The Salvation Army

 175 East 125th Street/ 2306 Third Avenue, New York

Square Feet: 170,000 SF
Apartment Units: 233
Completion Date:  June 2018

Project Architect: Herson Suquino

Project Designer: Peter Poon

The Salvation Army conducted a thorough research for an architectural firm that could take over their first multi-use facility in almost 30 years.  Peter Poon Architects was selected based on its combined experience on religious, office, residential and hospitality building types.

The client has worked closely with our office to design this exemplary building that will become a prototype for the organization's future projects. A senior living component will be conformed from the 4th floor to the 12th floor while two senior resident amenity spaceswill be located at the 3rd and 13th Floor. The Cellar, Ground and 2nd Floors will be designated to community outreach programs which include a basketball facility and a place of worship as well as after-school programs.

Based on the client's vision, the knowledge of the existing context and all future developments in the vicinity, the floor plan is configured around a U-shape layout, double loaded corridors consisting of the same shape.  This configuration provides a rear courtyard that maximizes the light and air for the residential units in the back portion of the building.

In order to emphasize the presence of the new corner structure, Peter Poon Architects composed a facade with rhythmic spandrel glass inserts within the clear glass fenestration units which are set within a pre-cast brick panel; the windows are recessed to create an articulated plane to simulate some of the surrounding existing structures. The lower floors consists of double-height storefronts to maximize daylight. Similarly, the 13th floor Dining facility crowns the building with an articulation and light features that animate the corner of the building. 

Other than promoting the client's mission with the local community, this building will provide the client with an identity and prominence among the other newly planned neighboring buildings as well as fitting within the existing context.