Residents Broke Ground on New HEArts Center

The community project reclaimed a historic building site in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the Bronx.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Cultural

A weathered red brick building facade with wooden construction scaffolding in the foreground, signifying urban revitalization in a historic neighborhood. — Bronx residents have broken ground on the new HEArts Center, a community-led project transforming a historic site in Mott Haven into a public space. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Local residents have officially broken ground on the new HEArts Center, located at 349 E. 140th Street. The project transforms a building formerly home to the Lincoln Detox People's Program into a community-controlled space.

Why it matters

The center is designed to provide permanent, affordable space for neighborhood organizations. It serves as a commitment to maintaining community-led activism in the area by preserving the site through a Community Land Trust.

The HEArts Center is located at 349 E. 140th Street in the Bronx. The site previously served as the headquarters for the Lincoln Detox People's Program, which was founded in 1970.

The players

HEArts Center

This newly developed facility in Mott Haven aims to provide accessible space for local organizations.

Lincoln Detox People's Program

Founded in 1970, this program historically operated out of the 140th Street location.

The details

Residents preserved the building by organizing a Community Land Trust to ensure local stewardship of the property. The project is currently being considered for potential recognition as a National Historic Place to honor its legacy of community activism.

The Lincoln Detox People's Program was established in 1970.
Groundbreaking for the new center took place on September 23, 2026.
A community celebration was hosted at the site on September 26, 2026.

Roadmap

The HEArts Center project demonstrates a growing trend of utilizing Community Land Trusts to prevent the displacement of historic neighborhood institutions. This effort aligns with broader urban renewal strategies that prioritize community-controlled ownership over traditional private redevelopment models.

Local residents in Mott Haven and Port Morris can expect expanded access to affordable meeting and organizational space as the center develops. The project ensures that this historic site remains under community stewardship rather than being converted into commercial or luxury real estate.

The takeaway

The HEArts Center project highlights the power of residents to collectively manage local property to meet neighborhood needs. By utilizing land trusts, communities can protect their heritage and ensure long-term stability for essential grassroots organizations.