The Carolina
Affordable Housing Inspired by Nature and Community
Project Details
Firm: Curtis + Ginsberg Architects
Client: L+M Development Partners & Tahl Propp Equities
Location: East Harlem, New York, NY
Type: Mixed-Use Affordable Housing
Size: 470,000 SF
Year: 2023 (involved 2014-2018)
As Project Architect for The Carolina, I played a key role in overseeing the project from initial design concept through construction while maintaining design intent and managing the Revit model across all phases. I led the coordination of drawing sets for BLDS, ULURP, DOB, and construction documentation while conducting zoning and building code analysis. My contributions included developing the floor plans, designing the façade, and detailing both exterior and interior elements, including material and finish selections. I collaborated closely with consultants, reviewed contractor submittals, and responded to RFIs during construction administration. This project strengthened my expertise in affordable housing design, technical detailing, and large-scale project coordination.
Nestled in East Harlem, The Carolina bridges the vibrant New York City skyline with the rugged elegance of the Palisades cliffs. Adjacent to the MetroNorth rail line, which connects midtown Manhattan with the Hudson River to the north, this 15-story, 470,000-square-foot development spans three-quarters of a city block. Its stepped form and textured concrete brick façade harmonize scale, materiality, and community connection, creating 400 affordable housing units alongside vibrant green spaces and community facilities.
View of east facade
View of north facade
Inspired by the dynamic New York City skyline and the cascading cliffs of the Palisades, The Carolina’s terraced design rises like the rock outcrops of nearby Central Park, transitioning seamlessly between East Harlem’s low-rise townhouses and the high-rise NYCHA developments. Its textured concrete brick façade, composed of three carefully selected palettes, reflects the layered striations of rock, blending natural rhythms with the urban landscape.
New York City skyline
Palisades cliffs
Rock outcropping from nearby Central Park
Facade detail
The Carolina’s textured façade expands on its concept of a modern cliffscape, combining rugged elegance with thoughtful materiality. After testing hundreds of brick blends, the design team selected three carefully curated palettes of extra-long concrete bricks in varying gray tones and textures. The smooth bricks provide a refined base, while the split-face finishes interact with sunlight to create dynamic, dappled patterns that animate the building throughout the day. Together, these materials evoke the layered striations of rock, connecting The Carolina to both its natural inspiration and the vibrant urban context of East Harlem.
Brick mock-up
View along 108th street
Entrances along the façade are framed by eyebrows, which break up the building’s scale and create a rhythm that relates to nearby row houses. Combined with lush planters, these elements soften the streetscape, making it more inviting and enhancing the pedestrian experience.
Exterior wall details at eyebrows
Park Avenue lobby stair
The Carolina’s design prioritizes wellness and connection, centering on a monumental staircase in the Park Avenue lobby. Rising through a light-filled interior, the staircase links residents to an elevated landscaped courtyard. Active design strategies, including cascading stairs and thoughtfully designed green spaces, encourage movement, interaction, and a vibrant sense of community.
Section detail at lobby steps
The elevated landscaped courtyard serves as a vibrant communal hub, blending greenery, relaxation, and activity. Designed to promote wellness and connection, the space features seating areas, sunlit lounges, and lush planters, creating a serene oasis for residents within the urban environment.
View from elevated courtyard
View of courtyard
Section detail at EIFS return
Section detail at roof planter
View of roof terraces
The Carolina’s stepped façade reduces its visual impact while creating private terraces and vibrant green spaces. The project began with an in-depth analysis of zoning options to ensure feasibility, and the design successfully passed the city’s ULURP public review process, including re-zoning and General Large Scale Development approval. Through this collaborative process, the team balanced zoning feasibility with bold innovation, delivering a project that enhances its urban context while meeting East Harlem’s housing needs.
ULURP waiver diagram
View of NW corner along Park Ave
The Carolina supports Northside’s mission through thoughtfully designed spaces that balance functionality, vibrancy, and accessibility. These spaces reflect the building’s integration of community-focused programming within its urban setting.
View of Northside classroom
View of Northside entry lobby
Aerial view from northwest
The Carolina embodies the potential of affordable housing to transform urban living. Rooted in the rhythms of the Palisades cliffs and the vibrancy of East Harlem, its design creates a dynamic interplay of form, materiality, and community. By combining thoughtful architecture with spaces for connection and growth, The Carolina weaves a new story for East Harlem—one that balances innovation with the neighborhood's evolving needs.