Harlem - a Green building, a salvage yard heaven and "The Theresa"

On Tuesday, Sam and I, accompanied by our friend Yessica, took part in a tour organized by the Urban Green Council  (NY Chapter of the USGBC) of a newly constructed building in east Harlem. The developers chose the name Tapestry; perhaps because its core and shell are products of a collaborative effort by city agencies, developers, architects, engineers, environmental consultants and the likes, weaved together to create a different kind of building. There is an interesting story to be told. Tapestry is pursuing LEED Gold designation via it's incorporation of on-site rain water retention tanks, green roofs and terraces, high efficiency mechanical systems, heat recovery, triple-glazed & low-E windows, dual flush toilets, low flow water fixtures, Energy Star appliances and the list goes on and on. During the tour we learned that furnishings, carpets, wood flooring were mostly recycled and locally sourced and that all residents were provided with a 6 month supply of environmentally friendly cleaning products free of charge. The units of the Tapestry are a mix of low income, middle income and market rate apartments rents range from $600 to over $3,600 a month ("market rate" units are ridiculously priced). The apartments do have an appeal, especially the ones with expansive terraces that almost double your living space. The marketing information that was given to us certainly attempted to sell the property for its green efforts (which I admire) and community connectivity but I just wasn't convinced that its construction would aide the people of Harlem or encourage environmental responsibility to its residents. We shall see if upon gaining a LEED designation the building follows through with its promise and delivers.
For more info on the Tapestry, you can visit their website http://tapestry124.com/ and for more information of the Urban Green Council and upcoming events, visit http://www.urbangreencouncil.org/

Here are some photos taken - Sam and I standing in the common terrace area

A paved walkway for workers to access planted setback green roof area

Vegetated green roof at setback terrace

Interior shot of apartment - Yessica checking out the furnishings

panoramic shot of the view from one of the apartment terraces

After the Tapestry tour was over, Sam, Yessica and I visited a very enchanting forest of salvaged goods know as The Demolition Depot http://demolitiondepot.com/vo/demo/. In their 4 story masonry structure and yard they house an abundance of unique and vintage architectural period pieces - from wall sconces, to decorative stone fireplace mantels,  iron fencing, doors, stained glass windows and so much more....

Following our walk down architectural memory lane at the depot, Sam and I had to begin our pilgrimage to the west side. On our cross-town walk, we looked up at the beauty  that sits on the corner of 125th street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. If you know the rich history of Harlem and its Renaissance movement, you know this gem of a building - the famous "Hotel Theresa". This was the place to be when black talent and creativity were synonymous with Harlem. In it's hay day, the Hotel Theresa was visited by an array of prominent leaders from all disciplines; to name a few - Josephine Baker, Duke Ellington, Malcolm X Muhammed Ali and Fidel Castro (hotel allowed his stay in 1960 after numerous other hotels denied him). The building is made of white glazed brick and decorative white terra cotta. The firm I work for, Rand Engineering & Architecture, PC recently completed a facade restoration project on the building. Here is the Theresa post restoration...

When I first inspected this building a couple of years back, this entire balcony section was missing. What a fantastic job of manufacturing replacement pieces - the molds were made identical to the originals!

There is a book that talks about the buildings' history titled "Meet Me at the Theresa" some chapters are an interesting read....

Hope this wasn't too long of a post and that you enjoyed reading! Sam, Liam and I are off on vacation this week - I'm sure we will have plenty of photos and adventures to share of our trip when we return - stay tuned!