Construction Update: Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center
West facade.
Construction has wrapped up at the Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. Named for the first black woman elected to the United States Congress, the Studio Gang-designed facility houses programs dedicated to fitness, recreation, and learning for the surrounding community across its 74,000 square feet. A gymnasium, walking track, and double-height competition-grade swimming pool are located on the lower three levels. The uppermost level provides learning spaces for kids, teens, and adults, with adjacent roof terrace and gardens for connecting to nature.
Recreation center entry.
The facade features a brick-faced architectural precast concrete panel with mineral wool or spray-applied, closed cell insulation depending on the location. Double and triple glazed windows and curtain walls invite light into the interior spaces, with gently arched windows predominantly located at the ground floor. At the topmost floor, the stepped back exterior transitions to corrugated metal panel cladding and a green roof allows for access to nature.
West facade.
The project is the first LEED Platinum v4 public building in New York City, achieved through its high-performance building envelope, energy recovery system, and all-electric heating and cooling. Some of the notable sustainable features include 75-foot-long mass timber beams spanning the ceiling of the pool space, low-carbon concrete superstructure, extensive green roofs, and bioswales at the surrounding ground floor landscape.
Southwest corner.
Close-up of a window.
Architect: Studio Gang; Structural and Facade Engineer: Thornton Tomasetti; MEP Engineer: WSP; Landscape Architect: Elizabeth Kennedy Landscape Architect; Construction: Consigli Construction; Client: NYC Department of Design and Construction/NYC Department of Parks & Recreation; Program: Fitness, Pool, Basketball Court, Community Meeting Space; Location: East Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY; Completion: Early 2026.
