Brooklyn Community Services
Brooklyn, NY
BCS works in neighborhoods impacted by systemic poverty
Since 2006, Spacesmith has partnered with Brooklyn Community Services (BCS) on a series of strategic planning and design initiatives to support the organization’s mission of serving Brooklyn’s diverse communities.
Our collaboration began with a strategic analysis of two BCS-owned properties to determine their highest and best use, leading to comprehensive feasibility studies and development recommendations. In 2014, Spacesmith completed a renovation study for BCS’s headquarters at 285 Schermerhorn Street, now in schematic design following project delays.
Subsequent work has included flexible, community-based space plans for four Cornerstone Community Centers (2017), a feasibility and design package for the relocation of the BCS Clubhouse serving adults with disabilities (2019), and test fits for a new Education Center offering adult education, vocational training, and outreach services (2020).
Together, these projects reflect a long-term partnership focused on creating functional, adaptable, and welcoming environments that advance BCS’s community-centered mission.
“Jane Smith has expertly led the team of professionals who are designing BCS’s new space, and serving as owner’s representative / construction project manager for this complex endeavor. Spacesmith’s design approach is both innovative and mission-focused, while also respectful of the ongoing cost challenges faced by BCS as a social services provider. Jane and her team support our organization both “on and off the field.” She is a pleasure to work with, and I wholeheartedly recommend her as lead architect for any organization that shares BCS’s commitment to equity and social justice. ”
“On behalf of Marla Simpson, Janelle Farris, Angela Chiappara and the Cornerstone site directors, I want to thank you for the excellent job you did putting together the Brooklyn Community Services Cornerstone report. Your observations are very astute, and a significant number of the recommendations easy for us to implement. We all appreciate the work and care that went into this project. Your report will be a valuable resource for both the Cornerstone programs and the communities they serve. It was a pleasure working with you.”