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Maximilian Otto Urbahn, a visionary architect and future co-founder of Urbahn Architects, embarks on a transformative journey in the 1940s. After nearly a decade apprenticing under John Russell Pope, Max serves as a Company Commander and Area Engineer in the US Army Corps of Engineers during World War II, working on camp and hospital projects in the Middle East. The experience broadens his perspective and shapes his approach to architecture and leadership. In 1945, Max partners with Jedd Stow Reisner to establish Reisner & Urbahn Architects, laying the foundation for what will become Urbahn Architects.
Leveraging Jedd’s legacy clients and the network of relationships Max cultivated at Yale and previous employers, the firm swiftly earns a reputation for excellence through a diverse array of residential, educational, and commercial commissions. Max’s inspiring character, championing for humane design and strong leadership play a pivotal role in the firm’s success. As the nation shifts its focus from economic recovery to post-war normalization, Reisner & Urbahn Architects stands poised to tackle larger-scale institutional projects that will define its future.
1946
Canada Dry Bottling Plant – Baltimore, MD
Like many architects of the time, Reisner & Urbahn found themselves under the outsized influence of Mies van der Rohe. This modest product showcase project bears the hallmarks of that signature style, embodying the principles of modernist design.
1947
Hardened Launching Facility – Undisclosed New Hampshire Location
The stuff of Urbahn lore, this project for the US Army Corps of Engineers came with a unique twist. Max, ever the bold entrepreneur, allegedly offered to design the facility on a satisfaction-guaranteed basis, only accepting payment if the client was pleased with the result. To this day, whether or not Max’s gamble paid off remains a mystery.
1948
Clifton-Fine Central School – Star Lake, NY
Urbahn’s design for Clifton-Fine Central School impressed the American Association of School Administrators, earning the prestigious Award of Merit. However, astute observers might experience a sense of déjà vu upon spotting the school’s brick clock tower—a design element that bears an uncanny resemblance to the one featured in Urbahn’s earlier Canada Dry Bottling Plant project
1949
Sorg Opera House Renovation – Middletown, Ohio
No one at Urbahn today even knew about this project until late 2024 when the current owner reached out to request our renovation drawings. We couldn’t find any.
The 1950s is a decade of nearly unprecedented economic growth and global recognition for the United States, even as the Cold War casts an ominous shadow. During this era, architects enthusiastically embrace the International Style, and Urbahn is no exception. The firm undergoes significant changes: in 1953, Richard M. Brayton and John S. Burrows Jr. join, creating Urbahn, Reisner, Brayton & Burrows Architects. The following year, Mr. Reisner withdraws, and the firm becomes Urbahn, Brayton & Burrows Architects.
As the Baby Boom generation grows and the GI Bill creates new opportunities, Urbahn experiences steady growth while setting new standards in institutional architecture. The firm’s portfolio expands to include planning and design for public schools, military installations, public housing, and major healthcare facilities. Efficiency and modern planning principles become the hallmarks of Urbahn’s work as the firm rises to the challenge of accommodating the extraordinary growth of postwar America.
1951
Sound View Houses – Bronx, NY
In the 1950s, Urbahn plays a significant role in shaping New York City’s urban landscape, designing a dozen public housing developments for various authorities, including Sound View Houses in the Bronx. Today, the firm finds itself once again involved with many of these NYCHA buildings, focusing on modernization efforts such as replacing original roofs and rejuvenating apartments.
1953
Frankfort-Schuyler Central Elementary School – Frankfort, NY
The consummate networker, Max Urbahn associates with architects throughout New York State on a half dozen or so public school projects, such as this one in the center of the state.
1954
Downstate Medical Center Basic Science Building – Brooklyn, NY
In what may have been the start of Urbahn’s strategic partnerships, the firm collaborates with Max’s former employer, Eggers & Higgins, on the Downstate Medical Center project. Eggers designs the Basic Science Building, completed in the 1950s, while Urbahn takes on the University Hospital, finished in the early 1960s. Though the details of the original arrangement have been lost to time, one thing is certain: Urbahn’s commitment to the medical center endures. In the new millennium, the firm comes full circle, designing a wide range of updates and renovations for the complex, ensuring its continued service to the community.
