“Homes for people.” That was the vision behind the Jacob Riis Houses. Here we stand at the edge of the East Village. The Jacob Riis Houses stand as a testament to urban renewal.
These buildings are more than just brick and mortar. They tell a story of hope. They also tell a story of challenges. The Jacob Riis Houses were completed in 1949. They are named after Jacob Riis. He was a photographer who documented the harsh living conditions of tenement dwellers.
Imagine this area back in the 1940s. It was a time of great change. Urban renewal projects aimed to transform neighborhoods. The land where the Jacob Riis Houses now stand was cleared. World War II delayed construction. Finally, the vision came to life.
The Jacob Riis Houses consist of thirteen buildings. They range from six to fourteen stories. There are 1191 apartment units here. The buildings stand between Avenue D and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Drive. They span from 6th Street to 13th Street.
The design of the Jacob Riis Houses reflects architectural trends of the time. The buildings showcase geometric shapes and clean lines. Windows are set in a grid pattern. The layout includes open green spaces. These were meant to provide residents with a sense of community.
The playground at the Jacob Riis Houses is quite famous. It was designed with four outdoor rooms. These rooms were for different activities. Pomerance and Breines designed it with M. Paul Friedberg and Associates. Ladybird Johnson even attended its opening in 1966. It received an award for design excellence. Other playgrounds in the city were modeled after it.
Life at the Jacob Riis Houses has seen its share of difficulties. Hurricane Sandy hit the development hard in 2012. Residents were left without electricity and other essential services. NYCHA received a grant to fund infrastructure repairs.
The Jacob Riis Houses have been home to many notable individuals. Frank Morales is a priest and activist who lived here. Sabu was a computer hacktivist. He resided in the complex as well.
Today the Jacob Riis Houses face new challenges. There was a vote on its funding future. Residents chose between two options. They could opt for the PACT program. Or they could remain in Section 9. That is the current federal program.
The Jacob Riis Houses stand as a reminder of the ongoing need for affordable housing. They also show the importance of community. The residents here have shaped this development. They are thankful for what they have. They are always looking towards the future. The Jacob Riis Houses are not just buildings. They are a community.