New York City is unveiling the $128 million Brownsville Multi-Service Center in Brooklyn today, Monday, September 28, bringing a new public facility for social services and community use to the Brownsville neighborhood.
The unveiling is scheduled for 10:30am at 452 Thomas S. Boyland Street. The event will include NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Paul A. Ochoa, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Diya Vij, NYC Department of Social Services leadership and Brooklyn-based artist Jazmine Hayes.
DDC managed the project for DSS/HRA through the design-build method of project delivery. The four-story center covers about 60,000 square feet and includes office space, conference and multipurpose rooms, a teaching kitchen and a 1,600-square-foot community garden.
The building also incorporates green roofs and solar panels as part of its sustainability features. DDC previously said the project was expected to meet or exceed LEED Gold environmental standards.
The center also brings a permanent public-art component to the neighborhood through “I Am Protected,” a four-part installation by Hayes. The work was commissioned through the Department of Cultural Affairs’ Percent for Art program, which funds artwork as part of eligible City construction projects.
The Public Design Commission included Hayes’ installation among its 2025 Award for Excellence in Design projects.
The project replaces a former City-owned community center at the site and adds new space for services and community activities. DDC has said the design-build approach helped shorten the construction timeline and was expected to save $10 million compared with traditional delivery methods.
Today’s unveiling marks the next stage for the Brownsville Multi-Service Center, with the facility and its community spaces becoming part of the neighborhood’s public-service infrastructure. Hayes’ “I Am Protected” installation will remain a permanent artistic feature of the building and community garden.
