Green Affordable Housing Complex Opens In Harlem

A new 85-unit apartment building in Harlem shows that affordable housing and green building practices can go hand in hand.

2 minute read

May 3, 2008, 7:00 AM PDT

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera


"Situated on West 153rd Street, David & Joyce Dinkins Gardens offers 85 units of affordable housing in addition to a 25,000 square foot youth center and a community garden. Jonathan Rose Companies and Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement developed the $19.5 million community to help repair the "physical, economic, cultural, and spiritual fabric of the neighborhood." Towards these goals the project has kept costs low while integrating a noble set of social and environmental ideals governed by principles of diversity, interdependence, and environmental responsibility."

"Dinkins Gardens utilizes an impressive array of forward-thinking green strategies to promote energy efficiency, conservation, and quality of life while taking advantage of the economic benefits of of green architecture to keep living costs down for residents. The structure is composed of nontoxic, recycled, and locally made materials and features south-facing solar shades and a green roof, both of which help regulate temperature. The roof also has a rainwater harvesting system that funnels water from the roof into storage tanks for the garden's irrigation. Inside, efficient energy systems abound with copious use of natural daylighting, energy star rated appliances and light fixtures, and a high efficiency boiler.

With recent news that green buildings are becoming increasingly profitable, it's great to see projects like this that keep costs down while balancing a sound social and environmental approach. Encouraging vital, eco-friendly communities such as this is a sure step towards ensuring a sustainable future."

Tuesday, April 29, 2008 in Inhabitat

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Green vintage Chicago streetcar from the 1940s parked at the Illinois Railroad Museum in 1988.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails

Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

July 13, 2025 - WTTV

Blue and silver Amtrak train with vibrant green and yellow foliage in background.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail

The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

July 14, 2025 - Smart Cities Dive

Worker in yellow safety vest and hard hat looks up at servers in data center.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power

Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

July 18 - Inside Climate News

Former MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood standing in front of MARTA HQ with blurred MARTA sign visible in background.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns

MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

July 18 - WABE

Rendering of proposed protected bikeway in Santa Clara, California.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant

A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.

July 17 - San José Spotlight