15. Umbrella House

This 820-square foot intensive green roof serves as a source of fresh produce for building residents, as a means to assist in storm water management, and as a model for other New York City buildings. Spring 2015 marked the garden’s first growing season, producing a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, and medicinal plants. Umbrella House is one of the former Lower East Side squats. Since 1988 dozens have called it home, struggling to survive harsh conditions while creating viable alternative community and house model.