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Affordable housing for L.A. veterans and low-income seniors built on former parking lot site

Senior Living Design

Affordable housing for L.A. veterans and low-income seniors built on former parking lot site

Development includes underground parking for tenants and the neighborhood.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | April 19, 2022
Howard and Irene Levine Senior Community
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. Courtesy Jim Simmons Photography.

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.

Howard and Irene Levine Senior Community ext 2
Courtesy Jim Simmons Photography.

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

The Howard and Irene Senior Community Apartments ext 3
Courtesy Jim Simmons Photography
Howard and Irene Levine Senior Community interior
Courtesy Jim Simmons Photography

 

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