East New York Food Hub

East New York Food Hub

Brooklyn, New York, 2023
 
The East New York Community Land Trust (ENYCLT), in collaboration with Universe City and East Brooklyn Mutual Aid, is working to secure seven vacant, city-owned lots within the East New York Industrial Business Zone (IBZ). This area, with its complex industrial legacy, faces the threat of rezoning for housing development. Such a shift could spur gentrification, displacing long-term residents and businesses, as has occurred in other former industrial neighborhoods across the city.
 
Throughout the summer of 2022, a coalition of local community organizers and industrial partners gathered at Universe City’s headquarters in the IBZ to plan for the future of these seven lots. Their vision includes creating a food hub, a green technology job training center, a cannabis lab, and a maker space—all vital components for community empowerment and economic development in East New York.
 
Bagchee Architects were tasked with designing the food hub on Sackman Street, which will consist of a six-story facility dedicated to food storage and distribution. The design includes a spacious two-story storage area, a basement floor with additional storage, and cold storage/freezer space to preserve perishable goods. The upper floors will serve as community spaces for local nonprofits focused on food education and industry initiatives. To further support the project financially, the proposal also incorporates an event space that can be rented out to generate additional income.

Project Team: Nandini Bagchee, Ngawang Tenzin, Unit 25 Spitzer School of Architecture.

East New York Food Hub

Brooklyn, New York
2023
 
The East New York Community Land Trust (ENYCLT), in collaboration with Universe City and East Brooklyn Mutual Aid, is working to secure seven vacant, city-owned lots within the East New York Industrial Business Zone (IBZ). This area, with its complex industrial legacy, faces the threat of rezoning for housing development. Such a shift could spur gentrification, displacing long-term residents and businesses, as has occurred in other former industrial neighborhoods across the city.
 
Throughout the summer of 2022, a coalition of local community organizers and industrial partners gathered at Universe City’s headquarters in the IBZ to plan for the future of these seven lots. Their vision includes creating a food hub, a green technology job training center, a cannabis lab, and a maker space—all vital components for community empowerment and economic development in East New York.
 
Bagchee Architects were tasked with designing the food hub on Sackman Street, which will consist of a six-story facility dedicated to food storage and distribution. The design includes a spacious two-story storage area, a basement floor with additional storage, and cold storage/freezer space to preserve perishable goods. The upper floors will serve as community spaces for local nonprofits focused on food education and industry initiatives. To further support the project financially, the proposal also incorporates an event space that can be rented out to generate additional income.

Project Team: Nandini Bagchee, Ngawang Tenzin, Unit 25 Spitzer School of Architecture.