Urban Architectural Initiatives

We’re excited to bring you the latest on Alafia B1, part of a wellness-oriented 25+ acre redevelopment project. Alafia B1 is designed by UAI & developed as a joint venture by L+M Development Partners, @RiseboroNYC and Apex Building Group to provide affordable housing to SE Bklyn.

UAI celebrated the start of spring with an Eat Your World food tour of Jackson Heights, Queens. We enjoyed the chance to get out of the office and learn more about the neighborhood’s diverse history – and experience its diverse flavors!

At UAI, we're proud to celebrate #EarthDay all year long through our deep commitment to sustainable design.

It's not every day that we bring construction to our conference room, but our team enjoyed the chance to get hands on during last week’s lunch and learn. Thanks to @PROSOCO for teaching us about air and vapor barriers!

Latest updates on the 510 Gates Avenue project include progress on the building’s facade & the start of interior work! When completed, the building will serve as a 6 story, 200 bed shelter facility for single adults as part of the Ready, Willing and Able program by @TheDoeFund

UAI was proud to join @AAFE1974 , @URI_NYC and other supporters at the official opening of Magnolia Gardens. The completion of this project brings 90 units of transitional housing built to Passive House standards for families with children to Flushing, Queens.

Jorge Chang, Partner at UAI, will be speaking virtually this Thursday @ 12pm ET, sharing insights on the design of Magnolia Gardens, a @NYSERDA Buildings of Excellence awarded transitional housing residence, along w/ the @PHAccelerator team. Register Here: events.ringcentral.com/canvas/events/…

UAI was happy to join the developers, nonprofits, lenders, staff from City & State housing agencies, and policy makers who gathered this morning at a @theNYHC forum to learn more about the @NYCMayorsOffice 's affordable housing priorities.

For #InternationalWomensDay2026 UAI would like to celebrate the achievements of women in architecture — especially those of our talented and inspiring colleagues! Thank you for your invaluable contributions to our team.

We’re proud of Utkalika Panda, Partner, who was a presenter at the @EnterpriseNow Faith-Based Development Initiative Training Series! This session explored what faith-based institutions need to know about #CityofYes zoning updates while sustaining their long-term mission.

Even though warmer weather is in the forecast, this winter's snowstorms are still fresh in our minds! Observing last week's citywide travel ban meant that UAI enjoyed the blizzard views from the comfort of our home offices.

Excited to have broken ground yesterday on Timbale Terrace w/ @LanternCS & Mega Contracting Group! Partnered w/ @NYCHousing, this project will bring 341 units of affordable housing to East Harlem as well as the new home of @afrolatinjazz. - Addnl Photo Credit: @NYCMayorsOffice

Renovations are well underway at Jericho House in Harlem, part of the @JerichoProject1 network of supportive housing. When completed, tenants will be able to enjoy refreshed interiors & a new rooftop recreation space with a solar canopy. - #affordablehousing #nychousing #uainy

Magnolia Gardens in Flushing is TCO’ed and our energy consultant partner @BrightPowerInc recently completed the blower door test as part of the @PHIUS1 certification process. This @NYSERDA Building of Excellence blends sustainable design, health & wellness, and cultural context.

Nearly three-quarters complete, scaffolding is coming down at the front facade of White Plains Road Residence! It's great to see our designers' vision for the balance between the 8-story brick portion with the 6-story rainscreen accent realized!

Congratulations to @LanternCS and Mega Contracting Group on the closing of the Timbale Terrace! Partnering w/ @NYCHousing, this project will bring 341 units of affordable housing to East Harlem while also serving as the new home of @afrolatinjazz. We're proud to be a part of it!

Warmest wishes from everyone on our team for a joyful holiday season and a bright year ahead!

Formerly abandoned brownstones, the Reverend William M. James Building is a part of the @OdysseyHouseNY network of facilities in East Harlem, with 21 units serving as homes for low-income and formerly homeless individuals. Thanks to @Ari_Burling for capturing the project!

Another fall gala season has come and gone! We’re grateful to have gotten the chance to pause before the busy holiday season and celebrate @theNetworkNY @vbgcq and @afrolatinjazz for the important work they do for our communities.

The @WINNYC_ORG Jackson Avenue building is currently providing 95 units of transitional housing while the Powers Avenue supportive and affordable housing residence is being constructed next door! We wanted to highlight the first phase of this project: bit.ly/4ioxGEk