NYCEDC Announces New Mass Timber Studio Cohort

On August 7, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and Newlab announced the next cohorts for the NYC Mass Timber Studio and the Resilient Energy Studio, two programs aimed at accelerating climate-focused technologies across the city.

Led by NYCEDC in partnership with the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) and the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), the Climate Innovation Studios are designed to advance regulatory guidance and support innovation to enable the safe deployment of climate technologies in New York City.

The NYC Mass Timber Studio supports design and development teams integrating mass timber into new developments, while navigating regulatory pathways and advancing sustainable construction practices. Following a successful first cohort, the program will provide grants, technical assistance from WoodWorks, and advisory feedback from DOB, FDNY, and the American Institute of Architects New York (AIA). It is supported by funding from the USDA Forest Service and Softwood Lumber Board.

The 2025 Mass Timber Studio cohort includes the following:

• The New York Climate Exchange’s 140,000-square-foot Climate Hub on Governors Island.
• The 500-unit Stapleton B4/B5 Residential project on Staten Island.
• The 45,000-square-foot Soundview Recreation Center in the Bronx.
• A 20,000-square-foot addition to Ganeinu Academy in Queens.
• The Shirley Chisholm Pavilion in Prospect Park.
• Dockbuilders Pier on Staten Island.
• The 5 Timber Houses in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

The announcement is part of the city’s Green Economy Action Plan, which seeks to grow the green economy, decarbonize the built environment, and prepare urban infrastructure for a changing climate. The Climate Innovation Studios provide technical assistance to help project teams navigate regulatory processes and implement new technologies safely.

“The continued momentum of both programs reflects the powerful impact of interagency collaboration to advance the Green Economy Action Plan and build a cleaner, more resilient city,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Andrew Kimball.