NEW YORK — NYC Mass Timber Studio, an initiative that focused on accelerating mass timber projects across New York City, has chosen its next projects to support. Led by the New York City Economic NYCEDC, in partnership with the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB), and the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), the Climate Innovation Studios advance regulatory wayfinding and innovation to unlock the safe deployment of critical climate technologies across New York City.  

This announcement by Climate Innovation Studio's Mass Timber Studio advances the City’s Green Economy Action Plan, helping to foster a thriving green economy, decarbonize the built environment, and prepare urban infrastructure for a rapidly changing future. 

The NYC Mass Timber Studio supports innovative design and development teams working to integrate mass timber, a low-carbon building material alternative to concrete and steel, into the New York City built environment, while navigating regulatory pathways and advancing sustainable construction practices.  

Following a successful first round of projects, the Mass Timber Studio will support six new active projects in the early phases of mass timber planning and design for new developments across the five boroughs. Participating teams will receive grants, technical assistance from WoodWorks, a NYC Design Center partner, and advisory feedback from the DOB, FDNY, and the American Institute of Architects New York (AIA). The Mass Timber Studio is funded with the support of the USDA Forest Service and the Softwood Lumber Board.  Studio activities have already begun and will run for nine months, during which time design teams will regularly meet for technical assistance and advisory support.

The selected projects for the second cohort include: 

• New York Climate Exchange is the largest mass timber commercial project in NYC, totaling more than 140,000 square feet. The new construction portion of the project will house a world class convening space, research labs, and classrooms for a wide range of educational and training programs. The timeline includes construction starting in 2026 and an official opening in Fall 2029. 
   

• Stapleton B4/B5 Residential, which was announced with Mayor Adams in May 2025, will be the largest mass timber residential development in New York City with approximately 500 units, both affordable and market rate.  

  

  
   

• Soundview Recreation Center is a new 45,000 square foot recreation center in the Bronx with mass timber structural elements.  
  Ganeinu Academy is a 20,000 square foot addition to an existing school in Fresh Meadows, Queens—rebuilt with robust resiliency measures—to repair damage caused by flooding during Hurricane Ida in 2021 and protect against future climate risks.
   
• Shirley Chisholm Pavilion is a 1,200 square foot open-air pavilion at the southeast corner of Prospect Park—offering respite for parkgoers and a display celebrating Shirley Chisholm’s legacy.   
   
• Dockbuilders Pier is 3,100 square foot building to support Staten Island Ferry operations.   
   
• 5 Timber Houses is five 4-story houses, totaling 20,000 square feet and designed to Passive House standards with geothermal energy in Park Slope, Brooklyn.   

These projects will catalyze the deployment of mass timber as a safe, sustainable and more common building practice within New York City. The cohort represents both ground-up construction and additions to existing buildings using innovative wood products. 

“Today’s announcement marks another milestone in our city’s commitment to building a thriving green economy, expanding opportunities for all New Yorkers, and leading by example as a global hub for urban sustainability,” said Clare Newman, president and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island. “We congratulate NYCEDC, DOB, and FDNY on this exciting new cohort—including the New York Climate Exchange, opening on Governors Island in 2029—and we look forward to continued collaboration as we work to strengthen New York City’s resilience in the face of climate change.”

“WoodWorks is proud to partner with the New York City Economic Development Corporation for the Mass Timber Design Studio to accelerate adoption of mass timber products and projects. The Studio aligns closely with our mission to promote efficient, sustainable, and forward-thinking mass timber and light-frame wood building solutions. We look forward to providing technical support to Studio participants to help mass timber projects go forward in New York City,” said Jennifer S. Cover, president and CEO of WoodWorks.