1956
Long Island Agricultural and Technical Institute Master Plan – Farmingdale, NY
Little did Urbahn know that this master plan for the Long Island Agricultural and Technical Institute would mark the beginning of a long-standing relationship with what is now known as Farmingdale State College. Over the decades, the firm has played an active role in the institution’s growth and transformation, from its early days as an agricultural and technical school to its current status as a thriving state college.
1957
Syracuse University Wood Products Laboratory – Syracuse, NY
A trailblazer in sustainable design, the Syracuse University Wood Products Laboratory was established with a mission to explore environmentally responsible and innovative ways to use renewable wood resources. Decades ahead of its time, the facility focused on researching and developing methods to utilize wood sourced from responsibly managed forests.
The 1960s propels Urbahn onto the national stage with groundbreaking work major government agencies and institutions. The firm’s involvement in the NASA Apollo space program projects demonstrates its technical prowess, while concurrent work in healthcare, education, and commercial projects contribute to establishing new models for institutional design. Urbahn’s diverse portfolio—from research laboratories to urban office towers—showcases the firm’s ability to balance innovation with practicality. The addition of key leadership talent positions Urbahn for future growth, making the decade not only a time for projects at a heroic scale but also an era of forward-thinking design that shapes spaces and communities. The firm’s impressive body of master plans for universities, hospitals, and military bases solidifies its reputation as a leader in the field.
In 1963, Mr. Brayton and Mr. Burrows retire from the practice, ushering in a new era as The Office of Max O. Urbahn Architect. Max Urbahn, a multifaceted and charismatic figure, comes into his own during this period. Known for his professional ambition, shrewd team-building skills, and ability to secure high-profile projects, Max becomes a mentor to design talent and an insightful commentator on societal and environmental issues. He assembles a team of top designers and technical experts, forming strategic multi-discipline consortiums to tackle one-of-a-kind projects. Max’s confident persona—exemplified by his signature three-piece suit and carnation lapel—becomes synonymous with the firm that bears his name, setting the stage for Urbahn’s continued success and growth in the decades to come.
1961
Naval Air Station Lemoore – Fresno County, CA
One in a series of Department of Defense installations, Urbahn’s design deviated from traditional military architecture by employing a distinct visual language with sculptural concrete shells and sweeping arcades.
1963
Martin Stein joins the firm to lead the design of Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Control Center. He was hired as a temp for the one project, but hasn’t left yet.
1963
NASA Launching Complex – Cape Canaveral, FL
Urbahn takes the lead in a groundbreaking 4-firm consortium, URSAM, to design three unprecedented facilities for the Apollo mission: the Vehicle Assembly Building, Launch Control, and the Orbiter Processing Facility. The Vehicle Assembly Building, with an astonishing 129,428,000 cubic feet of enclosed space, boasts the tallest doors in the world to this day. Its enduring significance is highlighted by its recent use in supporting the Artemis I mission, a testament to the facility’s cutting-edge design and adaptability.
1965
Flexi-Trans Total Systems Concept
The firm unveils a self-funded study proposing a visionary solution to unify the New York Metropolitan region’s disparate transportation modalities. The ambitious plan calls for the creation of a new tri-state Public Corporation requiring nothing less than an Act of Congress. Despite the project’s forward thinking approach, the political headwinds prove too formidable to bring it to fruition. However, the innovative concept does not go unnoticed; it serves as the inspiration for then New York State Governor Nelson Rockefeller to create the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
1965
Inn-Towne Motel – Minneapolis, MN
Somehow, Urbahn ended up designing a motel in Minneapolis. The details are lost to history, but it’s a testament to the firm’s willingness to take on unique projects nationwide.
1966
Downstate Medical Center University Hospital – Brooklyn, NY
Building upon the firm’s earlier collaboration with Eggers & Higgins on the Basic Science Building in the 1950s, Urbahn takes the lead on designing the 350-bed University Hospital. This project showcases the firm’s growing expertise in healthcare design and its ability to incorporate cutting-edge technologies. Urbahn collaborates with medical equipment industrial designers to integrate innovative solutions into the hospital’s layout and functionality.
1967
Greenburgh Public Library – Greenburgh, NY
Architectural critics at the time believed Urbahn’s designers applied the Brutalist style in a warm and intimate manner. Perhaps not everyone agrees.
1967
Children’s Psychiatric Hospital – Bronx, NY
Marty Stein’s design for this 200-bed behavioral health center, a personal favorite of his, sets the standard for pediatric psychiatric hospitals in New York State for over four decades. The innovative layout, featuring cottages and courtyards, creates a therapeutic environment that prioritizes patient well-being and recovery.
