In May 2024, the city’s GrowNYC Compost Program ended due to budget cuts, leaving approximately three million tonnes of organic waste that would now go to landfills each year. To address this, the project UP (Utilize Power) aims to re-purpose the abandoned Red Hook Grain Terminal and transform it into a biogas renewable energy site. UP focuses on production by drawing from forms of life and integrating them into the design, addressing the issue of organic waste while creating a circular economy within the community.

The revitalized grain terminal will feature a community market platform, reviving the Mexican market that once served the area. This will help reduce food insecurity in Red Hook, Sunset Park, and Gowanus, particularly benefiting the Hispanic community facing challenges from real estate development and gentrification.

By harnessing energy from waste, UP will manage organic waste, rejuvenate the local area, and provide increased cultural space and accessibility. UP will foster community engagement and celebrate diversity, creating a space that empowers longstanding residents and supports their cultural heritage.