At the ground level, public and institutional functions are intentionally interwoven to create an accessible, welcoming space for a broad range of users. A site-wide fitness loop links outdoor fields and green space, encouraging movement and moments for connection. Retail uses reinforce street activity and extend the center’s presence into the surrounding neighborhood. A library and digital learning center are integrated to provide flexible learning space and access to technology as part of the building’s daily civic use.

The community center’s design reflects the character and rhythm of the surrounding neighborhood while responding to coastal and urban challenges. Sustainability and resilience are central to the approach, with strategies for stormwater management, sea-level rise adaptation, and energy efficiency embedded in the planning and building systems. Targeting LEED Gold and Parksmart Gold certifications, the 72nd Street Community Center blends context-sensitive design with these strategies to create a resilient, adaptable, future-proof facility that can evolve with the community over time.