Restored buildings at Harlem River Houses, a landmark 1930s public housing development in Harlem, New York City. RAND Engineering & Architecture provided facade and roofing consulting services for the award-winning restoration.
The New York Landmarks Conservancy has announced the recipients of the 2025 Lucy G. Moses Preservation Awards, which celebrate outstanding restoration, preservation, and adaptive reuse of historic buildings across the city. Among this year’s honorees is the comprehensive restoration of Harlem River Houses, New York City’s first purpose-built public housing complex, constructed in 1936–1937 as part of the New Deal. RAND Engineering & Architecture, DPC is proud to have served as facade and roofing consultant for this award-winning effort, working alongside Curtis + Ginsberg Architects (C+GA), the project’s lead design team.
A Landmark with Legacy
Located between West 151st and 153rd Streets in Harlem, Harlem River Houses was designated a New York City landmark in 1975. The campus comprises seven buildings and over 570 affordable housing units arranged around landscaped courtyards, playgrounds, and public art. The restoration not only sought to preserve these vital features, but also to upgrade the site for energy efficiency, accessibility, and long-term resiliency.
Exterior Restoration and Roofing Scope
Working with Curtis + Ginsberg Architects, RAND provided exterior restoration consulting focused on repairing and preserving the building envelope. All repair and replacement designs were developed in accordance with NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission requirements, NYCHA design standards, and applicable energy efficiency codes. Through detailed facade surveys, RAND identified areas of deterioration and developed targeted restoration plans to extend the life of the buildings and maintain their historic character.
Our work included:
- Facade Survey and Analysis: Conducted a full survey of Buildings 1–7 to document existing conditions, identify deficiencies, and recommend repair strategies.
- Exterior Restoration Design: Developed a comprehensive repair program focused on masonry restoration and waterproofing, with careful attention to historic integrity.
- Roofing Replacement Program: Designed and oversaw a full roof replacement across the complex, incorporating energy efficiency improvements while maintaining compatibility with the original design.
- Construction Administration: Provided weekly site visits, including initial reviews, progress observations, and final inspections to monitor workmanship and compliance.
- Special Inspections: Conducted required Special Inspections to verify that construction conformed to the approved design and relevant code standards.
A Collaborative Preservation Effort
This project was made possible by a large, collaborative team that included the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), Settlement Housing Fund, L+M Development Partners, Curtis + Ginsberg Architects, Higgins Quasebarth & Partners, Skyline Restoration, Nieto Contractors, and a range of consultants and contractors. From restoring deteriorated masonry and damaged sculptures to improving infrastructure and public spaces, the team worked together to return Harlem River Houses to its original grandeur.
Thank you to our dedicated project team - Melissa Vazquez (Project Manager), Andres Ulloa (Project Associate), Brett Rieger, AIA (Senior Architect and Director of Construction Phase Services), Matthew Kornreich (Chief Specification Writer), and Luke Pantaleo, RA, NCARB (Partner and Facade & Roofing Team Leader) - for their expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to the successful rehabilitation of this historic site.
For RAND, projects like Harlem River Houses are not just about preserving structures, they are about preserving homes, communities, and a living history that continues to shape New York City’s future. We are honored to have contributed to the preservation of this landmark of public housing.
About RAND
Founded in 1987, RAND Engineering & Architecture, DPC is a New York City firm that designs and administers programs for the repair, upgrade, restoration, and adaptive reuse of residential, commercial, institutional, and retail properties. Our expertise includes exterior envelope repair, with a particular focus on FISP; parapet inspections and repair programs; window and door replacement; heating, plumbing, and electrical upgrades; garage inspections and repair programs; architectural design and ADA compliance; feasibility studies and plan reviews; structural engineering; forensic surveys; benchmarking, energy audits, and retro-commissioning; green roofs; and historic restoration.
RAND also has a Building Design Group, an Industrial Rope Access Group, a Drone Services Group, an Infrared Survey Group, a 3D Laser Scanning Group, and a Code & Zoning Compliance Team, and is also a Special Inspections Agency.
RAND has been recognized with three Lucy G. Moses Preservation Awards from the New York Landmarks Conservancy, along with various other honors for excellence in historic preservation.
Please visit randpc.com for more information.
