Youth Ministries for Peace & Justice, Inc. (YMPJ), in partnership with the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT), New York City Councilmember Ralphael Salamanca – NYC Council District#17, and several partner organizations celebrated the opening of a brand new public space in Soundview called The Soundview Economic Hub.
For 10 years, Soundview, Bronx River, and Hunts Point communities have worked to reimagine and reclaim this large portion of underutilized space under the Bruckner Expressway at Bronx River Avenue, which would transform this area into a community-driven space at the nexus of food systems, health, and economic development. Through the Soundview Economic Hub, YMPJ and its community partners will address long-standing local needs for job training opportunities, business incubation space, access to fresh, healthy foods, and intergenerational programming. Once fully established, South Bronx residents and entrepreneurs will enjoy a community-oriented space to manufacture goods and offer services that provide resources, employment, and educational opportunities.
Our approach to activating public space is grounded in the belief that free, vibrant public arts and cultural programming create a vital entry point for residents into larger advocacy initiatives. The art on display, titled “Under the Bruckner,” emphasizes the diversity of local culture and creative talent within the Bronx. Every piece of art on display has been commissioned by YMPJ in partnership with the NYC DOT Art Program (NYC DOT Art) and created by Bronx artists to share the story of our home and its beauty and complexity. This phase of the project is supported by the Local Center, an initiative of Urban Design Forum and the Association for Neighborhood and Housing Development.
Quotes:
Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice, Inc.:
“After 10 years of planning and advocacy efforts led by the community, we are thrilled to open this space for the first time and feature local artists and vendors. It has, finally, allowed our neighbors to stand in the space and imagine its full potential. The “Under the Bruckner” public art installation at the Soundview Economic Hub is just the first step in transforming this underutilized space under the Bruckner Expressway, a by-product of racist 20th-century urban planning and highway development that divided communities, into a vibrant community hub and asset reflective of the diversity and resilience of our neighborhood. Activating this underutilized public space this fall brings us closer to realizing the community’s vision for the Soundview Economic Hub as a fully enclosed climate, social, and economic resiliency hub for the Soundview Peninsula. Thanks to the vendors we’ve brought into the space, we have seen already that this location is primed to act as a nexus and driver of economic activity in our community. We are grateful for the community’s continued support of this transformative project. We invite everyone to visit the “Under the Bruckner” installation to see our community’s creative placekeeping in action and to dream with us about the future of the Soundview Economic Hub.”
About Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice
Founded in 1994, the mission of Youth Ministries for Peace & Justice (YMPJ) is to rebuild the neighborhoods of Bronx River and Soundview/Bruckner in the South Bronx by preparing our community to become prophetic voices for peace and justice. We accomplish this through political education, spiritual formation, and youth and community development and organizing.
Ennead Architects:
“Ennead Lab, the research and advocacy arm of Ennead Architects, is dedicated to harnessing the power of design in support of equitable built environments,” said Masha Konopleva, Associate and Co-Director of Ennead Lab. “Together with Public Works Partners and Buro Happold, we are proud to bring our design expertise to support YMPJ’s vision for the Soundview Economic Hub. Through design and urban planning, we have transformed a formerly vacant area under the Bruckner Expressway into a public space that celebrates Bronx artists and provides a new gathering hub for the community.”