1968
909 Third Avenue – FDR Post Office – New York, NY
The 909 Third Avenue project showcases Urbahn’s innovative approach to design and construction. The post-tensioned floor structure and concrete waffle bearing walls represent bold technological advancements for the time, allowing for column free floorplates. However, the most remarkable aspect of the project might be the ingenious use of air rights, allowing a private developer to offset the construction cost of the post office sorting center located in the building’s 5-story base.
1968
State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry – Forest Biology Lab – Syracuse, NY
The Forest Biology Building opens as a state-of-the-art facility for studying forest ecosystems. With 240 modular laboratories, rooftop greenhouses, and insectaries, the thoughtfully designed building fosters collaboration and innovation. Its striking reinforced concrete and brick exterior epitomizes the era’s architectural style, cementing the lab’s status as a cutting-edge center for environmental research.
1969
Marty is promoted to Director of Design. His leadership leads to numerous award-winning projects, as he mentors future generations of talented design architects.
The 1970s witness a populist reaction to the previous decade, yet many progressive societal, cultural, scientific, and technological trends continue to advance. This decade transforms Urbahn from a recognized domestic architect into an international consultancy. The firm leverages its landmark USPS systems planning contract to secure significant work in Nigeria, Somalia, and Uganda. Urbahn’s influence extends through both built projects, such as the sophisticated Saudi Fund headquarters in Riyadh, and influential policy research, including the groundbreaking “Lilypad” study of mental health systems. While delivering major projects at home like Fermilab and the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, Urbahn increasingly applies its expertise to large-scale planning and institutional challenges across multiple continents.
However, the second half of the decade brings a reversal of fortune for Urbahn due to the toxic combination of stagflation, New York City’s near bankruptcy, and the retirement of most of Max’s business contacts. While many domestic architects succumb to these challenges, Urbahn weathers the storm through nimble adaptation to markets and service lines. The institutional memory of this period proves invaluable in shaping the firm’s future resilient business strategies.
1970
Traphagen Elementary School – Mt. Vernon, NY
Designed to accommodate future educational demands, Urbahn’s 600-seat Traphagen Elementary School eliminates conventional corridors in favor of movable classroom walls that allow clustered spaces to expand or contract for varying teaching modalities, enabling activities to “spill out” into adjoining areas. The two-story concrete structure groups eighteen classrooms around a central library/resource center on the second level, while the first floor houses three adaptable kindergarten rooms, an auditorium, and administrative spaces. Play yards and sheltered outdoor teaching areas extend the flexible learning environment throughout the site.
1971
Max O. Urbahn is inducted as the 48th AIA President, spearheading a national land-use policy while managing several pivotal changes, including resolving a Justice Department antitrust challenge over fee competition standards and establishing the Whitney M. Young Jr. Award to promote diversity in architecture.
1972
Lincoln Hospital – Bronx, NY
During a turbulent time for the South Bronx, the new 875-bed Lincoln Hospital emerges as a beacon of hope, providing a comprehensive medical complex spanning 1.5 million square feet. The facility integrates advanced medical technology with extensive research capabilities, featuring specialized units from pathology to psychiatric care, substance use treatment, and diverse clinics. Its bright orange brick exterior, while initially startling to some, becomes a distinctive and enduring landmark.
1973
Fermilab – Batavia, IL
Eight years after initiating the “DUSAF” consortium master plan, Urbahn completes the Robert Wilson Research Headquarters Tower at Fermilab. The iconic structure, later recognized by the Society of American Registered Architects, emerges from the midwestern plain and becomes the centerpiece of the world’s largest particle accelerator at the time.
1974
Meadowbrook Hospital Dynamic Care Building – East Meadow, NY
Still the tallest building in New York’s Nassau County, the 715-bed Dynamic Care Building stands as the focus of Urbahn’s master plan to transform the sleepy community hospital into a complete tertiary-care teaching medical complex.
1977
Federal Home Loan Bank Board Building – Washington, D.C.
Urbahn revolutionizes federal architecture with the Federal Home Loan Bank Board headquarters, the nation’s first mixed-use federal project. The 250,000-square-foot building features an innovative skating rink/reflecting pool, vibrant galleria, and advanced energy-efficient envelope. The design balances civic dignity with public vitality, setting a new standard for government architecture.
