VIDEO | Design Short: Urban Empowerment Center

The Urban Empowerment Center is a contemporary building designed with sensitivity to its neighborhood, the historic heart of Black culture in New York City. Occupying a through-block site, this complex mixed-use project comprises the headquarters of the National Urban League, a civil rights museum and conference center, Class A office space, 171 units of affordable housing, and retailers including Trader Joe’s, Target, Sephora and more.

Watch the video above to hear BBB Partner Cassie S. Walker, AIA, LEED AP, explain how the massing and facades of the Urban Empowerment Center are designed to respond to their context: the bustling commercial corridor of 125th Street, the quiet residential block of 126th Street, and the 100% affordable residential building above.