DDC and Cultural Affairs Celebrate Start of Renovations Project for Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural and Educational Center

On January 6, 2024, the Department of Design and Construction and the Department of Cultural Affairs announced the start of a new renovation project for the Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural and Educational Center located at 107 Suffolk Street in the Lower East Side. 


City Council Passes Two Bills Aimed to Help Cultural Sector Access Public Spaces

The program follows the concept of the Open Restaurants program. On December 10, 2020, the City Council passed two bills designed to provide arts and cultural institutions across the city with more access to public spaces in response to the damage to the City’s cultural sector because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 


Landmarks Request Proposal Revisions for Firehouse to Cultural Center Conversion

Commissioners suggested retaining former firehouse’s garage door and rethinking mural sizes for planned cultural center. On November 13, 2012, Landmarks considered a proposal by the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI), to make modifications to the individually landmarked Fire Hook and Ladder Company No. 14 at 120 East 125th Street in Harlem. The Romanesque Revival firehouse, designed by Napoleon LeBrun & Sons and completed in 1889, was designated in 1997.  The firehouse was closed … <Read More>


New Permanent Space for Bronx Children’s Museum Opens

The Bronx was previously the only borough not to have a permanent children’s museum. On November 16, 2022, the Departments of Design and Construction, Parks and Recreation, and Cultural Affairs, elected officials and community members celebrated the opening of the permanent space for the Bronx Children’s Museum. The museum is now located at the Bronx Terminal Market at 725 Exterior Street in Mill Pond Park. 



Mayor’s Office Announces Dozens of Resilient Building and Infrastructure Projects

On November 22, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the creation of a new pilot program to design and construct projects utilizing the NYC Climate Resiliency Design guidelines. The guidelines provide technical guidance for engineers and architects in the design of buildings, roads, sewer systems, public housing, and other forms of public infrastructure to anticipate worsening impacts from climate change including flooding, storm surge and intense heat.