This project is a joint venture between the New York City Educational Construction Fund and private developers. Located at 250 East 57th Street between Second and Third Avenues, this mixed-use project will create two new school facilities for PS 59 and the High School of Art and Design as well as a residential tower, retail areas and parking. The schools share a 13-story space at the western portion of the site. PS 59 occupies the lower five floors. Elevated terraces provide play areas and recreational space. The high school occupies the top floors. Space is organized around a vertical gallery. The project will be completed in three phases to allow for school facilities to remain in operation. Phase I relocates PS 59 students to a temporary location and involves demolition of PS 59 and part of HS Art and Design. The phase also involves the design and construction of the two new schools creating approximately 385,000 sf. The new building for PS 59 will have 730 seats, allowing the school to accommodate 300 more students. The new building for the High School of Art and Design will have 1,400 seats, with classrooms arranged along a “gallery path” to promote student work.