The Bronx Music Hall was conceived when a tape of local music captivated planners during a meeting, sparking the realization that community development can extend beyond infrastructure. As part of Bronx Commons’ affordable housing development, it provides a space for the community to celebrate and connect with the borough’s rich musical heritage.

While most affordable housing developments focus solely on living space, this project went further with the addition of a music venue that celebrates the Bronx’s rich contributions to American culture, particularly as the birthplace of salsa and hip-hop. But building a vibrant concert space within a residential community meant the design had to balance the energy of performances - from intimate rehearsals to outdoor concerts - with the resident’s quality of life. 

By integrating cultural space with affordable housing and adding over 1,000 square feet of native plantings, our work helps restore the neighborhood’s cultural infrastructure while creating new public gathering spaces. 

Taking inspiration from the Art Deco theaters that still dot neighborhood avenues, the design features precast concrete panels with circular embellishments that evoke the shape of records or compact disc

Inside, the Hall offers dynamic spaces, including a 300-seat performance area, an interactive music exhibit, rehearsal and classroom facilities, and a gallery for rotating exhibits. 

Outside, we reclaimed street space to create two new public areas. A 10,000-square-foot plaza at 163rd Street features a green berm with a raised performance podium, while a 2,000-square-foot plaza along 162nd Street incorporates a sunken amphitheater. These designs utilize the site’s natural grade changes to create flexible programming for markets, workshops, and outdoor performances. 

Working closely with local stakeholders, we ensured the Bronx Music Hall reflects the community’s cultural heritage and serves as a lively hub for local talent and public interactions. This inclusive approach led to spaces that both celebrate history and inspire future creativity, demonstrating the powerful role of design in community building. 

This project showcases how thoughtful design can reshape an urban landscape, turning once-neglected land into a thriving cultural center. Concerts and shows are the beginning of the site’s ability to catalyze small business development and create a space to celebrate the Bronx’s culture for both local residents and global visitors. The architecture reflects the borough’s innovative spirit, offering a lasting contribution to its identity.