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
 

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.”
 

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.

JUNE 2009 GREENPOINT BROOKLYN, NY: A 72,000 square-foot building, site of a former turn-of-the-century jute factory, and until recently a derelict industrial property, was renovated and transformed by OCV Architects into flexible-layout manufacturing and art spaces. These new workshops will serve metal smiths, print makers, woodworkers and more artisans. When the City of New York re-zoned Williamsburg and Greenpoint in 2005, new incentives and assistance became available to transform old buildings into vital new resources for the small manufacturing business community. Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz stated, “I am pleased to have helped GMDC develop this manufacturing center which will provide below market rents for small manufacturers and artisans as well as jobs in the Williamsburg and Greenpoint community.” 
Financing for the project was the result of a complex deal that included New Market tax credits and Historic Preservation tax credits. 

OCV Architects were selected to design the project given their expertise in preservation while working within tight budgetary constraints. The renovation plans focused on stripping the existing structure of brick, heavy timber and cast iron to the original historic features, restoring and highlighting these elements, while designing a functional and efficient space that takes advantage of the original building’s sources for natural light. The plans included a  new 4,000 lb. capacity freight elevator  that serves the three story main building and an off-street truck loading dock. Units sizes are flexible but as currently designed range in size from 1500 - 7500 sf.

The Brooklyn chamber of Commerce recognized OCV Architects for the Historic preservation work at 221 McKibbin Street in their annual Building Brooklyn Awards™. “The largest annual real estate industry event in the borough, the Building Brooklyn Awards (BBA) recognizes recently completed construction and renovation projects that enrich Brooklyn’s neighborhoods and economy.” The BBA award ceremony will be held Wednesday, July 15, 2009.

Rose Fellowship

Enterprise Foundation

Fordham Bedford Housing Corporation

The Natural Resources Defense Council

Posted by: Stephen Del Percio of GreenBuildingsNYC.com

OCTOBER 17, 2008 --BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK -- Rich Vitto, founding partner of OCV Architects, is making a better New York by re-tooling a century-old Historic YWCA building in Binghamton, N.Y.. This challenging gut rehabilitation required a great deal of funding savvy, efficient design, and the courage to ask “why not”? Tapping into the building’s strengths, Vitto helped the YWCA raise funds from a variety of sources by designating childcare facilities, offices, and planning for a gym. Funding came in waves, but Vitto’s design, documents and schedules were flexible enough to adapt to the opportunities and challenges as they arose.

The existing dormitory-style housing was converted to 54 individual apartments outfitted with new 3-piece bathrooms and full kitchens. Common areas include TV lounges, a computer lab and laundry on every floor. This Binghamton and Broome County YWCA also required office space and facilities to operate 6 supportive and special needs programs. These critical offerings include transitional living for adults and young adults, emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence, and three permanent supportive housing programs for homeless women and their children. From counseling and healthcare, to career preparation and education, someone seeking shelter from the Binghamton YWCA will also realize a whole new set of skills, goals and the outlook to re-enter the world as the strong woman that she is. The old building was completely reconfigured and geared to support all the programs under this one, cheerful, new roof.

The project challenges went beyond the apparent disrepair. As with any building project, sometimes you don’t know what’s there until you open up the walls. As phase 2 began, while the tenants were moved from the east half of the building to the newly renovated west side of the building, Rich Vitto was confronted with an a-typical infrastructure. He had to redesign phase 2 within a week to accommodate the building’s quirks as well as the project schedule. Even these surprises were met at every turn in the spirit of hope. A spirit of ‘it will get done’. Without this attitude, the project stood little chance of success. In fact, skeptical representatives in Albany called the project a “White Elephant”, stating that the YWCA project amounted to turning a “sow’s ear into a silk purse”. The H.H.A.P. of New York ultimately came around as Vitto built their confidence in OCV’s ability to get the job done.

