Projects

The Greg Jackson Center for Brownsville

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

The Greg Jackson Center for Brownsville, which promotes a preservation-based approach to creating a thriving community hub, combines employment and wellness resources, financial and entrepreneurship support, co-location space for nonprofits serving the community, and multipurpose arts and culture facilities extending to an adjoining courtyard. Project partner: Bernheimer Architecture. Photo: Courtesy of Bernheimer Architecture 

Overview

  • Redeveloping vacant building as multipurpose community hub
  • Community-informed design process with local residents
  • Developed by Community Solutions, opened Spring 2015 

History

  • Former medical office building, vacant for five years
  • Adjacent to six public housing developments in Brownsville Brooklyn
  • High crime area with deeply fragmented social safety net system 

Design

  • Participatory design sessions with neighborhood residents to inform program
  • Innovative design combines:           
    • Interactive data technology wall to help community members track neighborhood social and economic metrics 
    • Employment and wellness resources
    • Financial and entrepreneurship support 
    • Co-location space for not-for-profits serving the community
    • Multi-purpose arts and cultural spaces, extending to adjoining courtyard
  • Named after late community leader and respected Brownsville advocate
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