OCV Architects

October 21, 2007

FOXe News: "Affordable and Sustainable Apartment Building in the Bronx"

OCV’s “Jacob's Place”, the first low-income and green apartment building in the nation, had a ribbon cutting ceremony October 15 which was featured on FOXe News. The broadcast focused on the remarkable green features of the building and can be viewed online at MyFox.com.

Green Architecture benefits families as well as the environment. At Jacob's Place, materials were chosen to make the building healthier for Tenants, especially with regard to people suffering from asthma. All finishes and furnishings have low-impact on the air quality in the building.

Materials were also chosen for their durability, sustainability and energy efficiency. All apartments have energy efficient windows and appliances as well as sustainable and durable bamboo flooring. (For more information on the sustainability of bamboo floors, visit economicallysound.com)

But perhaps the most compelling green features cover the roof. 64 solar panels and a garden bed planted with a low growing sedum were an important part of OCV architect’s green design. The panels save on energy and it's costs to the families by producing enough power to operate the elevators and light the common area.

Solar Panels as part of the OCV design for green supportive housing in the Bronx

Low-growing succulents, like the Sedum at Jacob's Place, add insulation — cutting costs and saving energy, but also having an impact beyond the building itself. The Sedum absorbs water, taking some burden off the city's storm system. Migratory birds also use green bed to rest on their seasonal routes. (For more information on planting for Green Rooftops, visit greenroofs.org.)

green roofing material as part of OCV's architectural concept for Jacob's Place

As New York City grows, affordable housing is more and more in demand, and the creation of housing like Jacob's Place helps keeps this growth sustainable for the environment, the city infrastructure and the people of New York.

Jack Coogan, Partner at OCV Architects, attends the ribbon cutting ceremony for jacob's Place

Jack Coogan (far left), Partner at OCV Architects, attends the ribbon cutting ceremony for Jacob's Place.

Also from left to right: Ivine Galarza (Community Board 6 District Manager), Shaun Donovan (NYC HPD Commissioner), José Rivera (US Congressman), Four members of the Jacobo family?(including Ana Jacobo – Astin’s wife), Joel Rivera (NYC Council Majority Leader)

John Reilly (Executive Director Fordham Bedford Housing Corporation), Cindy Wymore (Director, Government & Public Affairs, BP America – BP Solar), Ed Norton (Actor, Enterprise Board of Directors), Abby Jo Sigal (Vice President and New York Director, Enterprise), Elliot J. Hobbs (Vice President – JP Morgan Chase)

Posted on October 21, 2007 12:46 PM|Permalink

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About the firm:

Oaklander, Coogan and Vitto, P.C., is a versatile, client-driven architecture firm serving the New York Metropolitan area since 1973. Specializing in affordable and special-needs housing, the firm has partnered with many notable urban housing authorities and development groups to create multi-family housing, private homes, commercial spaces, schools, churches and community centers with great respect for each site’s urban landscape, history and culture.

OCV is also a member of The U.S. Green Building Council