What You Missed with Marvel in 2025
What You Missed with Marvel in 2025
This past year has been transformative for our firm in many ways. In 2025, we saw the certification of our very first Passive House, a major win for Marvel in Barcelona, the release of our specially made virtual Valentines, the announcement of our redesign of an iconic Manhattan square, and the restoration of a beloved educational center– just to name a few.
The year also brought widespread recognition for a range of Marvel projects, both built and unbuilt, spanning from Puerto Rico to Spain, and scaling from landscape architecture to installation design. Taking the time to reflect on these achievements allows our practice to acknowledge the dedication and immense skill of our team members, even amid the challenges we faced throughout the year. January is a moment to express gratitude for the talent within our firm and for our collective contributions to our communities and environment, while also looking ahead to 2026 and the opportunity to outdo ourselves in every capacity.
Rather than an exhaustive list, what follows is a snapshot of the work and recognition that defined Marvel’s 2025.
1. Harvard University Affiliate Housing Tops Out
January 13, 2025
The year started with news of a topping out– a major addition to Harvard University’s lively community and streetscapes. 100 South Campus Drive will provide 276 units of sustainable housing accompanied with ample public spaces for students, faculty, and staff. The larger transformation of 175 North Harvard Street will not only expand housing for the institution, but also create new research and performance spaces.
Read more about the project: Harvard University Affiliate Housing
2. Marvel wishes you a happy Valentine's!
February 14, 2025
To celebrate this special day, we asked our designers to put together messages of love specially made for architects, landscape designers, urban planners, and interior designers.
“The final slide in the carousel is an idea everyone can get behind, literally, “Love everywhere for everyone. To: You From Marvel.” – The Editors, Architect’s Newspaper
Check out our valentines: Marvel on Instagram: Happy Valentine's!
3. ‘Batey’ wins honorable mention at the Kinderspace Competition
February 20, 2025
Kinderspace is the first edition of an annual international competition that challenges teams to think beyond the conventional classroom model and design innovative learning environments that enhance learning, exploration, and creativity. Marvel San Juan’s ‘Batey’ seeks to redefine existing outdated facilities by creating student-centered environments that embrace contemporary educational paradigms, ensuring that tomorrow’s learners thrive in environments built for the future.
‘Batey’ was also awarded an Honor for Unbuilt Design at the AIA Puerto Rico Conference in September, alongside another Marvel project: First Responders Safe Rooms.
Read the full interview of the project lead: Kinderspace competition Honorable mention winner - Raquel Lymaris Marrero Maldonado
March 31, 2025
‘Les Tres Xemeneies’ is a proposal by Marvel and Barcelona based firm GdSB, aiming to create a hub for the digital world while preserving the defining characteristic of the landmark structure. It was selected as the winning design following a two-stage international design competition regarding the transformation of the decommissioned power plant located in Sant Adrià de Besòs.
Notably, this project will be Marvel’s first international project, and the first major win for our Barcelona team. ‘Les Tres Xemeneies’ was also awarded the Metropolis 2025 Planet Positive Award in October.
Read more about the project: Les Tres Xemeneies
Watch the #MarvelMinute: Marvel on Instagram: Les Tres Xemeneies with Laura Martín
“When you visit, make sure to grab a seat on the right side of the plane—you won’t want to miss the views of Marvel’s first Barcelona project."
Laura Martín i Sepúlveda, Architectural Designer at Marvel
“When you visit, make sure to grab a seat on the right side of the plane—you won’t want to miss the views of Marvel’s first Barcelona project."
Laura Martín i Sepúlveda, Architectural Designer at Marvel
5. Belle Isle’s mini-documentary is released
April 30, 2025
This short documentary explores the beginnings of the Belle Isle Vision Plan effort. Its start is rooted in community engagement, alongside James River Park System superintendent Kathryn Giles Garrison and Friends of James River Park executive director Josh Stutz, and how that process informed the basis of the plan. Project leads Tyler Silvestro and Chieh Huang discuss its focus on revealing and connecting four anchor locations on the island– The Hydroplant, the Rolling Mill Garden, the Quarry, and the Meadows.
