OCV Architects

The Citizens Advice Bureau holds ribbon cutting ceremony, unveiling new office as well as new name: BronxWorks

New York, NY, November 13, 2009 – On November 13, 2009, BronxWorks, formerly The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), celebrated the unveiling of its new name, new logo and new administrative offices located at 60 East Tremont Avenue in the Bronx, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and reception. While the organization presented a comprehensive image overhaul, it promised to maintain the same level of commitment to the borough and its residents that it has had for the 37 years.

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Bronxworks administrative offices. Attendees from left to right are: Jack Coogan, Principal at OCV Architects; Andrzej Palac General Contractor from Alda Contracting; Sara Arnold Principal at OCV Architects; Carolyn McLaughlin, Executive Director of Bronxworks; Congressman Jose Serrano; Deputy Borough President Aurelia Greene; NY State Assemblywoman Vanessa Gibbs; and

Carolyn McLaughlin, Executive Director of BronxWorks and Sean Delany, Board of Director Chairperson, unveiling the organization’s new name, logo, and updated mission statement.

A spirited mood filled the store-front gathering space as jokes ranging from Washington and health care reform, to the secrecy surrounding the re-branding were enjoyed by all. One thing everyone seemed to agree on is the vast improvement that’s taken place in the Bronx, thanks in no small part to organizations such as BronxWorks.Carolyn McLaughlin and Sean Delany introducing Congressman Jose Serrano, who praised the efforts of BronxWorks and institutions like it.


Designed by OCV Architects and built on time and on budget by Alda Contracting, the new building breathes life into an abandoned funeral parlor. The site was transformed from an eyesore to a place where Bronx and NYC residents can turn for support and assistance — a very apropos rebirth for an organization whose mission it is to help individuals and families improve their own economic and social well-being. BronxWorks will administer many of its programs – direct, hands-on help, community outreach, education, and advocacy – from the new location.Linda Gibbs, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, discussed the value and importance of BronxWorks as a community outreach organization.
 
Among the honored guests were US Representative for New York's 16th District, Democrat José E. Serrano, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, Linda Gibbs, Deputy Borough President Aurelia Greene, and New York State Assemblywoman, Vanessa Gibson.

60 East Tremont Avenue, the new address for a Bronx institution: views of street front and rear yard

Interior of the new administrative offices of BronxWorks
 

| Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

At the annual Supportive Housing Network of New York Awards Gala, the YWCA of Binghamton and Broome County and OCV Architects are recognized.

Carole Coppens with Rebecca Quinn, Project Manager, and Richard Vitto, Project Architect of OCV Architects.

New York, NY, October 28, 2009 – At last night’s Supportive Housing Network of New York (SHNNY) Gala, the historic YWCA of Binghamton and Broome County (YWCA Binghamton) received praise as “Outstanding Residence of the Year.” Deborah Damm-O’Brien of Catholic Charities Housing Office, presented the award to Carole Coppens, Executive Director of the YWCA, hailing it as a testament to the idea that “…places as well as people can be reborn.”
 

Continue reading "SHNNY Honors the YWCA Binghamton As “Residence of the Year”" » | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Fox Point ribbon cutting celebrates new supportive housing with green features and sustainable design.

Bronx, NY, October 26, 2009 – On October 22, 2009, 48 units of green, supportive housing at Fox Point in the Foxhurst section of the Bronx officially opened with a ribbon cutting and recognition ceremony, giving homeless and low-income families a unique opportunity.
Ribbon cutting attendees gathering on rear terrace

The project, sponsored by Palladia and designed by OCV Architects, proves that even supportive housing in an economically demanding marketplace can go green. At the ceremony, Enterprise Foundation, Fox Point’s tax credit syndicator, pledged to add another 6,000 units of green affordable housing to NYC’s stock of low-income housing by 2013. Fox Point, which is registered for LEED Silver accreditation, was recognized as the new standard for quality and sustainability in the fulfillment of that goal.
After the ceremony attendees mingle and admire from above

Built with long-term viability in mind, Fox Point integrates green systems and sustainable materials into both the building’s design and operation, reducing the need for future repair and prohibitive operational costs, and protecting the building as an investment in affordable housing in a climate of uncertainty. 
Discussing Fox Point’s green elements are, from left to right: Bill Frey, Executive Vice President of Enterprise Community Partners (Enterprise); Jane Velez, President of Palladia; Sally Bernstein Project Manager from Palladia; Marshall Goldberg, Vice President of Palladia; Mary Ellen Cooper Project Manager from OCV Architects; and Abby Sigal, Vice President of Enterprise

Designed to create a healthy background for living, the architecture uses natural light for inviting and efficient spaces. The design responds to the special typography of the site with steps and levels, creating multiple ‘green roof’ and garden areas not just for tenants to enjoy, but also to help manage water, temperature, operating costs and the building’s impact on the environment.

Jane Velez, President of Palladia, congratulates Sally Bernstein on a job well done as Palladia’s Project Manager

Among the sustainable design systems featured at Fox Point is the use of a highly innovative microturbine to recover and reuse wasted energy and heat produced by the conventional systems it piggybacks on. The recovered energy is then used for heating, lighting and other building operations, significantly supplementing the energy provided by utilities.
Inside Fox Point’s lobby

About OCV Architects
Oaklander, Coogan and Vitto, P.C. is a versatile, award-winning architectural firm serving the New York Metropolitan area for over 30 years. OCV’s body of work ranges from affordable and special needs housing to high-end private residences, from gut rehabs and historic preservation to innovative new construction. Producing over 1,000 units of affordable and supportive housing, the firm regularly partners with urban housing authorities and development groups to create sustainable, attractive residences within restrictive budgets. As a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, OCV strives to bring to each design respect for a project’s site, setting, history and culture, while making every effort to build responsibly and sustainably.

| Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)