UPACA 5 and 6

Designing

Oct 23

Written By Sustainable Digital

Location
East Harlem, NY

Status
Designing

Construction Completion
Estimated 2028

Site Area
2.55 acres (in total)

Construction Cost
$2.5 million

People Served
384

Concept Plan
New City Parks

Harlem PACT Partner Team
L & M Development Partners, Ascendant Neighborhood Development Corp; Vaya Development (MWBE)

Contractors
L+M Builders Group

Special Features
Fitness Areas, Great Lawn and Picnic Areas, Shaded Seating Areas, and Splash Pad

Located in East Harlem, UPACA 5 + 6 are two senior housing developments that were built in 1986 by the Upper Park Avenue Community Association – a resident-led initiative to combat urban blight in the area – working in collaboration with NYCHA. In 2023, the two sites were selected for redevelopment of the buildings as part of the Harlem PACT (Permanent Affordability Commitment Together) program.

The two campuses straddle East 120th Street on opposite corners of Lexington Avenue. Like many of the NYCHA campuses, there’s a dramatic misalignment between the current residents and the types of accessible and quality open spaces available at these sites. Throughout an extensive community outreach process, the residents of UPACA 5 +6 put outdoor improvements high on their list of priorities. The existing open spaces are predominantly uninviting sitting areas and asphalt pedestrian walkways. While there are some mature shade trees, the grounds lack parklike natural features. In short, the spaces surrounding the housing are unremarkable, unwelcoming, and subsequently unused by the residents.

In 2025, New City Parks finalized a strategic partnership with Harlem PACT Partners, giving NCP oversight responsibilities to re-imagine these open space improvements in tandem with the housing improvements. Design features include a greener campus with well delineated great lawns surrounded by well-defined and integrated sitting areas, fitness areas, raised planters for gardening and playgrounds with splash pads for the grandchildren visiting their grandparents. Resiliency features such as large new trees, extensive shrubs and great lawns will revitalize these outdoor spaces and offer the residents a calming environment. Construction will be done in phases as the buildings are renovated. Under the partnership, NCP will create comprehensive maintenance plans for the new outdoor amenities as well as incubate community programs to ensure long-term success of these new, welcoming outdoor spaces.