Odyssey House Park Avenue on East 123rd Street in East Harlem is a 34,000 SF, six-story building funded by the New York State Office of Mental Health. Continuing the Odyssey House tradition of supporting individuals recovering from substance abuse, the building contains counseling offices and group meeting facilities on the ground floor and cellar. Upstairs are 50 efficiency apartment units for program participants, each with fully equipped kitchenettes.  The main lobby leads to the rear garden via a bridge over an outdoor sunken courtyard bringing light to the cellar level spaces. An open stair draws people to the common activity areas of the building: a lower level lounge, laundry room, common room and state of the art exercise room.

A key element of the therapeutic process at Odyssey House is art and creative expression. The building features many areas to showcase original work by the program participants, including exterior display panels in the rear garden that are a highlight of the landscape design.

The façade of the building was designed to complement the traditional buildings on the block, with brick and cast stone window surrounds and an articulated cornice, while highlighting the entrance and lounge areas on each floor with an aluminum window wall.

Sustainable design features include a cavity wall system with spray foam insulation, low-e glazing, and energy-efficient lighting and appliances.

  • Location

    113-127 E 123rd Street, Manhattan, NY

  • Client

    Odyssey House

  • Agency

    NYS OMH

  • Completed

    2010

  • Cost

    $9 million

  • Team

    LMW Engineering Group
    Noel Building Consulting Inc.
    A Joselow Consulting Engrs
    A. Larovere Consulting
    Rende Contracting Corp

team