The Howard and Irene Levine Senior Community, designed by KFA Architecture for Mercy Housing of California, provides badly needed housing for Los Angeles veterans and low-income seniors. The six-story, 69,300 sf building in West Los Angeles was constructed on a city-owned, former LADOT parking lot—a large area of underutilized space. It was designed to replace public parking for neighborhood merchants and a synagogue, as well as for tenants within a 73-car underground garage.
Above the parking levels, the structure provides 48 units of housing for homeless senior veterans and low-income seniors earning at or below 30 percent and 60 percent of the area median income. Rents range between $456 and $976 per month.
The building sports open corridors, allowing for natural ventilation and light into the interior. A large courtyard at the third-floor level provides a central gathering space with views of the Hollywood Hills. The courtyard is surrounded by a community room, an exercise room, and on-site support and service offices led by New Directions for Veterans.
Smaller terraces throughout the building offer quieter seating nooks. The roof deck is adorned with community garden planters and informal seating. Recessed entry doors in alcoves provide a sense of identity for each unit. The Community is walkable and close to transit, markets, cafes, clinics, and other community services. The project compliments the surrounding neighborhood’s fabric.
Strategically Designed for Seniors and Vets
“Our design team viewed this project as an opportunity to provide a healthy and social environment for seniors, with varied spaces that foster different levels of privacy and community interaction,” said KFA Senior Associate, Kristyn Cosgrove, AIA.
All units are designed for accessibility and mobility. All residents have access to a laundry room on their floor. The series of smaller outdoor spaces allow opportunities for people to gather outside in intimate groups. Rooftop solar panels and gray water harvesting for irrigation contribute to a projected LEED Gold rating.
Owner and/or developer: Mercy Housing California
Design architect: KFA Architecture
Architect of record: KFA Architecture
Mechanical & Plumbing engineer: Hellman & Lober
Electrical Engineer: OMB Electrical Engineers
Structural engineer: Englekirk
General contractor: Dreyfuss Construction
Construction Manager: AMJ Construction Management
Related Stories
| Mar 20, 2014
Common EIFS failures, and how to prevent them
Poor workmanship, impact damage, building movement, and incompatible or unsound substrate are among the major culprits of EIFS problems.
| Mar 12, 2014
14 new ideas for doors and door hardware
From a high-tech classroom lockdown system to an impact-resistant wide-stile door line, BD+C editors present a collection of door and door hardware innovations.
| Jan 28, 2014
16 awe-inspiring interior designs from around the world [slideshow]
The International Interior Design Association released the winners of its 4th Annual Global Excellence Awards. Here's a recap of the winning projects.
| Jan 13, 2014
Custom exterior fabricator A. Zahner unveils free façade design software for architects
The web-based tool uses the company's factory floor like "a massive rapid prototype machine,” allowing designers to manipulate designs on the fly based on cost and other factors, according to CEO/President Bill Zahner.
| Jan 11, 2014
Getting to net-zero energy with brick masonry construction [AIA course]
When targeting net-zero energy performance, AEC professionals are advised to tackle energy demand first. This AIA course covers brick masonry's role in reducing energy consumption in buildings.
Smart Buildings | Jan 7, 2014
9 mega redevelopments poised to transform the urban landscape
Slowed by the recession—and often by protracted negotiations—some big redevelopment plans are now moving ahead. Here’s a sampling of nine major mixed-use projects throughout the country.
| Dec 13, 2013
Safe and sound: 10 solutions for fire and life safety
From a dual fire-CO detector to an aspiration-sensing fire alarm, BD+C editors present a roundup of new fire and life safety products and technologies.
| Dec 10, 2013
16 great solutions for architects, engineers, and contractors
From a crowd-funded smart shovel to a why-didn’t-someone-do-this-sooner scheme for managing traffic in public restrooms, these ideas are noteworthy for creative problem-solving. Here are some of the most intriguing innovations the BD+C community has brought to our attention this year.
| Nov 27, 2013
Wonder walls: 13 choices for the building envelope
BD+C editors present a roundup of the latest technologies and applications in exterior wall systems, from a tapered metal wall installation in Oklahoma to a textured precast concrete solution in North Carolina.
| Nov 26, 2013
Construction costs rise for 22nd straight month in November
Construction costs in North America rose for the 22nd consecutive month in November as labor costs continued to increase, amid growing industry concern over the tight availability of skilled workers.
