In the late 1960s, archaeologists rediscovered four 19th century houses that were part of the 19th century settlement of Weeksville, one of the first villages settled by free African Americans. Today, the site, located in the middle of Crown Heights near Buffalo Avenue, is a portal to the past, surrounded by a NYCHA project and modern developments on all sides. The 1.5-acre cultural site itself recently got a modern upgrade with a new Heritage Center by Caples Jefferson Architects. The two-story 23,000-square-foot building holds exhibition and event space, while a 41,000-square-foot "interpretive landscape" redefines the site's context within the neighborhood. "Based on the concept of modern African riffs," writes Designboom, "the simple forms, strip windows, and glass passageways are enriched by natural light adding shadows, varying moods, and ever-changing perspectives."

The new building is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, and the design incorporates sustainably harvested wood, recycled steel, and a geothermal well heats and cools the building. Architect Magazine describes how the designers "embedded" the African heritage in the design: