Lincoln Correctional Facility

The Lincoln Correctional Facility, once a prominent institution in Manhattan, New York, has a rich history that reflects the evolving landscape of urban development and social services. 

Originally constructed in 1914, the building first served as a branch of the Young Women’s Hebrew Association (YWHA). This eight-story structure, complete with a swimming pool in the basement, was a center for social and educational activities designed to support recently immigrated Jewish women. During World War II, the building was repurposed as a relaxation center for U.S. Army soldiers.

In 1976, the State Department of Corrections transformed the building into the Lincoln Correctional Facility. This shift coincided with the enactment of the Rockefeller Drug Laws, which significantly increased incarceration rates. The facility operated primarily as a minimum-security work-release center, focusing on individuals with drug-related charges, though it also housed some white-collar criminals.

With a capacity to accommodate 275 inmates, the center played a crucial role in transitioning individuals back into society through work programs.

However, the facility’s journey came to an end in 2019, when Governor Andrew Cuomo announced its closure as part of a state initiative to reduce crime rates and focus on decarceration. Its closure was part of a larger plan to shutter several state-run facilities due to decreased demand.

After remaining vacant for several years, the building found new purpose in May 2023, when it was designated as a temporary shelter for asylum seekers by New York City officials. This repurposing highlights the facility’s continued role in addressing contemporary social issues, while its past remains a testament to the dynamic nature of urban spaces and their ability to adapt to changing societal needs.