In a neighborhood often lacking creative spaces, a novel initiative is emerging, dedicated to innovation, chance, and connection. The Youth Design Center (YDC), a Brooklyn-based nonprofit unlocking youth potential through design and technology, has officially opened The Corner by YDC—Brownsville’s very first creative coworking, maker, and production center.
This Saturday, July 26, from 2:00 PM–5:00 PM, the community is invited to an Open House at 112 New Lots Avenue. Enjoy youth-led walkthroughs, engaging hands-on stations, and a community celebration underscoring creativity at the heart of neighborhood progress.
Created For Brownsville—with Brownsville
The Corner isn’t just a workspace—it offers a creative refuge for makers, technologists, business owners, and innovators wishing to grow locally. Great-value memberships come with access to a Media Lab, Fabrication Lab, soundproof meeting pods, plus tools for projects from content creation to business building.
“This is the hub I wanted growing up in Brownsville,” said Quardean Lewis-Allen, YDC’s Founder. “We rebuilt this empty storefront as a beacon for collaboration, creative energy, and economic possibilities—right here. Young and working creatives now have world-class resources.”
Making Dreams Tangible
Lewis-Allen, Harvard-trained architect and local, began Youth Design Center in 2013 to guide youth in marginalized communities towards design and tech careers. With The Corner, YDC will now support over 300 youth plus adult creatives each year with premium resources and shared spaces.
Partners like Brooklyn Org, Comic Relief US, Comcast NBCUniversal, and NYC Councilmember Chris Banks (providing crucial gear support) brought this vision to life.
“Our partners’ trust and contributions were key,” Lewis-Allen explained. “Together, we’re shaping a fair and vibrant future.”
Open House Preview
On July 26 visitors can enjoy:
– Youth-led tours of the new creative workspace
– Demos of top-tier media and fabrication gear
– Meet the YDC team and their interns
– Music, refreshments, and mingling with regional creators
WHEN: Saturday, July 26 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
WHERE: 112 New Lots Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212
ADMISSION: Open and free. Walk in or RSVP at https://youthdesigncenter.org/events
Discover The Corner: https://youthdesigncenter.org/thecorner
Leave a Reply