The Bronx, New York, USA

Built on the site of the former St. Augustine’s Church in the Bronx, this LEED Gold 112-unit building is a mix of supportive and affordable housing.

One of the project goals was a new neighborhood icon, a worthy successor to the structure it replaced.

The site was reborn as St. Augustine Terrace.

Inspired by the notion that a house of worship is a beacon of light in its community, the design for this building manifests that idea through large, fully glazed elevator lobbies that offer spectacular views by day and become a glowing tower at night – a literal beacon of light.

From that idea came 12 floors of large, fully glazed elevator lobbies that offer spectacular views by day and become a glowing tower at night.

Large windows also fill the apartments with natural light making for serene, peaceful homes.

Rock formations uncovered during construction were incorporated into the landscape at the front of the property providing a visual association with the park across the street. They also act as an organic complement to the straight lines and right angles of the building that rises above.

Just beyond the entry, decking extends out over the rocks to a look-out point, a spot for residents and visitors to enjoy as the topography slopes downward toward the west revealing more views.

The bell and stones from the original church which are placed throughout the landscaping, celebrate the site’s history and create yet another link to the community.

The placement of the expanded elevator lobbies allows residents to share the city vista in a beautiful space that pulls natural light into the public corridor. The design then creates an opportunity to give light back to the community by brightening the adjacent park and street corners at night.

A large, dividable multipurpose room opens onto a landscaped side yard and can host resident or building-wide events. Its use is also being contemplated for larger community-wide activities.

This project is a prime example of the alternative ways to redefine churches and other social spaces to continue their use for good. The resiliency and sustainability measures, quality building materials, broadly accessible panoramas, evening light provided to the block, and elements tying to the site’s past, exemplify the care and understanding that underlies this work. It shows what affordable housing can be, both for those within its walls and those within the neighborhood.

Architects: Magnusson Architecture & Planning
Client: The Association of New York Catholic Homes
Landscape Architects: terrain-nyc landscape architecture pc.