New Innovation Lab at Kingsborough Houses

On April 13, the Public Housing Community Fund (PHCF), NYCHA, Amazon, the Kingsborough Resident Association, and Council Member Darlene Mealy cut the ribbon on a newly renovated and equipped Innovation Learning Lab at Kingsborough Houses in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. The new technology hub was made possible by a donation from Amazon, part of its $500,000 award to PHCF to provide up to 50 cutting-edge learning labs across all five boroughs. Amazon’s investment ensures NYCHA residents have reliable access to technology for school, job readiness, workforce training, telehealth, creativity, benefits access, and civic engagement.

Amazon’s commitment to Kingsborough Houses funded the renovation and equipment for the new Innovation Lab. Featuring state-of-the-art technology (including eight desktop computers, 10 Chromebooks, and a printer, along with new desks, chairs, and conference tables), the Innovation Lab creates a welcoming and functional learning environment for community members. NYCHA painted the space and provided electrical upgrades; the Kingsborough Resident Association will manage programming and community use along with the Hugh Ed Gilroy Senior Center, which is located in the same building. The Innovation Lab is located within a larger multipurpose room that will double as a hub for community life and activity at Kingsborough Houses.

“This new Innovation Lab unlocks opportunities for Kingsborough residents of all ages by providing access to technology and strengthening pathways to success in school and the workforce,” said Alex Zablocki, Executive Director of the Public Housing Community Fund. “As the Fund renovates community spaces and creates technology hubs across all five boroughs, we’ll be able to reach thousands of NYCHA residents and address the persistent digital divide facing our communities. This is just the beginning, and we’re extremely grateful for Amazon’s dedication to NYCHA communities and continued support for this project.”

“This Innovation Lab at Kingsborough Houses, along with the commitment to provide labs across the city, represents a vital step toward ensuring every NYCHA resident has the tools needed to thrive in a modern landscape,” said NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “By providing state-of-the-art innovation centers, NYCHA families can feel empowered to pursue new career paths and stay connected in an increasingly digital world. We are incredibly grateful to the Kingsborough Resident Association, along with the Public Housing Community Fund and Amazon, for their partnership and vision.”

“Amazon is thrilled to support the Public Housing Community Fund increasing access to technology and information in NYCHA community centers,” said Angela Pinsky, Head of Community Engagement for Amazon New York. “These new Innovation Labs will provide wonderful and beautiful shared spaces serving New Yorkers and our neighbors of all ages.  We are excited to see the dedicated and talented PHCF team open 49 more Innovation Labs across the city, and we thank NYCHA, PHCF, the residents and RA presidents and the elected and appointed officials that help bring this to life.”

“Kingsborough residents are curious and eager to learn, and this Innovation Lab gives them the space to grow and develop skills that will benefit them for years to come,” said Kingsborough Houses Resident Association President Angelina Whitaker. “It’s incredible to see this space come to life, bringing the community together and inspiring new ideas. We’re grateful to PHCF, Amazon, and NYCHA for their support and for giving residents the tools they need to thrive in today’s digital world.”

The Innovation Labs are flexible, tech-enabled community spaces that will help bridge the digital divide, providing NYCHA residents with access to computers, internet, and important career tools. They equip residents with the skills, resources, and exposure needed to be ready for 21st century careers and opportunities, including emerging fields like AI, while supporting creativity and access to essential services.

PHCF will support programming in the space with its NYCHA Technology Academy this spring. This is an intergenerational leadership development program that aims to give youth and adults living in public housing critical digital literacy skills and exposure to technology career opportunities while forming intergenerational connections.

The partnership with Amazon and renovation of 50 Innovation Labs are part of PHCF’s ongoing commitment to expand digital access for NYCHA residents by transforming community center spaces into vibrant technology hubs. The pilot innovation lab in partnership with Amazon was completed at the Van Dyke Community Center in Brownsville, Brooklyn, which opened in October 2025. This project has enhanced the center by ensuring all residents have access to the tools and training needed to succeed in today’s digital world. 

Along with the Kingsborough Innovation Lab, the Fund will soon complete 10 Innovation Labs in the first phase of this work at NYCHA developments across all five boroughs. These labs mark early milestones in this citywide effort to expand access to technology, workforce training, and digital resources for NYCHA residents.

Completed Innovation Labs: 

• Kingsborough Houses (Brooklyn)
• Hudson Guild Community Center at Fulton Houses (Manhattan)

Upcoming Innovation Labs: 

• Monterey Cornerstone (Bronx)
• Jackson Houses Older Adult Center (Bronx)
• Seth Low Cornerstone (Brooklyn)
• South Beach Cornerstone (Staten Island)
• New Lane Older Adult Center (Staten Island)
• King Towers Cornerstone (Manhattan)
• Astoria Cornerstone (Queens)
• Ravenswood Cornerstones (Queens)