Location: 1230 Fifth Avenue at East 104th Street

Date: Construction began in 2005

Sponsor: El Museo del Barrio

Architect: Jordan Gruzen, William Singer, and Michael Patraulea of Gruzen Samton LLP

Cost: $5.5 million

Credits: Jordan Gruzen, William Singer and Michael Patraulea of Gruzen Samton LLP

Founded in 1969, El Museo del Barrio focuses on the art and culture of Latin America and the Caribbean. It is located on Museum Mile in the former Heckscher Building, which was constructed in 1923 as an orphanage and which also houses offices for the New York City Parks Department and the Central Park Conservancy.

A five-year, building-wide renovation plan is underway for the museum. Designs include insertion of a sleek, modern “wrap” encircling the Fifth Avenue forecourt; a transparent glass entry wall; and a new cafe space facing onto the courtyard and overlooking Central Park. Work on the entry court and repairs to the facade are scheduled to begin this summer. The Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone (UMEZ) is assisting with financing