New luxury residential rentals are transforming the South Bronx skyline in Mott Haven, a neighborhood that has been pivotal in shaping New York’s art and culture scene. A collection of lavish towers pays homage to local artists who have put their own inimitable spin on lobby spaces and common areas within each development. These creative works reflect Mott Haven’s origins as the birthplace of Hip Hop and home to legendary musicians, writers and civil rights leaders. Ushering in this whole new chapter of revitalization and development are soaring residential buildings like Maven, The Motto, Third at Bankside and Lincoln at Bankside.
Designed by CetraRuddy Architecture, Maven is a stunning building from developer RXR. Elevating the total lifestyle experience for Maven residents was top of mind for Jarrod Whitaker, senior vice president of residential operations at RXR. “From the art-filled lobby running the length of the building to the lushly landscaped rooftop with sweeping cityscape vistas, the sheer size and number of amenities at Maven provide residents with a variety of elegant spaces to socialize, exercise, entertain or relax in style,” he said.
According to Nancy J. Ruddy, co-founding principal and executive director of interior design for CetraRuddy, the lobby’s bold artwork was created live onsite and ranges from 8 to 19 feet high. “Diverse artists practicing in idioms from pop to contemporary and street art all reflect the lively spirit of the Bronx and the energy of the Mott Haven neighborhood,” she revealed.
Both the developer and architects believed that living with art enriches the lives of residents and provides daily inspiration. “A true highlight of Maven’s art program is the entire ground floor pedestrian and vehicular entry sequence and lobby. The long sinuous lobby was conceived as a gallery with a 115-foot-long wall of exhibition space with a facing glass wall that allows people to experience the art from the street and as they approach the building on foot or in vehicles,” Ruddy noted. “The entire indoor and outdoor art experience space is energized by art, complete with wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling works.” Works were commissioned from celebrated international and local artists, including Mr. Brainwash, WRDSMTH, Bollee Patino, Cope 2, CRASH, Plastic Jesus and Jimmy Paintz.
Photography courtesy RXR.
Third at Bankside and Lincoln at Bankside
Hill West Architects and Brookfield Properties collaborated on a prime waterfront spot overlooking the Third Avenue Bridge and the Harlem River for seven expansive rental towers in Third at Bankside and Lincoln at Bankside, the largest private development ever in the Bronx. Brookfield asked New York-based curator Lolita Cros to create a collection of dozens of mixed-media artworks from 21 local artists, all displayed across the building’s common spaces. To celebrate the building’s opening, Brookfield hosted a panel conversation and cocktail party led by Cros, contributing artists and New York’s Director of Art & Design who oversees all the public art in the city’s subway system. Titled “The Impact of Public Art on the Urban Landscape,” the event was open to all area residents.
The development also supported existing Mott Haven neighbors, since Brookfield’s Social Inclusion Team worked with Building Skills NY to develop a hiring and job training program for Bronx residents, creating nearly 100 new jobs in the community. The new Bankside Park offers public access to the waterfront for the first time in over a century. And two local non-profits are slated to run community engagement, education and workforce development programs at Bankside.
Bankside’s architecture, waterfront park and shops made it a welcoming new focal point for the neighborhood, said David West, founding partner of Hill West Architects. “While Bankside’s facade design is inspired by the site’s historical use as a freight transfer depot, our team was energized by the opportunity to design more than 1,300 homes, public urban green space and new retail opportunities for the entire Mott Haven community,” West said.
Photography by Ray Cavicchio.
Highlighting architecture and interior design from the New York studio of award-winning global firm Woods Bagot, The Motto is a sleek 24-story tower. Matthew Stephenson, principal at Woods Bagot, revealed that artists from the area greatly contributed to the building’s singular aesthetic. “With The Motto, as with all our projects, it’s important that we’re not just sensitive to, but an active part of the local community. We were fortunate to partner with an ownership team that has been engaged in the South Bronx and Harlem for many years, so it was a welcomed ownership expectation to incorporate local artists into the final design,” he noted. “One of my favorite pieces in the building is a mural by Alex Alpert in the fourth floor game room. It’s a black and white linework mural that incorporates Bronx landmarks, New York icons, and even features some of the project team within the art.”
A great deal of thought went into The Motto’s design, especially as it relates to neighbors passing by on a daily basis. “I think an important part of The Motto design is the incorporation and intentional placement of retail at the ground floor to help bring an amenity that serves not just residents, but the neighborhood as a whole. It’s important to us that the building is a part of the city fabric and encourages the pedestrians to move not only past it, but through it as it becomes part of the South Bronx context,” Stephenson explained. “The building has partnered with several local businesses to be a part of the welcome package that all new residents receive upon move in. The continued collaborations and fostering of relationships within the community has made The Motto a great addition to Mott Haven.”
Photography by Mike Van Tassell.
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