HANAC Skills Building

Neighborhood
Astoria, Queens
Use
Community Center and Admin. Offices
Client
- HANAC
Status
In Progress
Budget
$10 million - $25 million
Size
23,500 sf - 45,000 sf

Overview

Urban Quotient has been working closely with HANAC, a Queens-based community development organization, to visualize future development and expansion possibilities for their community center building in Astoria, known as the Skills Building. HANAC plans for the new design to consolidate their existing social services and administrative operations under one roof and generate new space for nearby partner facilities.

As an integral part of the overall design strategy, UQ conducted a full programming analysis of the social services HANAC provides on site to help optimize space needs.

Program bubble diagram based on staff interviews

We also performed a physical assesment on the existing building and conducted historic research. Built in the 1890's, the Skills Building was originally the first police precinct in Astoria and is an example of Romanesque Revival architecture of the period. The building was nominated for review by the State Historic Preservation Office and has been deemed eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Our various design options have included full and partial preservation as we continue to work with HANAC to develop the best strategy for the site.

Historic photograph from the late 19th century when the building was used as police precinct.

Interlock Option

This option cuts through the old building and new building creating an openness and mix of program.

Section through the entry of the interlock scheme.

Merge Option

Using the adjacent lot allows this building to accommodate additional residential use, as well as underground parking.