The Harlem Children's Zone is a not-for-profit community outreach organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for children and families in some of New York City's most devastated neighborhoods. Located on 125th Street in Manhattan, this new 92,000 square foot brick and glass building houses the Promise Academy Charter School, adult education programs and the headquarter offices for the entire HCZ organization.
Davis Brody Bond, LLP
The Harlem Children’s Zone is a not-for-profit community outreach organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for children and families in some of New York City’s most devastated neighborhoods. Founded in 1970, HCZ has centers throughout Harlem, intentionally developing programs in neighborhoods where other agencies are not located and poor children and families have no one, or even a place to turn for help. Located on 125th Street in Manhattan, this new 92,000 square foot brick and glass building houses the Promise Academy Charter School, adult education programs and the headquarter offices for the entire HCZ organization. The two upper floors house the executive offices and adult education programs, while the middle three floors contain the school classrooms and offices. The ground floor contains a cafeteria and commercial kitchen, meeting rooms, a school library as well as two lobbies to accommodate the different user groups for the building. The basement of the six-story structure contains a new two-story high, full court gymnasium with locker facilities and music rooms. With views from the sidewalk and the ground floor cafeteria, the gym is intended to be used by the school for athletics as well as by the community for events such as lectures and dances. Because the building is inhabited by different user groups and is used throughout the day and night, spaces are designed to be multi-functional, with large storage closets and materials that are low-maintenance and highly durable.