Lakeview - MHS 38-Bed SRO Facility
Ithaca, New York
Lakeview Mental Health Service
Winner of 2009 AIA Rochester Design Excellence
Award
With a population of 100,000, Tompkins County was in need of an
alternative residential program for persons with chronic mental
illness. The first of its kind in the Ithaca region, this single
room occupancy (SRO) residence provides a long-term home for adults
with special needs. Located in an established, walkable
neighborhood in the City of Ithaca, the program includes 38
individual sleeping rooms, communal, and staff support spaces.
Taking cues from the region's early 20th Century
apartment buildings, the 3-story residence is built close to the
street, with paired double-hung windows and a material palate of
red brick and limestone-hued concrete masonry. The corner entrance
tower defines a gateway, serving as a transition between commercial
and residential neighborhoods. Its public spaces - the first floor
reception and resident lounges above - are stacked at the corner
with transparent glazing.
The building's footprint wraps around a southwest facing
landscaped courtyard, allowing abundant natural light into interior
spaces, while affording pleasant views for residents. The
courtyard, removed from the traffic of Third Street, provides a
tranquil respite for residents and staff.
The building's circulation is simple, allowing easy orientation
for residents. Communal spaces are generously sized, with large
windows. The 'heart' of the residence is the centrally-located,
light-filled dining area, serving as the main gathering place.
Opening directly onto the courtyard, it links the exterior and
interior spaces and provides alternative seating options.
The residence is pending LEED certification.