Shaniqua Henry presents architectural design and community context
Shaniqua Henry of SLM Architecture describes the firm's mission to impact 10,000 families through design reflecting community voices. The Khalifa Masjid School and Residences design honors the legacy of Malcolm X and Imam W.D. Muhammad, with a material palette paying homage to existing brickwork. The 12-story configuration, two stories below the R7X maximum, sets back from the mosque to preserve its prominence as a spiritual anchor.
Good afternoon.
My name is Shaniqua Henry.
I'm the principal of SLM Architecture PC.
We're a New York City-based certified WMBE.
My husband and I founded nearly two decades ago.
Our mission is to impact the lives of over 10,000 families through design that reflects the voices, histories, and identities of the communities that we serve.
Through intentional community engagement, we work to create spaces that honor local culture and foster a sense of belonging.
The Khalifa Masjid School and Residences embodies this approach.
It continues the legacy of Masjid Khalifa and Claire Muhammad School, providing spaces that support the growth of mind, body, and spirit.
The inclusion of commercial spaces aligns with the principles of Malcolm X and Imam W.D.
Muhammad, advancing economic empowerment and self-determination.
Our design is grounded in its context.
The material palette and facade that you see articulates and pay homage to the existing buildings, brick color, and ornamentation.
To realize this vision, we're seeking an increase in zoning to provide 144 units of senior housing.
After studying alternatives and in close collaboration with Khalifa Mosque and Khalil Companies, we concluded that a 12-story configuration offers the most balanced response and is still two stories below the maximum building height that is permitted in an R7X district.
12 stories allows us to set the residential building back from the mosque, preserving the mosque's prominence as a spiritual anchor in the community.
In conclusion, the Khalifa Masjid School and Residences represent what we as a community stand for, which is partnership, purpose, and pride.
Its design is rooted in community, honoring heritage, expanding opportunity, and building stability for generations to come.
Next slide.