Together with the structural architecture team, Bayview improved the quality of streetscape elements—raised planters, fences, and foundation plantings—to define and soften the campus perimeter. A “pocket park” is anchored by a graceful multi-stem birch tree underplanted with spreading junipers, roses, and oakleaf hydrangeas and located at a busy intersection of Dean Street and Troy Avenue in the SW corner of the campus.

Unlike most NYCHA campuses, Weeksville lacks a mature tree canopy, resulting in higher-than-average temperatures during summer months. To mitigate the heat island effect open synthetic turf areas and a new play structure replace large swaths of concrete pavement in the courtyard and the perimeter is lined with raised planters containing shade trees, flowering shrubs (roses, azaleas, hydrangeas, spiraea, and hypericum), and ornamental grasses for texture and movement.

Working with Arker Companies, a NYC developer, Bayview led the extensive landscape rehabilitation at six NYC Housing Authority campuses, including this one. These projects utilized new funding via the PACT-RAD programs to address structural and environmental deficiencies resulting from long-term disinvestment in affordable housing. The six scattered-site campuses are comprised of post-war apartment buildings with open outdoor spaces. These courtyards and walkways called for new strategies to make them more accessible, safe, sustainable, and beautiful.