A historic corner row house on Lenox Avenue in Harlem, originally constructed in 1885, is being transformed into a clinic that supports both community health and housing for visiting nurses. Originally built with a full masonry structure, the building was altered in the early 20th century with a steel column-and-beam system to enhance retail visibility. Vacant since the pandemic, it now takes on a new role in addressing healthcare gaps.
The first and second floors serve the public with a community health center and workstations. Transparent facades with soft rolling fabric gates replace heavy metal ones, signaling openness and flexibility. The corner is opened to create an inviting threshold, while the rear yard is reimagined as a community garden for medicinal plants. Interior spaces support both private consultations and public health workshops.
The third and fourth floors accommodate six housing units for visiting nurses, placed behind the existing brick facade to ensure privacy. Each unit includes a hand-washing sink near the entrance for cleaning, and the layout features a main living space divided into an interior and a semi-exterior area by large sliding doors, supporting hygiene and rest after long shifts.
