the site’s history. The resiliency and sustainability measures, quality building materials, shared views of the city, evening light for the community, and elements tying to the property’s past, exemplify the inclusivity and care that underlies this work.