Madame Architect Presents: Ray Harlem and the National Black Theatre

Join , , and the for a behind-the-construction fence look at 2035 5th Avenue, the future home of the Ray flagship apartment building and state-of-the-art NBT complex, designed by Frida Escobedo Studio in collaboration with Handel Architects and MARVEL.

The project is especially notable for being the first to utilize the City’s Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) bonus, specifically designed by former New York City Council member Inez E. Dickens. First of its kind, this VPA empowers the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) and the Department of City Planning to work with a local arts advisory council as part of a 2008 comprehensive rezoning, to spur revitalization and sustain the cultural growth of Harlem-based organizations in concert with mixed-income development along the historic 125th Street corridor.

Attendees will have the opportunity to take part in a hard hat tour of Ray Harlem's 21-stories of diverse amenities and apartments with impressive views, along with the shell of NBT's 27,000 square foot home, which will include a 250-seat immersive technology performance space, a 99-seat flexible studio theater, and grand loggia overlooking the corner of 125th St. and 5th Ave.

Joining us on the tour are Laura Rog, Senior Director at ; Deborah Moelis, Principal and a founding member of ; Dasha Faires, Design Director at ; , Founder of ; and Sade Lythcott, CEO of NBT who will provide compelling details on the development and construction processes and paint a picture of how the space is expected to come to life over the next 18 months with Ray's opening in December 2024 and NBT's subsequent opening in early 2026. Questions are encouraged and light breakfast bites will be available in the construction office for those in attendance.

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