Image © Ennead Partners (L to R):Kevin McClurkan,Timothy Hartung, Susan Rodriguez, Duncan Hazard, Guy Maxwell, Todd Schliemann, Tomas Rossant, Molly McGowan, Richard Olcott, Don Weinreich, Thomas Wong

Henry Street Settlement, the venerable social service, arts and health care agency on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, has recognized Ennead Architects as the recipient of its Opening Doors Award, symbolizing a shared commitment to enhancing the quality of civic life in New York City.Founded in 1893, Henry Street Settlement is distinguished by a profound connection to its community, delivering a wide range of programs to more than 50,000 New Yorkers each year, challenging the effects of urban poverty by helping families achieve better lives for themselves and their children. 

American Museum of Natural History;image© Ennead Architects

“We are thrilled to honor Ennead for their celebrated architectural work and for being a catalyst for change, with over 100 projects throughout the five boroughs,” says David Garza, Executive Director of Henry Street Settlement.“The Rose Center for Earth and Space at the American Museum of Natural History, Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, New York City Center, numerous projects at the New York Botanical Garden and the Brooklyn Museum, supportive housing for Common Ground Community and The Public Theater at Astor Place are just a few notable examples of buildings that convey a sense of openness, vitality and welcome to our City.”

Brooklyn Museum Entry Pavilion and Plaza;image© Ennead Architects

Henry Street Settlement is celebrating the centennial season of the Abrons Arts Center. Abrons is acclaimed for its performing and visual arts program, which supports the presentation of innovative, multi-disciplinary work and cultivates artists in all stages of their creative development through educational programs and residencies.Included in the Abrons Arts Center is Henry Street Settlement’s national landmark theater, the Playhouse, which opened in 1915 as the first theater for a low-income community and was home to such renowned artists as Dizzy Gillespie, Martha Graham, Alwin Nikolais, Aaron Copland, Jackson Pollock, and John Cage.Today, Susan Rodriguez of Ennead Architects is transforming Henry Street Settlement’s acclaimed artistic home, leading the design team with management partner Timothy Hartung.

Carnegie Hall Judy and Arthur Zankel Hall,USA;image© Ennead Architects

In accepting the award on behalf of the firm, Ms. Rodriguez stated, “the recognition of the Opening Doors Award is especially gratifying coming from Henry Street Settlement.Their unwavering commitment to improving the lives of New Yorkers for more than a Century is truly remarkable.Our partnership with HSS is rooted in our joint commitment to strengthening and sustaining the communities of our City.We look forward to working together to transform the Abrons Art Center to support the innovative spirit and vitality of the programs and performances that will continue to give hope and purpose to so many for the next century.”

Frank Sinatra School of the Arts,USA;image© Ennead Architects