Construction starts at Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Plaza

Construction has begun at Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Plaza in West Harlem, NYC. Designed for the Malcolm Shabazz Mosque Development Team and The Procida Companies, this mixed-use multifamily development consists of 100% affordable housing with 123 units across two buildings, a central landscaped garden for the residents, and a new permanent indoor home for the Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market; a beloved cultural gathering space and iconic destination in Harlem.

The new marketplace will function as a local business incubator that showcases West African crafts, traditional clothing, goods and food. The market hall, which spans from West 116th Street to West 115th Street, will stitch together two city blocks, activated by a bustling pedestrian arcade. This arcade will be topped by large skylights to evoke the formerly outdoor market condition. During construction, the market will be continuously operating in a temporary indoor space nearby.

The two new 9-story buildings above the market will offer homes that conform to the City’s Extremely Low and Low‐Income Affordability (ELLA) criteria. 

The project will also implement Passive House design principles and won the Blue Ribbon Award in Round 4 of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) Buildings of Excellence program, winning the distinguished project award and a major capital development grant. The energy and sustainability performance of the building will meet Energy Star, Enterprise Green Communities, Indoor airPLUS and Fitwel certifications.

The main West 116 Street Market Hall entry will be adorned by a translucent art wall that will serve as a central identity and characterize the essential meaning and history of the market while creating an iconic neighborhood destination.