Read more about the project: Belle Isle Vision Plan
Watch the #MarvelMinute: Marvel on Instagram- Belle Isle Vision Plan with Tyler Silvestro
6. Mayo Island's New Conceptual Design is unanimously approved
May 15, 2025
Another one of downtown Richmond’s islands is on track to get a makeover, as Marvel’s Mayo Island Master plan is approved by the city’s Urban Design Committee. This plan envisions a new public park filled with meadows, wildflowers, and gravel paths in place of the vacant buildings and parking lots that currently occupy most of the 15-acre island. This effort is on track to be completed by the fall of 2026.
Later in the year, the Mayo Island Master Plan was selected to receive a ASLA Virginia Merit Award in the Analysis and Planning category.
7. 2440 Fulton Street officially opens its doors
May 19, 2025
This long awaited commercial development consolidates several city programs previously located throughout Brooklyn into one state-of-the-art building. Its location adjacent to a major transportation hub in East New York conveniently centralizes important social services for this High-Need community. The building includes Private-Market Retail Space along class A-offices in the upper floors. Its design was inspired by the rhythm of the elevated subway platform that can be seen from its floor to ceiling windows, as well as the texture of surrounding neighborhood materials.
8. 29 Jay is awarded an NYCxDesign Award for its facade
May 20, 2025
29 Jay Street is the first new ground up commercial building in the landmarked Dumbo Brooklyn neighborhood for over 100 years. Inspired by the innovative cast in place concrete technology of the adjacent historic Gair Buildings, and Manhattan Bridge's cross bracing, the distinctive faceted glass fiber-reinforced concrete ("GFRC") facade is sculpturally contextual. Its facade stands out as it fits in, winning this project its first design award.
Read more about the project: 29 Jay Street
Watch the #MarvelMinute: Marvel on Instagram- 29 Jay Street with Tim Fryatt
9. Doris Duke Theatre at Jacob’s Pillow reopens at last
July 6, 2025
In the ashes of the fire that destroyed the original Doris Duke Theatre, a new theatre emerges– a result of a collaboration between Dutch architecture firm Mecanoo, Marvel’s architecture and landscape architecture studios, and theatre experience consultants Charcoalblue. The reimagined Doris Duke Theatre builds on the rich history of the site and the former theatre, embracing the Pillow’s diverse history and connection to North American Indigenous community. Its opening kicked off a series of festivities across Jacob’s Pillow, including performances by Indigenous Enterprise, Calpulli Mexican Dance Company, and Sydnie L. Mosley Dances.
Since its opening, the Doris Duke Theatre has been awarded two popular vote awards: The 2025 Theatre Building of the Year at the Archello Awards, and the Gold Award for Best Arts & Events at the Nana Awards.
Read more about the building: The New Doris Duke Theatre at Jacob’s Pillow
Read more about the landscape: The Doris Duke Theatre Landscape at Jacob’s Pillow
10. Another Marvel Mini-Documentary: the Acacia Resilient Homes Prototype
July 31, 2025
Learn about the inception of the Acacia Resilient Homes Prototypes through brief interviews with the project leads as well the owner of Enlace Tecnico–, the manufacturer of the equipment required to develop fully sustainable housing prototypes such as Acacia. The prototype aims for low energy consumption through passive design strategies and renewable energy sources, targeting long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Modular in nature, the design allows for easy expansion and adaptability, supplemented by a self-supporting infrastructure that includes renewable energy and water harvesting systems.
In September, Acacia Homes won the 2025 Future House Awards.
Read more about the project: Acacia Resilient Homes Prototype
Watch the #MarvelMinute: Marvel on Instagram- Acacia Resilient Homes
11. The Lake Placid Center for the Arts Breaks Ground
September 22, 2025
The beginning of fall saw the groundbreaking of Arts Center Lake Placid, an ambitious project to modernize and expand the 53-year-old theatre building. The renovation includes a major update of LPCA’s existing main building, which currently houses a theater, gallery, dance studios, art studios, and administrative spaces. The rethought building will help the LPCA better fulfill their mission and will also serve as an emblem of artistic excellence for the entire North Country region. Reopening is slated for July 2027.
12. Design Concepts for Reimagined Chatham Square is Unveiled
October 21, 2025
The city of New York unveiled our design concepts for the reimagined Chatham Square, located in New York City’s iconic Chinatown.
