Affordable housing is in a state of crisis. Driving forces – such as community opposition, government skepticism, and slow-moving progress – have facilitated a lack of housing development within the nation. This studio explores this issue in Westchester County. The Westchester County Department of Planning tasked the studio team to develop a comprehensive planning report exploring options for integrating affordable housing and mass transit into selected Westchester County office parks, with an emphasis on those in the I-287 corridor.

The Crossroads – Existing Conditions

Office parks in Westchester County have emerged as a potential location for new affordable housing development in the coming years. Many of these parks, especially those in the I-287 corridor are currently underutilized and yet include large areas for potential residential and commercial development. Though generally designed to be solely accessible by car, they are also often well-located in the roadway transportation network of the county. The studio team blends theory and practice, utilizing skills learned in a classroom and applying them to a real-world situation.

The following scope of work occurred during the duration of the Semester:

The Crossroads – Studio Proposal

After three months of research, tenant interviews, and discussions with various experts in related fields, the studio produced three proposals for redevelopment of the following sites:

• The Crossroads Shopping Center in Greenburgh
• Former General Foods headquarters in White Plains
• Marriott Renaissance at Teardrop in Harrison