Dirtworks created communal, accessible, and modern outdoor spaces as part of the redevelopment of the Grand Street Apartments, in support of Troy Housing Authority’s mandate to provide safe, decent and affordable housing for all.
Grand Street Apartments is a collection of townhome style rowhouses that evokes a well preserved 19th century character. The architectural character gave the site a lot of potential to work with the landscape. Updates to the buildings and the landscape were needed to enhance the character of the space and make it a welcoming home for residents.
The site had no outdoor gathering spaces for residents when reconstruction began and had no activation for residents to use any of the outdoor space. Minimal plantings and a lack of color did not make the site feel welcoming. Thoughtful placement of accessible gathering spaces along with colorful plant beds for all seasons made the site come to life and stand out. Intentional decisions like these brought out the best of Grand Street and gave the residents useful outdoor space.
Part of the Troy Portfolio Preservation Bundle 2 sites, Grand Street Apartments is only one piece of a larger revitalization to the Capital Region of New York. A collaborative effort that is providing residents with a profound transformation to their community.
Location
Troy, NY
Completion
Summer 2026
Size
1 Acre
Collaborators
Newman Design Architects
MDG Design & Construction
Client
Troy Housing Authority