“This milestone is the result of months of meaningful conversations with the Chinatown community — meeting people where they are, listening, and learning from their stories,” said Yadiel Rivera-Diaz, Partner at Marvel. “Our team is proud to have been welcomed so warmly, to have built friendships in the neighborhood, and to begin transforming the community’s vision for Chatham Square into a reality. This design celebrates the spirit of Chinatown — creating a safer, more connected, and more pedestrian-friendly heart for its neighbors.”
Check out the full blog: Chinatown Connections
"Projects like this celebrate community, culture, and the shared public spaces that make our city so special.”
Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, NYC Parks Commissioner
"Projects like this celebrate community, culture, and the shared public spaces that make our city so special.”
Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, NYC Parks Commissioner
13. Bronx Point receives its 4th Award in 2025
October 29, 2025
Bronx Point was awarded the American Architecture Award in the Urban Planning/Landscape Architecture category in 2025, its 4th award that year and its 8th award overall.
In the same month Bronx Point was also awarded an Honor Award in the General Design category by ASLA Virginia, in addition to winning a Chicago International Architecture Award in August, and being shortlisted for a World Landscape Architecture Award in Built Large Public Space Landscape Design in July.
Read more about the project: Bronx Point
Watch the latest visualizer: Marvel on Instagram- Bronx Point in Color
14. The Masters School Library Renovation wins the AIA Westchester-Hudson Valley Award
November 5, 2025
Marvel undertook a comprehensive renovation of The Masters School's main library to expand its role as a modern academic hub designed to foster social connections. The update introduced versatile study areas, glass-enclosed collaboration suites for acoustic privacy and openness, and custom millwork with full-height bookcases that showcase the school's collection while keeping the space open. In November of last year, the Masters School Library renovation was awarded the AIA WHV Award in the Institutional Education Category.
Read more about the project: The Masters School Library Renovation
15. Community Tree Lighting at Los Círculos
December 14, 2025
We capped off the year by celebrating the holiday season at Los Círculos, a community lighting design project located in two public squares in the Washington Heights neighborhood in Manhattan. This installation was the centerpiece of a festive community celebration last December at Plaza de las Americas. The floating rings of light are intended to foster interaction, promote a sense of belonging, and add light and joy to the neighborhood to inspire dance!
Earlier in the year, Los Círculos was awarded the Experiential Award at the Beacon Awards.
This past year has been transformative for our firm in many ways. In 2025, we saw the certification of our very first Passive House, a major win for Marvel in Barcelona, the release of our specially made virtual Valentines, the announcement of our redesign of an iconic Manhattan square, and the restoration of a beloved educational center– just to name a few.
The year also brought widespread recognition for a range of Marvel projects, both built and unbuilt, spanning from Puerto Rico to Spain, and scaling from landscape architecture to installation design. Taking the time to reflect on these achievements allows our practice to acknowledge the dedication and immense skill of our team members, even amid the challenges we faced throughout the year. January is a moment to express gratitude for the talent within our firm and for our collective contributions to our communities and environment, while also looking ahead to 2026 and the opportunity to outdo ourselves in every capacity.
Rather than an exhaustive list, what follows is a snapshot of the work and recognition that defined Marvel’s 2025.
1. Harvard University Affiliate Housing Tops Out
January 13, 2025
The year started with news of a topping out– a major addition to Harvard University’s lively community and streetscapes. 100 South Campus Drive will provide 276 units of sustainable housing accompanied with ample public spaces for students, faculty, and staff. The larger transformation of 175 North Harvard Street will not only expand housing for the institution, but also create new research and performance spaces.
Read more about the project: Harvard University Affiliate Housing
2. Marvel wishes you a happy Valentine's!
February 14, 2025
To celebrate this special day, we asked our designers to put together messages of love specially made for architects, landscape designers, urban planners, and interior designers.
“The final slide in the carousel is an idea everyone can get behind, literally, “Love everywhere for everyone. To: You From Marvel.” – The Editors, Architect’s Newspaper
Check out our valentines: Marvel on Instagram: Happy Valentine's!
3. ‘Batey’ wins honorable mention at the Kinderspace Competition
February 20, 2025
Kinderspace is the first edition of an annual international competition that challenges teams to think beyond the conventional classroom model and design innovative learning environments that enhance learning, exploration, and creativity. Marvel San Juan’s ‘Batey’ seeks to redefine existing outdated facilities by creating student-centered environments that embrace contemporary educational paradigms, ensuring that tomorrow’s learners thrive in environments built for the future.
