RKT&B completes $15 million HPD project at 1465 & 1473 Fifth Ave.

Construction of 1465 & 1473 Fifth Ave., an 80,000 s/f, $15 million Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) project in Harlem, is complete, according to RKT&B Architects, the firm that designed the affordable residences for the developer, Artimus Construction Corporation. One of the most distinctive features of the buildings is their facades, which have a unique brick pattern of three different colors that relate closely to the colors of the surrounding buildings. The facades also have staggered window arrangements to allow for flexibility in locating apartment walls and to break down the surface. "People don't typically associate affordable housing with innovative design," said Carmi Bee, FAIA, president of RKT&B. "1465 & 1473 Fifth Ave. offers both, and the facades are just one example. This project demonstrates there is no reason why affordable housing can't look like upscale housing." The buildings, which encompass 80,000 s/f in aggregate, are located between West 117th and 118th Sts. on a block that was incomplete for many years. Each is eight stories tall, with ground floors designated for commercial use. "Urban infill is an effective method of revitalizing neighborhoods," said Bee. "Now that these buildings are complete, the block looks great. It's also much safer without the vacant lots." Other firms involved in the project include Goldreich Engineering, PC (structural) and Sideris Engineers (mechanical).