About Ennead Architects and Ennead Lab
Renowned for its innovative cultural, educational, scientific, commercial, and civic building designs that authentically express the progressive missions of their institutions and enhance the vitality of the public realm, Ennead has been a leader in the design world for decades. The recipient of the prestigious Smithsonian Institution-Cooper Hewitt National Design Award, the AIANY Medal of Honor, and the National AIA Firm Award, as well as numerous design awards for individual buildings, Ennead has a body of work that is diverse in typology, scale, and location. The firm’s collaborative process is based in extensive research involving the analysis of context, program, public image, emerging technologies, and a commitment to sustainable solutions. www.ennead.com
Ennead Lab, the research arm of Ennead Architects, applies architectural thinking to investigate challenging issues outside the traditional boundaries of architectural practice. Building upon the firm’s history of civic and institutional engagement, Ennead Lab collaborates on diverse research questions and impactful pro-active design projects, ranging from rethinking refugee settlements with UNHCR to developing a testing protocol and LEED test credit for bird-friendly glass technologies in collaboration with the Audubon Society. Central to each of these projects is a desire to catalyze dormant value in each site or challenge, create forms and strategies that actively pursue civic progress, and test design interventions with transferrable and impactful applications. www.enneadlab.org
Local center:
Urban Design Forum:
“We are thrilled to see YMPJ’s vision for ‘Under the Bruckner’ come to life this fall through support from the Local Center.” said Daniel McPhee, Executive Director of the Urban Design Forum. “Transforming this space into a public plaza featuring a new exhibition by local artists is a powerful first step towards the longer term vision YMPJ holds. We were delighted to match YMPJ with an all-star interdisciplinary design team of Ennead Architects, Public Works Partners, Buro Happold, and Cozen O’Connor who helped to make it possible.”
Association for Neighborhood Housing and Development:
“We are delighted to support Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice in piloting the ‘Under the Bruckner’ exhibition this year” said Barika Williams, Executive Director, Association for Neighborhood and Housing Development (ANHD). “We are inspired by YMPJ’s pioneering community development approach that focuses on creating vibrant public spaces, and are grateful to support them in taking a meaningful step towards a community hub that supports local food systems, small businesses, and more.”
About the Local Center:
Urban Design Forum and the Association for Neighborhood & Housing Development (ANHD) are partnering on the Local Center, a community design initiative to equip local leaders with the technical assistance, funding, and connections to re-envision and activate public spaces in their neighborhood. Urban Design Forum (UDF) connects and inspires New Yorkers to design, build and care for a better city. We are a member-powered organization of 1,000+ civic leaders committed to a more just future for our city. We bring together New Yorkers of diverse backgrounds and experiences to learn, debate, and design a vibrant city for all. Association for Neighborhood & Housing Development (ANHD) builds community power to win affordable housing and thriving, equitable neighborhoods for all New Yorkers. As a member organization of 80+ community groups across New York City, we use research, advocacy, and grassroots organizing to build equity and justice in low-income, historically marginalized neighborhoods and city-wide.
NYC Department of Transportation:
“All New Yorkers deserve safe and beautiful gathering places in their neighborhoods and the Soundview Economic Hub will transform this underused public space into a bustling community nexus that brings neighbors together,” said New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “We are proud to partner with Youth Ministries for Peace & Justice, Inc. on the installation of these colorful and community-driven artworks, conveniently located ‘Under the Bruckner’ for Bronxites to enjoy.”
About NYC DOT Art
New York City Department of Transportation Art (NYC DOT Art) partners with community-based, nonprofit organizations and professional artists to present temporary public art on NYC DOT property throughout the five boroughs for up to eleven months. Artists transform streets with colorful murals, dynamic projections and eye catching sculptures. Sidewalks, fences, triangles, medians, bridges, jersey barriers, step streets, public plazas and pedestrianized spaces serve as canvases and foundations for temporary art. Since 2008, NYC DOT Art has produced over 450 temporary artworks citywide. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dotart and @nyc_DOTArt on Instagram.
Public Works Partners
“Our work focuses on creating stronger neighborhoods through planning, placemaking, economic development, and community engagement,” says Melissa S. Lee, CNU-A, Principal of Public Works Partners’ Community Health Practice. We’re thrilled to showcase the incredible talents of these Bronx-based artists in a fresh, dynamic way. Huge thanks to YMPJ and our design partners—Ennead Architects, Buro Happold, and Cozen O’Connor—for trusting us to help bring their bold vision for the Soundview Economic Hub to life. Exciting things are ahead!”
