New Photo Mural Unveiled at Bronx River Houses
On January 16, the Public Housing Community Fund (PHCF), NYCHA, Photoville, Children’s Arts and Science Workshops (CASW), and Bronx River Houses Resident Association cut the ribbon on Bronx River’s Legacy, Brick by Brick: Where Our Stories Were Born. The photo mural is located in the lobby of the community center and features a rare collection of resident-sourced images that offer an intimate, unfiltered look at daily life within one of the most culturally influential public housing communities in the world, while also commemorating Bronx River Houses’ 75th anniversary.
Over 300 photographs are included in the collection, many of them dating back to the 1990s and coming from the work of Wade Lewis, a former Bronx River Houses resident. Images include resident life in living rooms, hallways, parks, community centers, and more. They reveal how residents used shared public spaces as well as their own homes to build identity, belonging, and kinship. The photos include scenes of music, fashion, dance, sports, and joy, with every frame reflecting a community creating culture in real time.
“Bronx River’s Legacy brings together the lived experiences of past and present residents, offering a powerful glimpse into what makes Bronx River so special and enduring for generations to come,” said Kemi Karim, Senior Manager of Art and Culture at the Public Housing Community Fund. “Working directly with residents allowed their history to shape the project and ensure their voices were heard. These images reflect the memories of the community, the generational love and camaraderie of its people, and a legacy of creativity whose impact extends far beyond the Bronx. We’re grateful to Norma Saunders, CASW, and Photoville for their dedication to bringing this project to life, and to the residents for sharing their incredible stories.”
“Bronx River has an incredible history and culture whose impact reaches far beyond our community, and this photo mural brings that legacy to life,” said Bronx River Houses Resident Association President Norma Saunders. “It reflects the stories and close bonds formed through residents’ daily lives. Now, generations can walk into the community center and truly appreciate where they come from.”
“This photo mural is a wonderful focal point for the community center and serves to honor the 75 years of cultural impact that the residents of Bronx River Houses have had on their community,” said NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “Showcasing this resident-sourced photography ensures that the stories of those who shaped this Bronx neighborhood are preserved, celebrated, and shared through their unique lens. We are incredibly thankful to the residents who shared their photos and our partners for helping us honor their legacy.”
“Photoville is honored to have helped bring the community exhibition Bronx River’s Legacy, Brick by Brick: Where Our Stories Were Born to life,” said Sam Barzilay, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Photoville. “Bronx River Houses, the Public Housing Community Fund, and Children’s Art and Science Workshops were thoughtful partners who reflect what we value most: a deep commitment to community, a shared belief in the power of public art, and a respect for history and the process required to fully and authentically reflect a place and its people. We look forward to this exhibition being enjoyed by residents and community members for years to come.”
To bring the project together, PHCF’s Senior Manager of Art and Culture Kemi Karim, Bronx River Houses Resident Association President Norma Saunders, and Photoville Lead Designer Debbie Ullman worked closely with residents to source photographs from both personal collections and the housing complex’s records, scanning and assembling them into an incredible collage. Children’s Art and Science Workshops served as site partners for the project, providing access to their facilities and helping ensure that resident engagement remained central to the work on the mural.
Bronx River’s Legacy, Brick by Brick: Where Our Stories Were Born is part of PHCF’s “From Roots to Arts” program, an innovative artist-in-residency pilot program designed to enrich and expand culture, heritage, and art narratives within public housing. Local artists and residents are placed at the forefront of this endeavor, helping redefine how stories are told and the type of art produced and featured in public housing. The 20-month program, funded by the Mellon Foundation, spans the five boroughs and offers dedicated creative spaces within community centers, fostering an environment where artists can immerse themselves and interact with residents and their neighborhood.
Photos courtesy of Photoville, Public Housing Community Fund, and Tameek Williams.