When the project receives recognition in the GSA Third Annual Design Awards, Max Urbahn surprises attendees by encouraging designer Joellen Stanley to accept the award. This act of humility and recognition of talent challenges expectations and underscores Urbahn’s commitment to fostering a collaborative, inclusive environment where every team member’s contributions are celebrated.
1977
Saudi Fund for Development Headquarters – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
A highlight of Urbahn’s growing international practice, the Saudi Fund for Development Headquarters in Riyadh marries Islamic cultural elements with modern functionality. The 305,600-square-foot structure features a travertine facade, flexible office spaces, and a Spanish-tiled roof garden. Passive strategies like natural ventilation, sun screening, and courtyards with landscaping and water features cool the building. The project delivers climate-responsive architecture while symbolizing international collaboration and progress.
1979
Bronx VAMC Redevelopment – Bronx, NY
Anchoring the complete redevelopment of the Bronx medical campus, the first of three Urbahn projects opens, the 702-bed replacement hospital.
As the nation’s economy gradually recovers from the deep unemployment and inflation of the previous decade, construction picks up pace, and architects grapple with the public’s disenchantment with Modernism and Brutalism. The emerging “Post Modern” movement explores a language that borrows from the past while incorporating new building technologies and a playful approach to scale. A growing awareness of the value of cherished old buildings leads to a burgeoning field of historic preservation, with structures retrofitted for new uses, systems modernized, and valuable building fabric restored or replaced.
During this time, Marty Stein, who rose from his early Apollo mission achievements to become a key figure in the practice, succeeds Max Urbahn as President and CEO. Under Marty’s thoughtful and empathetic leadership, characterized by a strong yet modest and humane approach, the firm continues to expand its portfolio as the culture evolves with an emphasis on public service. His quiet inspiration guides the firm through this transitional period, fostering a culture of collaboration and mentorship that empowers future leaders, who join as young architects and rapidly take on increasingly pivotal roles.
1980
National Synchrotron Light Source at Brookhaven National Laboratory – Upton, NY
The culmination of a series of projects Urbahn designed for Brookhaven, the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS) stands as one of the world’s most advanced particle accelerators of its time. The award-winning 72,000-square-foot structure houses a remarkable dual-ring system that propels electrons near light speed, generating precise beams for groundbreaking research in fields from microscopy to radiography. The NSLS’s innovative design earns First Prize from the New York Association of Consulting Engineers.
1981
Bronx VAMC Biomedical Research Building – Bronx, NY
The second phase of the complex’s redevelopment, the new facility was designed to support a range of research into veterans’ health issues. The centerpiece, the Spinal Cord Damage Research Center was designed around the specific needs of Nobel Prize winner Dr. Rosalyn Sussman Yalow.
1982
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Facility – Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
Rising alongside a serene lake in Research Triangle Park, the NIEHS research headquarters introduces a groundbreaking approach to research architecture. The 334,000-square-foot complex employs a “knuckles and nodes” concept, weaving together interconnected modules with innovative interstitial mechanical floors. This design facilitates flexibility for accommodating changes in research technology and future expansion, particularly for specialized BioSafety labs.
1984
Fort Drum Master Plan & Infrastructure Facilities – Watertown, NY
Urbahn is engaged to design extensive infrastructure facilities but was never in fact contracted to develop the master plan. But when the official master planning firm unveiled a non-hierarchical grid of roads that ignored the rolling topography, Marty insinuates Urbahn into the master planning process and creates the horseshoe plan basis for the expansion of the National Guard camp to include 137 new buildings, 37 miles of roads and 186 miles of utilities.
1986
Co-Op City Buildings & Infrastructure Rehabilitation – The Bronx, NY
Urbahn undertakes an unprecedented rehabilitation of Co-Op City, the largest residential complex “in the free world”, serving over 60,000 residents across 350 acres. Beginning in 1986, the firm conducts 127 Technical Scope Studies to analyze the entire development, then implements a comprehensive restoration program addressing building envelopes, infrastructure, and landscaping. The carefully phased project systematically rehabilitates 35 high-rises, seven townhouse groups, and all underground utilities while maintaining continuous operation of this vital community, extending over the next decade.
