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October 16, 2017

OHNY Highlights DDC Public Projects During Weekend Tours

Contact:
Dan Leibel
718-391-1251

New York, NY – Some of the NYC Department of Design and Construction’s (DDC) most innovative projects were highlighted this weekend as the design and construction of eight of the projects featured during the Open House New York (OHNY) Weekend had been managed by the DDC. OHNY Weekend is a citywide celebration of architecture and urban design intended to open public discourse with architects, urban planners, historians and City leaders. 

“DDC partners with its client agencies to build great civic projects for all New Yorkers, and an architectural tour through some of our greatest hits is a good way for the public to learn about and engage with the public spaces we create,” said DDC Acting Commissioner Ana Barrio. “We’re very proud to be selected by Open House New York for such an honor.”

manhattan 1/2/5 Garage and Spring Street Salt Shed
Featured during OHNY Weekend, the Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage and Spring Street Salt Shed during sunset on Manhattan’s West Side

"The anniversary of Open House New York Weekend comes at an especially significant moment in New York and the nation. Planning for the first OHNY Weekend began in the fall of 2001, a time when New York had closed itself off in response to September 11," said Gregory Wessner, Executive Director of OHNY. "Fifteen years later, amidst a national conversation about the values of access and openness, we are reminded once again that the mission of Open House New York is as meaningful and urgent as it has ever been. OHNY Weekend remains a vibrant reminder that access and openness – to the City and each other – are fundamental to a healthy civic life and an empowered citizenry."

Open House organizers featured projects that were designed under DDC’s Design and Construction Excellence program. DDC projects such as the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island, the West 215th Step Street in Manhattan, and the recently opened Kew Gardens Hills Library in Queens were selected to celebrate the City's commitment to working with some of New York's best architects and designers to enrich the lives of residents. More than 200 buildings and projects across the five boroughs were opened OHNY Weekend for tours and talks with architects, urban planners, historians, preservationists and City leaders.  

 Elmhurst Community Library
The new Elmhurst Community Library was highlighted during OHNY weekend

Other DDC projects highlighted during the OHNY weekend include the Elmhurst Community Library, Queens Museum, Weeksville Heritage Center and NYC Districts 1/2/5 Sanitation Garage and Salt Shed. More information about OHNY and its year-round programming can found here.



About the NYC Department of Design and Construction
The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor de Blasio’s lenses of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, new or upgraded roadways, sewers, water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $15 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative, and environmentally-conscious design and construction strategies to city projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.