City Completes $17.3 Million Upgrade of Bushwick Health Center in Brooklyn

Exterior Renovation Completed $1.5 Million Under Budget

DDC: Denisse Moreno, 718-391-1854, morenode@ddc.nyc.gov
DOHMH: PressOffice@health.nyc.gov

(Brooklyn, NY – April 25, 2025) Commissioner Thomas Foley of the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) and Dr. Michelle Morse, Acting Commissioner and Chief Medical Officer for the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) today announced the completion of a $17.3 million renovation project for the Bushwick Health Center. DDC managed the project for DOHMH.

“This $17.3 million project lets the staff of the Bushwick Health Center better serve the people who visit the building for vital healthcare and programming,” said DDC Commissioner Thomas Foley. “The entry is now fully ADA-compliant with a new ramp, which increase accessibility. We also installed new roofs and windows, a new cooling system, added waterproofing to the building, upgraded drainage in the Center’s parking lots, beautified the courtyard and made other needed improvements around the exterior. Thanks to the diligent DDC team, the project was done on schedule and saved taxpayers $1.5 million.”

“This investment in Bushwick, a vibrant and dynamic neighborhood, is a critical step in the Health Department’s ongoing work to center health equity,” said New York City Health Department Deputy Commissioner Dr. Zahirah McNatt. “These health center upgrades create a welcoming environment for New Yorkers to better access primary care, social services and health-centered education, and we look forward to welcoming our neighbors into the updated space.”

The project, which started in May 2022 and was completed on schedule, rehabilitated the Center’s building envelope to alleviate moisture penetration and to restore the interior spaces damaged by water infiltration. This included the installation of new doors, roofs, insulation, windows, and other elements.

The Center’s main front entrance was redesigned with a new ramp to meet accessibility standards. The courtyard, parking areas, as well as the lots’ drainage were also renovated. The building’s masonry, outside doors and security screens were renovated, and new exterior signage and security lighting were installed.

The existing chillers that cooled the building were replaced with two 54.4-ton modern chillers, each equipped with a sound barrier. All of the Center’s main storm and rain underground plumbing pipes, as well as reduced pressure zone valves, were also replaced.

DDC worked with Thornton Tomasetti, Inc. and Sea Breeze General Construction, Inc.

The Bushwick Health Center is a three-story building managed by DOHMH as one of three locations in Brooklyn – including Bedford and Brownsville – where community health services are available. It opened in 1958 at 335 Central Avenue and hosts a variety of programs and activities focused on the health and wellness of Bushwick residents. Resources available at the site include workshops for new and expecting families, teen programming, diabetes education and health insurance. Partners also offer primary care and social services, such as assistance with WIC and SNAP, in the building.

About the NYC Department of Design and Construction
The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor Adams’ long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $33 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative and environmentally-conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.

About the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene works to protect and promote the health of 8 million New Yorkers. With more than 200 years of leadership in public health, the agency’s work ranges from inspection grades of dining establishments to supporting low-to no-cost community health clinics. The Department is also behind the scenes with disease detectives, investigating suspicious clusters of illness as well as studying the patterns, causes and effects of health and disease conditions in New York City neighborhoods, which shape policy decisions and the City's health agenda.