1987
Bronx VAMC Hospital Nursing Home – The Bronx, NY
The 120-bed nursing home caps off the Bronx VAMC redevelopment, introducing a new paradigm of care for senior veterans. The gentle brick-arch facade and curved plan embrace a sheltered garden, while inside, care is organized around light-filled social spaces. An underground passage links to the historic chapel, completing this community of care that blurs the line between healthcare facility and home
1988
Urbahn dives headlong into Computer Aided Design. After thorough research and analysis, we invest in a proprietary “GDS” hardware/software/printing system by McDonnell Douglas that seemed to clearly outshine its competitors. After about 4 years, we realize we should have gone with that little upstart company….AutoCAD. We contemplate retrofitting the slow ink pen printer into a planter.
1988
149th Street/Third Avenue Station Modernization – The Bronx, NY
Among Urbahn’s first major mass transit facility rehabilitation and expansion projects, this project anticipates the monumental undertaking to make New York City’s transit system accessible to all. The redevelopment of this key station in South Bronx features a radial plan that evoked spokes of a wheel that refer to the station’s nickname, “The Hub”.
1989
District 12 Sanitation Garage – Manhattan, NY
To this day Marty Stein claims that his red column feature was a sacrificial design element strategically placed to distract the NYC Art Commission from attacking the rest of the design. The Art Commission loved it. Marty strongly advises against the “straw horse” design strategy.
The 1990s mark a pivotal era for Urbahn as new principals Rafael, Nat, and Donn take the helm, steering the firm into uncharted waters with design-build projects and large-scale condition assessments. The decade’s portfolio is a testament to the firm’s remarkable range and adaptability, from the herculean task of rehabilitating Co-Op City to the delicate art of preserving historic transit sites, all while tackling cutting-edge research facilities and educational architecture. Through it all, Urbahn remains true to its core values, striking a balance between technical innovation and contextual design, delivering projects that push boundaries and enrich lives.
1991
FDA Headquarters and Laboratory Facilities – Beltsville, MD
Phase one of this landmark complex delivers a 160,000-square-foot research hub housing BioSafety containment laboratories and administrative spaces under one roof. The design extends into a second phase of 20 specialized buildings across 60 acres, including sophisticated animal research facilities and laboratories for disciplines from parasitology to nutrition, as well as structures for housing and feeding of the animals.
1992
Thurgood Marshall Courthouse Renovation – New York, NY
This historic federal courthouse sees the creation of new second floor bankruptcy courts and the meticulous restoration of five landmarked courtrooms within Cass Gilbert’s 1932 masterpiece. The restoration design peels away decades of alterations to reveal and rejuvenate decorative architectural fabric, while seamlessly integrating modern technologies. It earns awards from both the General Services Administration and the NY Municipal Arts Society.
1993
Brooklyn Bridge Station – New York, NY
This project represents the shift from modernization of the city’s transportation fabric to a recognition of the value of its historic assets. Within the landmarked City Hall Park, the cast iron elevator kiosk is based on an adaptation to the original 1904 Heinz & LaFarge stair entry enclosures that were nearly entirely removed in the 1950s. The kiosk was designed to be manufactured and shipped as three primary components and installed within a day.
1993
PS 69Q Addition and Renovation – Jackson Heights, NY
One of the first major projects by the newly formed NYC School Construction Authority, the expansion of Public School 69 masterfully bridges past and present, complementing the rich detail of the original 1924 building. The design earns multiple design awards.
1995
Rail Transit Operations Centers – Brooklyn & Queens, NY
Urbahn designs two compact control centers for NYC Transit utilizing a new architectural language. These precise machines for railway operations rise in crisp geometries clad in metal panels, their forms expressing both function and exuberance. The projects win multiple awards, including from the AIA NYC Chapter.
1996
David Axelrod Institute for Public Health – Albany, NY
Rising seven stories, this 235,000-square-foot research facility replaces a century-old campus with cutting-edge laboratories for public health innovation. The design, shaped by intensive user consultation, creates flexible spaces that foster interaction between scientists.
1997
Nat Barranco, Donn Henry and Rafael Stein become part owners of the firm, formalizing the increasing leadership and governing roles.
1997
Rehabilitation of Four Stations on the Lenox Avenue Line – New York, NY
Urbahn collaborates with four Harlem artists on the rehabilitation of four historic stations along New York’s first subway line. Iron-spot brick, terracotta, ceramic mosaics, and plaster ceilings are meticulously restored while new lighting, communications, and passenger amenities are seamlessly integrated. Among the notable art installations is Faith Ringgold’s Flying Home: Harlem Heroes and Heroines.
