FAC Partnered with Amie Gross Architects (AGA) to work together on 575 Fifth Ave because of AGA’s experience in delivering high-quality and cost-effective design, with an eye for sustainability and enduring community value. AGA and FAC also share that sustainable architecture is not just to achieve energy savings, but mainly to foster a sense of well-being and a healthy environment that promotes wellness. AGA’s approach to design is to create a healing space, with plenty of open and green space, and natural lighting.

The building balances its context while having a unique identity—incorporating the large-scale masonry elements within the corner tower reflective in the 100-year old buildings with prominent tower elements delineated in terra cotta in the neighborhood. Another way in which the building respects its context is that it is five stories on the side that faces a wide street, but steps down to four stories on the side that faces a narrower street populated with town houses. Further, a steppedmews landing to a garden entrance between the new building and the community’s existing homes reinforces the pedestrian scale.

FAC’s development process centralizes extensive involvement of community groups and residents. 575 Fifth initially was met with some community opposition, mainly due to its supportive housing component, however, AGA and FAC worked actively to reach an agreement with the neighborhood and the building is now considered a valued part of the community. This was done primarily through half a dozen community meetings facilitated through the Community Board and extensive outreach and interviews with neighborhood civic leaders, local elected officials and their staff, and local merchants about the project. Dozens of meetings, tours/open houses, and follow-up conversations were held with local residents, and extensive information about the project to the public and press were distributed. A Community Advisory Board was established to help inform the project moving forward in the development. In response to community feedback, for example, specific populations, especially senior citizens and youth aging out of foster care, have been targeted for the units in collaboration with the 575 Fifth Avenue Community Advisory Board to establish marketing and referral processes to achieve these goals. FAC has prioritized local small business and women/minority owned businesses for the commercial space along 5th Ave. The current tenant is a youth after school program and education center, as identified by the community as a priority need in the area.