The new community center is in the final phase of construction

The new, 55,000-square-foot Battery Park City (BPC) community center is now in the final phase of construction, on track to open in the first quarter of 2012. Operated by Asphalt Green, the new community center occupies the lower four floors of the new residential tower at 200 North End Avenue, with its lowest floor shared with sister building 300 North End Avenue. Both towers began welcoming tenants in winter 2010-2011, with community center and exterior hardscape following for the past year.

Like many of the buildings in BPC, the new community center is outfitted to conserve energy and water, and has incorporated recycled and sustainably-sourced materials into its design. Its use of geothermal wells, blackwater treatment, sensors to automatically adjust lighting, and other features are expected to earn the center LEED Platinum status -- one of the city’s first for a public-assembly space.

The facility includes an expansive gym, including one competition-sized swimming pool, and a second smaller pool with a retractable floor to accommodate wheelchairs and disabled members. There is also a 140-seat theater, whose seats also stack to create a large open space, as well as classrooms, dance spaces, teaching kitchens, computer stations, and a basketball/volleyball court. 

Architect Hanrahan Meyers designed the community center to control outside noise and humidity, and to maximize natural light through oversized, thermal-glass windows. More than 1,000 members already have signed up for the new Asphalt Green community and fitness center, which offers different levels of membership.

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