249-unit,mixed-use project will have multi-colored, patterned facade. The Department of Housing Preservation and Development sought approval for a 15-lot disposition in Central Harlem for construction of the Kalahari, a two-building, 249-unit affordable housing project with ground floor retail, restaurant, theater, and community group space. The 54,184-square-foot site, fronting West 115th and 116th Streets, was originally proposed for development in 2003, but HPD withdrew the application several days before the Council’s vote due to concerns raised over the developer.

HPD’s new application proposed two 12-story buildings, totaling 352,036 sq.ft., with 249 units and 46,500 sq.ft. of commercial space to enhance street-level activity. A 600- seat community cinema and performance art space would be located along West 116th Street. Street- Squash, a West Harlem group providing after-school sports programs to Harlem youth, would operate an 18,046-square-foot squash center within the development. Street- Squash, established in 1999, currently operates through the donation of court time at the Harvard Club and Columbia University. (read more…)