HAP Investment Developers’ new building at 329 Pleasant Avenue in East Harlem is still a work in progress, but the eight-story structure is steadily taking shape. Designed by Karim Rashid, the building has already been through the ringer with accusations of zoning violations (which were dismissed) and general public outcry. His original design featured a facade distinguished by pink and blue balconies. Many resented the rendering, which seemed to diminish the neighborhood’s aesthetic defined by its plethora of century-old buildings. In October 2015, HAP decided to tone down the pink and blue color scheme after much backlash.
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The new building will span 21,500 square feet and feature white glass balconies. The original design's gradient color scheme may peak out via a pink balcony trim, but it remains to be seen if the fabricators will be able to accommodate the color. If not, the trim will be white as well. Inside, HAP 5 will host 20 residences ranging from studios to two-bedroom units. Situated in East Harlem between East 117th and 118th Streets, the building is in close proximity to the East River Plaza, the Thomas Jefferson Park recreation center and pool, and CUNY’s Hunter College Silberman School of Social Work. Also nearby is a shopping center with Costco, Target, and Best Buy.
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Contributing Writer
Katy Cornell
Katy Cornell is a Long Island native with a passion for writing about real estate in the big city. She recently graduated from the University of Virginia with a BA in English and is a frequent contributor to CityRealty's Market Insight and NYC real estate blog 6sqft.
6sqft delivers the latest on real estate, architecture, and design, straight from New York City.
