Community Mural on 18 St. and 5th Ave.
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| Brooklyn Upstairs The Brooklyn Upstairs Program started in 2002 when NHN determined that an astonishing number of apartments above commercial spaces are actually vacant. The reason is often because building owners are reluctant to renovate due to the intimidating and complicated structure of the Department of Buildings. In addition, they usually receive enough income from the commercial spaces to cover the cost of the entire property. The Brooklyn Upstairs Program seeks to identify and renovate vacant apartments above commercial units in order to create affordable housing, helping to alleviate Brooklyn’s affordability crisis. In 2005, our efforts to solve this problem were rewarded when NHN became part of the New York State Main Street Program. NHN was awarded $145,000 to re-grant for streetscape, façade, and affordable apartment renovations in South Park Slope. Main Street Through funding from the New York Main Street Program and the Independence Community Foundation, NHN is improving the Fifth Avenue Commercial Corridor from 12th Street to 23rd Street. Accomplishments include: •Together With Groundswell Community Mural Project, St. John - St. Matthew Emmanuel Lutheran Church, and Eagle Provisions, we created the “One World Unity” Mural on Fifth Ave and 18th Street, designed under lead artist Paul Deo. • With the help of Weisz + Yoes Architecture, we created a set of Design Guidelines for the area, which are also being used to regulate façade renovations done through the Main Street Grant. • We created a Guidebook for owners trying to navigate the Department of Buildings. • We awarded grants to two building owners, funding three façade and apartment renovation projects along Fifth Avenue. We still have grant money available and are always looking for new projects in our target area. If you have any questions about how to apply for a grant, please contact Melissa Smith at extension 14.
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