1998
Three NYC Schools Design-Build Additions – Staten Island and Queens, NY
Urbahn pioneers the design-build delivery system with a series of NYC school additions and renovations at PS 22R, PS 138Q and PS 153Q. Partnered with a builder, Urbahn prepares the designs in record time to enable unprecedented development speed. The total start to construction completion periods range from 11 to 14 months. To facilitate rapid construction, we utilize load bearing concrete block walls and pre-cast concrete plank for floors and roofs.
1999
Montclair State University Science Hall – Montclair, NJ
The addition serves as a sophisticated teaching and research facility that doubles as a transformative “back door” entrance to the campus. The structure complements the original 1970s Richardson Hall (also designed by Urbahn) while asserting its own contemporary presence, featuring a connecting corridor that frames a new sculpture garden.
1999
Metropolitan Detention Center – Brooklyn, NY
One of the New York region’s largest construction projects of the decade, the federal detention center combined an adaptive retrofit of one third of a historic Bush Terminal warehouse with the development of a new structure on the remaining site to create a superblock complex. Urbahn employed the inherently more humane “direct supervision” model to create housing units with outdoor views and light flooded day rooms.
As we enter a new millennium, initial fears of widespread disruption from the Y2K bug are quickly put to rest. However, the nation is profoundly impacted by the tragic events of 9/11. In the aftermath, the country comes together as NYC rebuilds, and the architectural community responds with new strategies for designing vulnerable facilities, fundamentally changing how people travel and inhabit public spaces. The 2000s mark the next evolution of Urbahn’s leadership as Marty Stein transitions from day-to-day corporate governance to a more strategic advisory role. The firm continues to thrive, expanding its design-build portfolio and strengthening its core sectors, while embracing sustainable design practices alongside the broader architectural community.
Urbahn’s portfolio during this decade demonstrates the firm’s versatility through innovative K-12 facilities, state-of-the-art public safety buildings, major healthcare commissions, and pioneering sustainable design approaches. The firm’s transit renovations showcase a seamless integration of architectural form and function, creating visually striking and highly functional spaces. Advancements in design technologies, such as Building Information Modeling and computer-aided visualization applications, transform workflows and office culture. The decade culminates in several LEED-certified projects that combine technical sophistication with thoughtful placemaking, cementing Urbahn’s position as a leader in sustainable design.
2000
Brooklyn VAMC Outpatient Addition – Brooklyn, NY
Responding to changing needs in veterans’ care, this ambulatory care center is a 148,000 square foot, three-floor facility. It employs a modular floor plan for flexibility, features state-of-the-art CDC-compliant ventilation, and allows for future vertical expansion. It would be one of the last major capital undertakings of the Department of Veterans Affairs for a decade.
2001
Broad Hollow BioSciences Complex – Farmingdale, NY
This high-tech park showcases Urbahn’s innovative approach to fostering biotechnology research. The 18-acre complex, developed in phases, features 96 flexible labs across two buildings, with the inaugural building utilizing a design-build approach. Urbahn focused on creating customizable spaces for diverse tenants, from startups to established firms, complete with fit-outs tailored to their unique needs.
2002
Stony Brook Hospital Ambulatory Surgery Center – Stony Brook, NY
Developed on a design-build basis, this free-standing surgery facility sets a new standard for outpatient care facilities with its independent, patient-focused design. The architecture emphasizes healing through abundant natural light and a nature-inspired color palette, creating a distinctly non-institutional environment for outpatient procedures.
2003
The College of New Jersey Science Complex – Ewing, NJ
When the client approached Urbahn, they had already spent four years working with other architects to develop a concept that would replace the existing science facility on its footprint without requiring expensive temporary labs off-site. Urbahn’s inventive strategy encompassed multiple phases of selective demolition, additions, and adaptive retrofits, allowing the construction of new facilities while the labs continued operating. The project’s master plan and design focused on creating a cohesive building complex that formed a new landscaped Science Quadrangle, establishing a distinct sense of place within the larger context of TCNJ’s Georgian-Revival campus.
