El Barrio’s Artspace PS109 is a major renovation project undertaken by Monadnock Construction on behalf of clients Artspace and El Barrio’s Operation Fightback in Harlem.

The renovation involved the complete transformation of an abandoned public school into affordable housing for artists along with an arts facility. The original building was built in 1898 and designed by Charles Snyder and is listed on the National register.

The project was completed in 2015 after the complete restoration of the building’s interior and its exterior facade. The exterior facade work included custom stone, terracotta, and ornamental copper construction and restoration.

El Barrio’s Artspace @ PS109 was financed as part of the New Housing Marketplace plan and included funding from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, NYC HPD, Councilmember Melissa Mark-Viverito, and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer.

Location: 215 E 99th Street, New York, NY

Client: Artspace and El Barrio’s Operation Fightback

Architect: Hamilton Houston Lowrie Architects and Victor Morales Architects

Completion: 2015

Apartments: 89