Frida Escobedo Studio and Handel Architects complete brick tower in Harlem

Architecture studios Frida Escobedo Studio and Handel Architects have created a brick tower in Harlem, USA, that contains apartments atop a multi-level arts centre.

Located in central Harlem, the Ray Harlem building was built on the site of the National Black Theatre (NBT), which is dedicated to commissioning and producing theatrical performances for and by Black artists.

At 21-storeys, the building contains 17 storeys of residential apartments atop new premises for the NBT on the lower floors.

While the building's apartments are complete, the fit out of the lower levels, including the 250-seat performance space, is set to begin later this year.

The building's red brick facade references the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove in Nigeria, according to the team, an area from which NBT sourced its main art collection.

Panels fold inwards along the podium's facade, while rows of terraces cut into the tower.

According to Handel Architects, the design "integrates west African mythology, ritual, and symbolism into the design" and was informed by the surrounding Harlem neighbourhood.

"The architectural vision for Ray Harlem was to create a dialogue between National Black Theater's rich Harlem-based past and its vibrant and important future," said Handel principal Deborah Moelis.

"The building's form respects the neighbourhood's scale while introducing elements that maximize light, views, and community connection," continued Moelis.

"Ray Harlem demonstrates how thoughtful design can create spaces that not only house residents but also inspire and connect them to the cultural heartbeat of their neighborhood."

Inside, the studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments and amenity spaces were completed by New York-based designer Little Wing Lee of Studio & Projects, Frida Escobedo Studio and the in-house design team of the project's developer, Ray.

The apartments feature oversized windows, light wood flooring and a palette of soft pastels.

Amenity spaces, including a fifth-floor lounge area and rooftop social area and terrace, were outfitted with terrazzo flooring, wooden seating and artwork by artists such as Larissa Lockshin and Michael Abel Deng.

According to the team, 25 per cent of the apartments will be affordable through the New York City lottery system.

Founded in 1968 by Barbara Ann Teer, the NBT is "one of the oldest theaters founded and consistently operated by a woman of colour in the nation".

The theatre operated from a building on the site of Ray Harlem until construction began in 2022.

Design studio Marvel has designed the spaces for NBT, including the main performance space, a 99-seat flexible studio theatre, rehearsal rooms, offices, classrooms and a set-building shop.

The theatre spaces are set to complete in 2027.

The project was co-developed with New York-based developer LMXD.

Frida Escobedo Studio was also selected to design the new wing of the Met, with designs of the project recently released. The architect recently spoke to Dezeen about the value of immigrants' work in New York City in light of US president Donald Trump's policies.

The exterior photography is by Melanie Landsman. The interior photography is by William Jess Laird.

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