I was immediately drawn to the Waterside Plaza subsidized housing project due to its asymmetrical elegance and richness of architectural character, which contrasted starkly with many of the monotone brick, plain-jane facades typical of many subsidized/public projects. It seemed at first glance to be a place that would be almost luxurious to call one’s residence: stylish, clean, handsome, towering, and overlooking the East River– a guaranteed glorious sunrise every day. Since its proposal in the 1960’s, the project has faced draconian headaches, only receiving permission to begin building in the early 1970’s. Once built, the project faced its share of criticism as well– many were concerned that, judging by the appeal of the structure, it would be biased toward middle-class renters. However, ameliorating efforts were made in response, to the end that Waterside Plaza is rather remarkable amongst housing projects in that it is designed to attract and sustain residents of diverse economic backgrounds, including lower, lower middle, and middle class occupants, with varying prices to match. In so doing, the Plaza serves not only the role of affordable dwelling, but the role of socio-economic regulator, discouraging the ghettoization of neighborhoods by income brackets. It continues to thrive to this day, adored by architecture critics and the public alike, and due to its appeal as a space, hosts many public events throughout the year. Waterside Plaza, despite its past controversies, is a testament to the moral, aesthetic, and practical potential of Affordable Housing, and hopefully will serve as partial precedent for akin future endeavors.
Yes, Waterside Plaza is architecturally distinctive. But if you read the background articles in the media carefully, you’ll see that the “affordable” apartments, which were built by a subsidy created by the Mitchell-Lama law passed in the 1950s, have run out of their time limits. So now there are no more new “affordable” apartments there; they are all ‘market rate.” One-bedroom apartments rent for $3,600/month. The complex’s website says: “Among the diverse communities at Waterside are the diplomatic staff at the U.N. and embassies, families interested in onsite schools and large apartments, doctors and students at many of the local medical schools and hospitals, and young professional roommates looking to share comfortable apartments with unique layouts in the heart of NYC.”
Professor Zukin