2004
PS 253Q Elementary School – Queens, NY
Urbahn creates a vibrant 93,000-square-foot learning environment for 650 Pre-K through 5th grade students, balancing educational requirements with distinctive architecture. The three-story building’s strategic planning and corner placement maximizes protected outdoor play space and enables after-hours community use. The design features playful massing and colorful façade elements, using varied materials like multi-colored brick and limestone.
2005
Lexington Avenue-53rd Street Station – New York, NY
A dynamic transformation emerges at this busy subway transfer complex through a new mezzanine connecting its eastern and western ends. The 200 foot long corridor avoids the monotony of a tunnel-like space through sinuous curved walls and serpentine floor patterns that create a sense of movement. The design integrates artist Al Held’s vibrant artwork along the passageway, turning a utilitarian transfer point into a dramatic public space with improved vertical circulation through new escalators and elevators.
2009
Jersey City Public Safety Center – Jersey City, NJ
A direct response to 9-11, this project integrates advanced emergency response capabilities for police, fire and EMS. The 2-story building houses a unified 9-1-1 communications theater, training and deployment facilities. The design realizes security requirements within an elegant edifice while achieving Jersey City’s first LEED Silver certification through innovative features like modular construction and a green roof.
The decade begins with widespread hardship as the commercial collapse that began with the 2008 Lehman Brothers bankruptcy ripples throughout the economy. With a focus on institutions and infrastructure, Urbahn manages to avoid the immediate impacts, but feels the pain as reduced tax revenues diminish public sector capital programs. Weathering the storm, the firm continues to achieve extraordinary project successes while recruiting talented professionals who are committed to community-based service.
The 2010s usher in Urbahn’s transformation into a technology-driven practice, marked by new leadership and a move to its current Midtown Manhattan offices. The firm distinguishes itself through rapid-delivery expertise and sustainable innovation, while helping established institutions navigate the adaptation to a greener tomorrow.
2010
Rockland Children’s Psychiatric Hospital – Orangeburg, NY
This residential facility for teens features a community-focused “Neighborhood” design connecting living “Cottages” with therapeutic and educational spaces. The sustainable approach incorporates biophilic elements and natural materials to create a holistic healing environment that advances a new paradigm in care.
2011
Queens Metropolitan Schools – Queens, NY
Three independent schools are stacked in one 305,000-square-foot structure serving 1,920 students. The schools maintain autonomy through separate entrances while sharing enhanced communal facilities like auditorium and gymnasium.
2012
Rehabilitation of 12 Stations on the West End Line
This massive project resumed with federal recovery funds after being put on hold due to financial constraints. Urbahn completed designs in under six months, focusing on accessibility improvements, historic preservation, architectural renovation, systems upgrades, and thoughtful integration of public artwork.
2014
Jersey City Municipal Services Complex – Jersey City, NJ
This multi-use complex transforms a former warehouse site into a groundbreaking municipal campus, combining police emergency services, vehicle repair and operations, recycling, and administrative functions across three buildings. The LEED Platinum facility achieves net-zero electrical consumption through advanced sustainable systems including massive photovoltaic arrays, while its innovative design creates a “Green Gateway” to the city through adaptive reuse and natural lighting strategies.
2014
Farmingdale State College School of Business – Farmingdale, NY
The first major academic building constructed at the college in decades creates a campus gateway that respects existing architectural vocabulary while featuring modern learning environments. The LEED Silver design includes flexible lecture halls and strategic social spaces around a multi-functional atrium, reflecting the institution’s evolution from agricultural roots.
2016
After solidifying his design leadership over more than a decade, Ranabir Sengupta becomes a principal at Urbahn’s practice.
2017
MTA Enhanced Station Initiative – New York, NY
Recognizing the need to vastly improve the environments and service levels within the region’s transportation network, New York State embarks on the Enhanced Station Initiative, a design-build program to implement transit station renewals in record time. Its focus involves contemporary aesthetic treatment, rebranded entrances, rich customer amenities, and the incorporation of digital passenger information systems. Over the course of four years, Urbahn designs enhancements to 6 NYC subway stations and 3 LIRR commuter rail stations.
Featured projects
Urbahn’s extensive portfolio reflects our commitment to enhancing and enriching the central activities of people’s daily lives. Completed and ongoing projects encompass facilities that support learning and research, health and wellness, social justice and public safety, urban living and recreation, and the networks that transport us from place to place.
Higher Education, K-12, Justice & Public Safety, Science & Technology, Healthcare, Civic Infrastructure, Tra…