‘Batey’ was also awarded an Honor for Unbuilt Design at the AIA Puerto Rico Conference in September, alongside another Marvel project: First Responders Safe Rooms.
Read the full interview of the project lead: Kinderspace competition Honorable mention winner - Raquel Lymaris Marrero Maldonado
March 31, 2025
‘Les Tres Xemeneies’ is a proposal by Marvel and Barcelona based firm GdSB, aiming to create a hub for the digital world while preserving the defining characteristic of the landmark structure. It was selected as the winning design following a two-stage international design competition regarding the transformation of the decommissioned power plant located in Sant Adrià de Besòs.
Notably, this project will be Marvel’s first international project, and the first major win for our Barcelona team. ‘Les Tres Xemeneies’ was also awarded the Metropolis 2025 Planet Positive Award in October.
Read more about the project: Les Tres Xemeneies
Watch the #MarvelMinute: Marvel on Instagram: Les Tres Xemeneies with Laura Martín
“When you visit, make sure to grab a seat on the right side of the plane—you won’t want to miss the views of Marvel’s first Barcelona project."
Laura Martín i Sepúlveda, Architectural Designer at Marvel
“When you visit, make sure to grab a seat on the right side of the plane—you won’t want to miss the views of Marvel’s first Barcelona project."
Laura Martín i Sepúlveda, Architectural Designer at Marvel
5. Belle Isle’s mini-documentary is released
April 30, 2025
This short documentary explores the beginnings of the Belle Isle Vision Plan effort. Its start is rooted in community engagement, alongside James River Park System superintendent Kathryn Giles Garrison and Friends of James River Park executive director Josh Stutz, and how that process informed the basis of the plan. Project leads Tyler Silvestro and Chieh Huang discuss its focus on revealing and connecting four anchor locations on the island– The Hydroplant, the Rolling Mill Garden, the Quarry, and the Meadows.
Read more about the project: Belle Isle Vision Plan
Watch the #MarvelMinute: Marvel on Instagram- Belle Isle Vision Plan with Tyler Silvestro
6. Mayo Island's New Conceptual Design is unanimously approved
May 15, 2025
Another one of downtown Richmond’s islands is on track to get a makeover, as Marvel’s Mayo Island Master plan is approved by the city’s Urban Design Committee. This plan envisions a new public park filled with meadows, wildflowers, and gravel paths in place of the vacant buildings and parking lots that currently occupy most of the 15-acre island. This effort is on track to be completed by the fall of 2026.
Later in the year, the Mayo Island Master Plan was selected to receive a ASLA Virginia Merit Award in the Analysis and Planning category.
7. 2440 Fulton Street officially opens its doors
May 19, 2025
This long awaited commercial development consolidates several city programs previously located throughout Brooklyn into one state-of-the-art building. Its location adjacent to a major transportation hub in East New York conveniently centralizes important social services for this High-Need community. The building includes Private-Market Retail Space along class A-offices in the upper floors. Its design was inspired by the rhythm of the elevated subway platform that can be seen from its floor to ceiling windows, as well as the texture of surrounding neighborhood materials.
8. 29 Jay is awarded an NYCxDesign Award for its facade
May 20, 2025
29 Jay Street is the first new ground up commercial building in the landmarked Dumbo Brooklyn neighborhood for over 100 years. Inspired by the innovative cast in place concrete technology of the adjacent historic Gair Buildings, and Manhattan Bridge's cross bracing, the distinctive faceted glass fiber-reinforced concrete ("GFRC") facade is sculpturally contextual. Its facade stands out as it fits in, winning this project its first design award.
Read more about the project: 29 Jay Street
Watch the #MarvelMinute: Marvel on Instagram- 29 Jay Street with Tim Fryatt
9. Doris Duke Theatre at Jacob’s Pillow reopens at last
July 6, 2025
In the ashes of the fire that destroyed the original Doris Duke Theatre, a new theatre emerges– a result of a collaboration between Dutch architecture firm Mecanoo, Marvel’s architecture and landscape architecture studios, and theatre experience consultants Charcoalblue. The reimagined Doris Duke Theatre builds on the rich history of the site and the former theatre, embracing the Pillow’s diverse history and connection to North American Indigenous community. Its opening kicked off a series of festivities across Jacob’s Pillow, including performances by Indigenous Enterprise, Calpulli Mexican Dance Company, and Sydnie L. Mosley Dances.
