Solution:

A two phased solution was developed with the first complex being a carefully crafted home to 91 seniors. The two-story complex fits comfortably into the scale of the surrounding residential neighborhood. The façade is articulated with balconies and carefully modulated roof forms to extend a home-like environment while answering the municipality’s design requirements and responding to the restrictions of the HUD funding. The flow of the internal circulation of one-bedroom units encompass a co-op lifestyle with a strong social focus drawing the seniors through the administrative and activity areas. Each unit has an internal “front porch” with shelf that has been personalized by each tenant for enhanced identity. There is also a shop space that allows for seniors to sell homemade crafts and other personal items and provides additional social interaction. Common outdoor balcony space was made fully accessible by utilizing a pedestal mounted concrete paver system. The extensive 4-acre site is attractively landscaped including several inviting courtyards, seating areas, planting beds and fruit trees that serve the seniors with relaxation, recreation and convenience. 

Phase II was master planned to provide an additional 48 independent senior housing units to the north on the adjacent 2.1 acres. The original two-story layout that incorporated the Phase I design elements outgrew its previously established budgets and was nearly not built. The architect diligently reviewed planning code options and discovered subsidized housing for seniors allowed a three-story structure. Working closely with the contractor and city planning staff, the architect modified the design to blend in fully with Phase I, reduce the building footprint and cost, and improve the vehicle circulation and size amenities. The three-story building was set to the rear of the site providing appropriate massing to the final assemblage of structures.

The units are designed to provide completely accessible living spaces. Each apartment has high SEER HVAC units for individual settings and controlled costs. Low-e glazing combined with exterior shade control also reduces energy requirements. Each tenant has the option of free TV signal, satellite dish, cable, or fiber optic reception and internet all controlled from a secure switching facility at the center of the structure.

Security features in this transitioning neighborhood include additional building setback, perimeter access control, cardkey building entry, security monitoring, and fire-life safety systems. Courtyards internal to the building layout provided additional secure outdoor spaces.