A three-story community center is slated to go up at 104-19 Roosevelt Ave. in Corona that will replace two Jackson Heights sites run by Make the Road New York, a nonprofit that runs centers across the state and advocates for immigrants.
The nonprofit currently runs two community centers on Roosevelt Avenue, which will be replaced by this 18,049-square-foot site, according to Co-Executive Director Javier H. Valdés.
“At a moment when our community is facing the most anti-immigrant administration in contemporary U.S. history, Make the Road New York is proud to be building a new home in Queens, the immigrant capital of New York,” he said. “The new community center will enhance MRNY’s ability to provide vital services to the immigrant community. It will be a hub for providing the high-quality legal, health, adult literacy and youth empowerment services that we have provided for more than 20 years.”
While the existing sites serve more than 16,000 people, Valdés said this one will allow the organization to serve even more. MRNY will also operate a food pantry at this Roosevelt Avenue location.
The first floor will include 12 offices for MRNY staff, an auditorium, gallery space, a meeting room, three classrooms and a reception area, according to permits filed with the Department of Buildings. An art room, kitchen and classroom will be located in the cellar and the site will also include a terrace, conference rooms and dining space.
The nonprofit runs a variety of programs including adult literacy classes, legal services, leadership development, summer programs and wellness programs and is also involved in community organizing and increasing civic engagement.
Ten Arquitectos is responsible for the design and it is slated to open in 2020.
“MRNY is proud to undertake this project as a community design process working with the Mexico City/NYC-based firm TEN Arquitectos, whose vision is to build a welcoming space that breaks down barriers,” Valdés said. “Our new community center will be a home for immigrant NYers in Queens, signifying the dignity and worth of the immigrant community. Its construction will be an unequivocal statement that we are here to stay, stronger than ever.”
Yimby first reported the story.
