05/19/2026
Continuing our spotlight on Dattner Architects’ projects selected for the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation’s (.nyc) Built by Women 2026: New York City exhibition, Alafia is the second of ten Dattner projects recognized by the jury.
Located in East New York, Brooklyn, Alafia is a wellness-oriented, resilient neighborhood shaped by a coordinated vision for housing, health, sustainability, and community resilience. Through a public-private-nonprofit partnership with L+M Development Partners (), Services for the UnderServed (), Apex Building Group, and RiseBoro Community Partnership (), the plan brings together affordable and supportive housing, open space, community resources, workforce development, and sustainable infrastructure.
The master plan was designed by Dattner Architects and SCAPE (), with Dattner Architects leading the first and third phases of the project. Phase 1 includes 576 affordable and supportive homes, a clinic, courtyards, walking paths, retail space, and a Maintenance Hub to support the full development.
Dattner Architects’ project leadership included Project Manager Jen Switala, with design team members Deniz Secilmis, Kavya Cherala, Habiba Akhtar, and Sahar Baghaii.
Alafia reflects the impact of women’s leadership in shaping equitable, resilient, and community-centered urban development.
Photography by .
Read more about the project and team through the link in our bio.