Since its opening, the Doris Duke Theatre has been awarded two popular vote awards: The 2025 Theatre Building of the Year at the Archello Awards, and the Gold Award for Best Arts & Events at the Nana Awards.
Read more about the building: The New Doris Duke Theatre at Jacob’s Pillow
Read more about the landscape: The Doris Duke Theatre Landscape at Jacob’s Pillow
10. Another Marvel Mini-Documentary: the Acacia Resilient Homes Prototype
July 31, 2025
Learn about the inception of the Acacia Resilient Homes Prototypes through brief interviews with the project leads as well the owner of Enlace Tecnico–, the manufacturer of the equipment required to develop fully sustainable housing prototypes such as Acacia. The prototype aims for low energy consumption through passive design strategies and renewable energy sources, targeting long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Modular in nature, the design allows for easy expansion and adaptability, supplemented by a self-supporting infrastructure that includes renewable energy and water harvesting systems.
In September, Acacia Homes won the 2025 Future House Awards.
Read more about the project: Acacia Resilient Homes Prototype
Watch the #MarvelMinute: Marvel on Instagram- Acacia Resilient Homes
11. The Lake Placid Center for the Arts Breaks Ground
September 22, 2025
The beginning of fall saw the groundbreaking of Arts Center Lake Placid, an ambitious project to modernize and expand the 53-year-old theatre building. The renovation includes a major update of LPCA’s existing main building, which currently houses a theater, gallery, dance studios, art studios, and administrative spaces. The rethought building will help the LPCA better fulfill their mission and will also serve as an emblem of artistic excellence for the entire North Country region. Reopening is slated for July 2027.
12. Design Concepts for Reimagined Chatham Square is Unveiled
October 21, 2025
The city of New York unveiled our design concepts for the reimagined Chatham Square, located in New York City’s iconic Chinatown.
“This milestone is the result of months of meaningful conversations with the Chinatown community — meeting people where they are, listening, and learning from their stories,” said Yadiel Rivera-Diaz, Partner at Marvel. “Our team is proud to have been welcomed so warmly, to have built friendships in the neighborhood, and to begin transforming the community’s vision for Chatham Square into a reality. This design celebrates the spirit of Chinatown — creating a safer, more connected, and more pedestrian-friendly heart for its neighbors.”
Check out the full blog: Chinatown Connections
"Projects like this celebrate community, culture, and the shared public spaces that make our city so special.”
Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, NYC Parks Commissioner
"Projects like this celebrate community, culture, and the shared public spaces that make our city so special.”
Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, NYC Parks Commissioner
13. Bronx Point receives its 4th Award in 2025
October 29, 2025
Bronx Point was awarded the American Architecture Award in the Urban Planning/Landscape Architecture category in 2025, its 4th award that year and its 8th award overall.
In the same month Bronx Point was also awarded an Honor Award in the General Design category by ASLA Virginia, in addition to winning a Chicago International Architecture Award in August, and being shortlisted for a World Landscape Architecture Award in Built Large Public Space Landscape Design in July.
Read more about the project: Bronx Point
Watch the latest visualizer: Marvel on Instagram- Bronx Point in Color
14. The Masters School Library Renovation wins the AIA Westchester-Hudson Valley Award
November 5, 2025
Marvel undertook a comprehensive renovation of The Masters School's main library to expand its role as a modern academic hub designed to foster social connections. The update introduced versatile study areas, glass-enclosed collaboration suites for acoustic privacy and openness, and custom millwork with full-height bookcases that showcase the school's collection while keeping the space open. In November of last year, the Masters School Library renovation was awarded the AIA WHV Award in the Institutional Education Category.
Read more about the project: The Masters School Library Renovation
15. Community Tree Lighting at Los Círculos
December 14, 2025
We capped off the year by celebrating the holiday season at Los Círculos, a community lighting design project located in two public squares in the Washington Heights neighborhood in Manhattan. This installation was the centerpiece of a festive community celebration last December at Plaza de las Americas. The floating rings of light are intended to foster interaction, promote a sense of belonging, and add light and joy to the neighborhood to inspire dance!
Earlier in the year, Los Círculos was awarded the Experiential Award at the Beacon Awards.