Landmark Harlem Hospital Renovation Features ALPOLIC MCM

The history of New York City’s Harlem neighborhood dates back to Dutch settlements in the mid-1600s. Over the centuries, Harlem evolved from fertile farmland to city suburb to the center of African-American culture in this country. In recent years, a different renaissance is occurring not only with the establishment of contemporary buildings alongside older counterparts, but innovative expansions to established landmarks. Among them, the new Harlem Hospital Center stands as a work of art.

Preserving Health and History In Harlem

Completed in 2012, modernization of the Harlem Hospital served to meet a critical need in the community. This ambitious project challenged the architectural firm HOK to upgrade the existing space of the central hospital and build anew within set boundaries on the city block. The facility saw additions of state-of-the-art equipment and amenities for inpatient, outpatient and emergency care, while leaving room for expansion of additional floors in the future. 

Harlem Hospital Center also stands as a monument to African-American history and culture. Multiple works of art, including murals commissioned by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s, adorned the interiors of the original hospital. The renovation project not only allowed for the restoration of these works but the opportunity to highlight examples of Harlem Renaissance art on the hospital’s envelope.

Details from the mural “The Pursuit of Happiness” by Vertis Hayes, depicting scenes of African-American achievements in art, education and industry, were digitally printed to glass panes sized in total at 12,000-square feet. Spanning the side of the building facing Lenox Avenue (also known as Malcolm X Boulevard), the mural was attached to the envelope on a high-performance curtain wall. Over 80,000 square feet of ALPOLIC metal composite materials, fabricated by BAMCO for this project, support the glass mural and feature elsewhere on the envelope. The custom SZX finish creates a subtle framework that allows the mesmerizing imagery of the Harlem experience to take center stage.

ALPOLIC MCM Provides Durable Solutions For Hospital Design

MCM are a leading solution in healthcare design, thanks to durability and ease of maintenance. ALPOLIC offers architects a wide range of colors and the best warranty in the industry. Our materials are suitable for new builds and retrofits for established facilities in need of expansion. The addition of ALPOLIC on the envelope of the new Harlem Hospital Center points to the future of contemporary urban healthcare, as it helps preserve the community’s legacy.

Reach out to an ALPOLIC sales representative today to learn more about our products, and to schedule an AIA Lunch and Learn session.

Photos: Diana Macaraeg