At the ribbon cutting ceremony on October 17, Carole Coppens, Executive Director of the YWCA, presented the developer, the contractor and Richard Vitto with a sow’s ear and a silk purse — a testament to the amazing results of the groups’ dedicated efforts. To Richard Vitto, she presented something more, a plaque dedicating the new Child Care Center in Rich’s name. This acknowledgement, which brought the cheering crowd to their feet, (including the Mayor of Binghamton, Matt Ryan) was met with a very characteristic, humble and succinct ‘thanks’ from Mr. Vitto.

And that spirit persists as the YWCA pursues funding for one last area; the 23 foot swimming pool located below the ground floor — a feature intended to be used by tenants as part of a comprehensive ‘wellness’ program at the YWCA. When asked if he would undertake another challenge at the YWCA, Mr. Vitto replied, “Well, I’d be surprised if they didn’t call me I guess”.

About the YWCA
The YWCA USA is a women's membership movement nourished by its roots in the Christian faith and sustained by the richness of many beliefs and values. Strengthened by diversity, the YWCA draws together members who strive to create opportunities for women's growth, leadership, and power in order to attain a common vision: peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people. The YWCA will thrust its collective power toward the elimination of racism, wherever it exists, and by any means necessary.

http://www.cityofbinghamton.com/mayor.asp
http://www.ywca.org/

OCV Architects is making a better and hipper New York by designing chic nightspot Haven on 51st Street in Manhattan. The architects revived two floors of an existing bar into 4,000 square feet of exotic lounges and bars. The club features an international array of tapas, cocktails and music. The lounges are adorned with masks from Bali, swords from Hong Kong, deer antlers, antique books and chandeliers.

NEW YORK, NY: HAVEN, a new nightspot in Manhattan, opened in September with much media buzz and fan-fare. The project began as a rehabilitation of a run-down bar in the bottom of an old brown stone. OCV Architects were hired to transform the space into a hot Manhattan nightspot. The clients, (business partners Jorge Peguero and actress Bershan Shaw), approached OCV Architect Sara Arnold with their compelling club concept, which would mix the old, new and eclectic to create a truly unique and fashionable destination. The architect went for a masculine mix of restored details and luxury materials. Add art and candlelight to the mix, and the stylish small plate eatery feels meets .

Ms. Arnold worked with her clients to design the amazing interiors. Existing ornate plaster ceilings were reconditioned and several working fireplaces were re-mantled and restored. A solid-wood paneled library, replete with antique books, was fabricated to look like a 19th century original. High ceilings, tufted with alligator, and leather walls covered in snakeskin, add an adventurer’s twist to the plush gothic themes. The rooms, including the central two-story lounge, were individually themed with furnishings, objects and finishes from around the world.

It is clear that every room is designed to ignite the patrons’ imagination, and the food takes up where the décor leaves off with a well-traveled menu created by Mercer Kitchen chef Kay Choe. The international sights and tastes are made complete with music spanning Brazilian house to Afrobeat.

The club opened in September with a celebrity VIP invitation-only soiree hosted by Benji Madden of neo-punk band Good Charlotte, and his girlfriend / Simple Life star Paris Hilton.

Blog Post Online >

From right to left: Richman Group’s Bill Traylor, HPD Commissioner Shaun Donovan, Phipps Chairman Ronay Menschel, New York City Councilwoman Maria Baez, NYCHA Chairman Tino Herenandez, New York Municipal, Art Society, Brian Connolly, A representative from Citibank, Phipps President and C.E.O. Adam Winestein, NYCHA Executive Director Doug Apple and Representatives from HDC
  
Phipps Houses and OCV architects have broken ground on Fabria Houses, a new construction project, making a better NY by adding 64 units of affordable housing to the East Village, all part of Mayor Bloomberg's New Housing Marketplace Plan. Fabria is in Partnership with NYCHA, HPD, HDC, Richman Housing Resources, LLC and Citibank.  The groundbreaking ceremony took place on a chilly November 29th 2007 on East 7th Street.  