About Public Works Partners
Public Works Partners believes in strategy for good. The WBE/DBE/SBE certified planning & consulting firm, working closely with a network of community-based organizations at the neighborhood, city, and state level, captures credible input organically, analyzing and synthesizing findings into actionable data that leads to increased impact. Using a mixed-methods approach, Public Works Partners connects with community members where they are to ensure that audiences too often marginalized are heard. The firm’s approach to research and analysis can inform future programs, facilitate strategic planning processes, build stronger teams, and streamline organizational operations for greater success. For more information, visit www.publicworkspartners.com.
Buro Happold
“It is critical for community groups to have the agency, power, and industry support to craft public space in a way that is appropriate for the surrounding community,” says John Sloane, a Senior Lighting Designer with Buro Happold. “It is our responsibility as designers to support our local NYC community organizations through design and advocacy. We are proud to have collaborated on the structural and lighting design with a team of thoughtful designers and community members, transforming this reclaimed public space into a destination for gathering and art, and showcasing a vision for the future of the Soundview Economic Hub.”
Cozen O’Connor
“Cozen O’Connor is honored to play a role in bringing the Soundview Economic Hub to life and to help YMPJ transform this unused space into an asset to the local community,” said Rachel Scall, a Member in Cozen O’Connor’s Zoning & Land Use Practice. “It is amazing to see the designs of Ennead Architects, Public Works Partners and Buro Happold come to life. Thank you to the Urban Design Forum for the opportunity to assist with this important project and to the New York City Department of Transportation for its partnership in creating this new public plaza.”
NY Small Business Funders Collective
The NY Small Business Funders Collective is delighted to see the Soundview Economic Hub take shape and is a proud supporter of efforts to create small business opportunity in the Hub. We congratulate YMPJ and all its partners on this inaugural event.
Wilde, Flowers & Books
Wilde, Flowers & Books is honored to join the Soundview Economic Hub for their ribbon cutting ceremony. As a local resident and business owner, born and raised ten minutes from the activation site, it’s been thrilling and inspiring to witness this area’s creative rebirth. We have the amazing opportunity to affect lasting changes in the lives of children and community members by creating spaces that prioritize literacy, nature, and human connection.
Brunch at Zion’s
“YMPJ’s ‘Under The Bruckner’ is a space where creatives are fed and showcased. The Bronx is a magical place, and YMPJ is highlighting that,” says Chef Chrystina Casado, Owner of Brunch At Zion’s. “Artful healing through creativity is central to every recipe I’ve ever created, paired with the healthiest, locally sourced, organic food. We cater to all dietary needs, from vegan to high protein.”
About Brunch at Zion’s
Brunch at Zion’s is proud to offer premium catering and personal chef services, specializing in farm-to-table, locally sourced, and organic cuisine. Founded by Executive Chef Chrystina Casado, inspired by her son Zion, we create unforgettable culinary experiences tailored to your needs. For inquiries, contact us at 929-417-8695 or visit www.brunchatzions.com. Follow us on Instagram @ChefChrystina and @Brunchatzions!
Majority Leader District 18 Councilmember Amanda Farias:
“Finding innovative ways to make better use of space is important for dense communities like ours in the Bronx. I am so excited to see our community partner, YMPJ, reimagine what once was just an underpass of a bridge into a brand new public open space for our community to utilize inclusive of arts and culture. YMPJ saw opportunity in
a concrete landscape where residents commuted from one community to the next, to what is now an artscape bridging two communities as one. Thank you to all the organizations and individuals who helped bring a shared vision of turning what once was a forgotten pathway into a vibrant gathering space.”
NY State Senator José M. Serrano
It is so important for communities to have free and accessible spaces dedicated to art. ‘Under the Bruckner’ transforms this underutilized space to showcase local Bronx artists, celebrate their unique and diverse talents, and bring vibrancy to the community.
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