3595 Broadway is a new, mixed-use building providing replacement affordable units for residents living within the site plan of Columbia University’s campus expansion in Manhattanville. In addition to condominium units for residents of two affordable housing buildings, and residential accessory spaces, 3595 also includes sacred, office and educational space for a church which currently occupies space next door to 3595. Church facilities occupy the basement, first and second floors, and a new sanctuary for 275 parishioners is at street level. A 2,000SF corner retail space sits below 42 affordable units and one superintendent’s unit.

Built on a steeply sloped site, the building steps down to meet adjacent townhouses on 148th Street following the grade change of the street. A contemporary design of stacked blocks responds to those townhouses as well as the more classically organized facades along Broadway in brick color and in massing. The church and retail base sit at the streetwall and the building steps back at the condominium floors acknowledging the existing 6-story buildings along Broadway.

A visual partition in the design and brick color of the Broadway-facing façade distinguish the distinct entrance and identity of the church from the ground floor commercial space. The division continues in the upper floors creating the appearance of two buildings and acknowledging the distinct program elements inside: two affordable housing condominium buildings. The residential lobby is located on the quieter 148th Street.

The building was designed to allow for ample natural light and air circulation in all residential, sacred, office and retail spaces. Building systems and windows are high-efficiency and LED lighting is used throughout with interior lights on occupancy sensors. The evolution of technology and a significant investment in affordable housing, has offered flexibility to include efficient performance features in affordable housing development. The design answers Columbia University’s desire for a sustainable building that would provide a healthy environment and offer outdoor access to its residents. The building complies with the Enterprise Green Communities program, the first national affordable green building program developed for affordable housing. Three planted roof terraces on the 2nd, 9th and top floors contribute to this compliance.