New cultural center in Harlem / Completion 2009
The Dwyer is the rebirth of a Harlem landmark that collapsed in 2002. The hybrid program includes the Dwyer Cultural Center, ground floor retail, and upper story residential lofts designed to provide an alternative to lower Manhattan.
The new Center, which is devoted to the history, traditions and contemporary artists of Harlem, occupies the loft building’s lower level with a first floor lobby located at the southwest corner of West 123 Street. The space is programmed as a state of the art multi-media center with exhibition gallery, theater, flexible arts spaces and administrative offices designed with David Lackey of Whirlwind Creative. Since opening in 2009, the Dwyer Cultural Center has presented timely exhibitions, children’s programs, film and jazz events such as a Tribute to Billie Holiday that have drawn large audiences.
The Dwyer creates a new image for Harlem through rebuilding a collapsed warehouse for cultural uses and loft living. The Amsterdam News cited the Dwyer Cultural Center as the most important cultural facility to open in Harlem for decades. In its review, the New York Times found its opening emblematic of the latest Harlem Renaissance.
