Tall & Urban News

The historic art deco building at 550 West 20th Street in Manhattan, originally a YMCA and later a women’s prison, is being redeveloped into "Liberty Landing," a 16-story affordable housing complex.

The building, designed by architecture firm COOKFOX, will include 124 permanently affordable units, with 15 specifically designed for residents with mental health needs. The redevelopment also features a 9,300-square-foot (864 square-meter) community space for youth programming and a large planted terrace on the 9th floor.

This $108 million USD project, a collaboration between the State of New York, Camber Property Group, and Osborne Association, preserves the building's art deco legacy while transitioning from its past as a correctional facility to a resource for community renewal.

The project reflects a commitment to serving low-income and formerly incarcerated individuals, addressing the specific needs of older adults and LGBTQIA+ community members. The construction timeline has yet to be released. 

Learn more about this story at The Architect's Newspaper.