The Chariton Historic multi-family housing project is the rehabilitation of second-story housing stock around a county/city square. The project reinforces the basic tenants of density to enhance the vibrancy and import of the square by offering living spaces that have modern conveniences and systems, but remain true to the history of the square. Central to the project is its intent to preserve, and to preserve with creative solutions. The project was accomplished with strict adherence to SHPO guidelines and the requirements of Iowa’s Green Streets sustainability criteria. The project rehabilitated spaces that have been unoccupied for decades - some were in frightful disrepair. The final resultant is a quiet injection of a dozen or more full time main street residents, who shop downtown, walk downtown and “patrol” downtown. The square has additional movement, dollars and safety due to a gesture that added decades of life to buildings that are the built history of our State. Location: Chariton, IA Program: Residential Area: 8,444 SF Client: City of Chariton Photo Credits: Tara Maurer
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The Carlisle Care Center Link is a means of connecting two buildings. The client owns two buildings adjacent to each other; one a skilled nursing home and the other an assisted living residence. The assisted living is contemporary to the skilled nursing home and after some time in operation, the client saw a need for indoor access between the two buildings. Additionally, there was a need for a physical therapy and salon space with proximity to both buildings. It is a sloped structure clad with translucent corrugated panel to bring in natural light and to act as a neutral element between the two buildings. The structure acts as a bridge with concrete piers to allow water to flow through the site. Location: Carlisle, IA Program: Senior Living Area: 1,520 SF Addition Client: Pacifica Health Services Photo Credits: Cameron Campbell Integrated Studio
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“Cultivating opportunities for vibrant neighborhoods and communities.” Crestview Apartments is a project that encompasses appreciation and transformation. It reinstated a community fixture that had lost viability with contemporary elderly apartment seekers. The existing dormitory style units were combined into 55 larger units, each with a kitchen. The cafeteria and congregate areas were converted into comfortable community spaces for the residents. Also included is an exercise area, library, sitting area with fireplace, and several lounge areas. The final interiors were designed to complement the original 1960’s lines of the architecture as well as provide a comfortable and colorful living space suitable for the anticipated demographic. Location: West Des Moines, IA Program: Senior Living Area: 70,300 SF Renovations Client: Community Housing Initiatives Photo Credits: Cameron Campbell Integrated Studio
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Sanctuary Apartments is a facility for women or women with children who have come out of rehabilitation and are in need of transitional living for support until they are on their own two feet. It is about creating a protected community. The project consists of two, two-story apartment buildings and a community center that houses on-site daycare, counseling, a library and kitchen. The site is composed in such a way that the three buildings create an enclosure that protects the entries to each building, as well as the central play area. The large windows in the community center meet the needs for both ample day lighting and high visibility to the outside. The intent of the design was wrapped around the hope that a sense of community and protection would result in camaraderie amongst the residents. Location: Sioux City, IA Program: Multifamily Housing Area: 23,145 SF Client: Jackson Recovery Photo Credits: Cameron Campbell Integrated Studio
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A former historic elementary school in the heart of Oskaloosa reopened its doors to be gently adapted into an elderly living community. With its beautiful, historic trees and grand front lawn, the building has long been an icon within the community. Central to the project are its intent to preserve and to preserve with creative solutions. The project was largely about considering new work as a frame to the old and never about a replacement. This is evident in the use of the existing plaster walls as beacons to the unit doors, with new spaces defined only through gestures of walls. This project’s use was successfully repurposed with negligible changes to the character and integrity of an historic site. Location: Oskaloosa, IA Program: Senior Living Area: 20,510 SF Repurposing Client: Community Housing Initiatives Photo Credits: ASK Studio
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Affordable housing is a critical need in many communities, but the needs of persons with criminal records are often more desperate and rarely addressed. While the needs of this group are similar to those of the general populace, the particular focus of this project was to create a safe, secure environment with a sense of normalcy. Situated on a narrow, sloping site near the edge of the city in an industrial district, the community layout looks inward to emphasize its uniqueness from its surroundings. All of the dwellings have individual front doors. Every person and family is given an identity for the neighborhood to recognize, respect, and protect. There are no corridors and there are no unintended references to the unfortunate typology of affordable housing, such as low slung gables and the drone of the sameness of skin, aperture and color. Windows reference spaces within rather than economy railings made of composite lumber; they are melodic rather than utilitarian and elements such as trellises, window bays, sun screens, and railings are employed to allow the building to change and live with sunlight. The result is affordable housing without the constant reminders of status and caste. Location: Cedar Rapids, IA […]
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A former historic elementary school in the heart of Oskaloosa reopened its doors to be gently adapted into a senior living community. With its beautiful, historic trees and grand front lawn, the building has always been an icon within the community. Central to the project is its intent to preserve with creative solutions. The project was largely about considering new elements as being framed by the old and never about a replacement. This is evident in the use nearly all of the existing plaster walls and the strict in-place preservation of all hallway doors . It is also evident in the preservation of the gymnasium volume with clerestories and the inclusion of the existing performance stage in the units. This project’s use was successfully repurposed with negligible changes to the character and integrity of this historic structure. Location: Oskaloosa, IA Program: Senior Living Area: 20,200 SF Repurposing Client: Community Housing Initiatives Photo Credits: ASK Studio
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The Sugar Creek project aims to create a diverse community that mixes low income housing amongst market rate housing. It is a project that truly adheres to the mission of the client: “Cultivating opportunities for vibrant neighborhoods and communities”. The designs were developed through thoughtful detailing in which components reflect traditional building character. Components, such as the front porch, embrace the goal of community. Simple details contribute to the success of challenging the stereotype of affordable housing. Location: Cedar Rapids, IA Program: Single Family Housing Area: 28,500 SF - 20 Houses Client: Community Housing Initiatives Photo Credits: ASK Studio
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Elsie Apartments is a project that encompasses transformation to new technologies and urban connections. It reinstates a community fixture that had lost viability with contemporary, elderly apartment seekers. Challenges of the project included adding an elevator to the 12-story structure and enhancing skywalk connections. The existing units were updated and many improvements were made to ensure life safety and accessibility in the more than 40-year-old structure. The congregate areas were revived into comfortable community spaces for the residents. Also included is an exercise area, library and several digital-lounge areas. The final interiors were designed to address the contemporary requirements of the anticipated residents, while considering the marketing impact of all changes. How the building is seen from the street and from the skywalk has transformed the building’s image and its bottom line. Location: Des Moines, IA Program: Residential Area: 122,426 SF Client: Newbury Living Photo Credits: Cameron Campbell Integrated Studio
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