Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center
Integrated into the East Flatbush neighborhood, the Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center places sustainability and community well-being as central pillars. Atelier Ten developed the sustainability vision and roadmap to reflect environmental responsibility and prioritize human health as a public NYC Parks recreation center.
The Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center is a new civic anchor for Central Brooklyn, designed to serve the Flatbush neighborhood with year-round access to a fitness facility and community programming. This design-build project was led by Consigli, with NYC DDC project management, and is built for the NYC Parks to operate.
Atelier Ten led the sustainability vision for the project to deliver a highly energy-efficient, all-electric building. Through tight coordination across MEP, lighting, façade, and envelope systems, the project achieves over 50% source energy reduction and a 34% energy cost savings for LEED. EV charging is provided for NYC Parks staff, and both systems and envelope commissioning were completed to ensure long-term performance.
Water conservation was a key priority, with a 43% reduction in indoor water use, no irrigation, and the elimination of a cooling tower. Stormwater is fully managed on site through bioretention areas and green infrastructure, meeting NYC’s latest requirements and supporting ecosystem health.
The building’s structure and materials reflect a commitment to low-carbon design, including a timber structure natatorium and carefully selected steel, concrete, and insulation to reduce embodied carbon. Over 50% of construction waste was diverted from landfill.
The center incorporates NYC Active Design Guidelines and earned LEED credits for occupant wellness. Colorful interiors, healthy materials, and daylight-filled spaces support a wide range of programming — from exercise rooms and a rooftop play yard to a teaching kitchen and recording studio. Public art installations coordinated by the NYC Public Design Commission honor Shirley Chisholm’s legacy, with educational signage throughout the building highlighting its sustainable features.