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