Partner at OCV Architects Richard Vitto and Phipps Group Matthew Kelly
 
OCV Architects has completed many projects in recent years where authorities, non-profits and the private sector have come together and successfully redeveloped neglected properties in New York City.  According to Phipps Houses Group President and CEO Adam Weinstein, “It has been gratifying to see the City’s major housing agencies…come together with the community, elected officials and Phipps Houses to make new affordable housing units possible…We look forward to many more such partnerships with government and the private sector to produce affordable housing for New Yorkers in need.”

New York City Housing Authority Chairman Tino Hernandez addresses the crowd.
Center: Brian Conolly of the Municipal Arts Society of New York
 
All of the units accommodate households earning $42,540 for a family of four or $29,760 for a single person.  Twenty percent of the units will be marked for households earning up to $28,360 for a family of four or $19,840 for a single household.  The rehabilitation of the existing structures at 410, 426 and 428 East 11th Street will yield 27 units and the land from 212-214 East 7th Street to 617-621 East 9th Street will yield 37 new units.

Background: Phipps Chairman Ronay Menschel
Foreground: Councilwoman Maria Baez
 

Phipps Bob Pinkuss and OCV Architects Partner, Sara Arnold

From left to right:
NYCHA Executive Director Doug Apple, OCV Architects Sara Arnold and Carla Pena, NYCHA Chairman Tino Hernandez

Far right:
Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer

Common Ground Community sponsored the Christopher to provide urban housing for homeless adults and for teens aging out of Foster Care. Safe Harbors on the Hudson spearheaded the partnership to build the Cornerstone residence — an example of what a community can provide for it’s neediest while revitalizing the community as a whole. This Newburgh, N.Y. residence houses families and artists as well as small businesses and a theater.

430 Network members attended the event including OCV's Richard Vitto, architect of the two outstanding projects. Mr. Vitto has been designing supportive housing for most of his 30+year career in architecture and this unprecedented SHNNY double honor is a testament to his vision.

SHNNY published a gala journal highlighting the event contributors and honorees. The journal states "The Cornerstone Residence is a stunning example of supportive housing addressing the needs of homeless and at-risk New Yorkers. The Network is proud to honor the Cornerstone as a Residence of the Year." The Gala journal (pdf) also pointed out the timeliness of each projects' ‘green’ features and went on to state: "… the Christopher is an exceptional supportive residence that brings out the best in architectural and program design to help more than 200 homeless and housing-needy residents rebuild their lives."

The projects are also extraordinary transformations of existing structures. In these cases, the rehabilitation of a former YMCA and a former grand Hotel makes these buildings examples of the contribution cities, large and small, can expect of forgotten properties. Both projects also focus on space, light and the latest in sustainable materials, finishes and design approach, while working within the budget constraints publicly funded developments traditionally encounter.

“It was a pleasure and an honor to work with these two fine organizations.” Mr. Vitto stated. “Both projects involved complex phasing and construction organization due to the need to accommodate existing occupancies. This coupled with the requirements of multiple programs made each project a fascinating challenge.” 

Located in Manhattan's Financial District, The Claremont Preparatory School is the result of a brilliant rehabilitation of the former Bank of America Headquarters. The new 120,000 square foot private school
accommodates 1000 students pre-K through 8. The project won the Historic Preservation Award from the State of New York, and has been featured in the news since the groundbreaking in 2004.

The grand banking hall was restored and outfitted as a grand auditorium. Interior bank offices were reconfigured to provide new classrooms, laboratories, offices and an Olympic length swimming pool. The bank vault is now a new cafeteria and the bank roof now holds a state-of-the-art gymnasium with a playground on its' rooftop.

"Renovation Project Takes New Prep School to the Bank June 21, 2004"

This New York Times article talks about the rennovation.

"Near Ground Zero, a Mixed-Use Revival September 9, 2007"

This subsequent article comments on the new optimism in the Financial District since 9/11.