ALEXANDER COMMONS
Affordable Housing
Rochester, New York
Photos by Carrie Mateosian
“The boomerang-shaped footprint hugs the urban street, then gently pulls back to reveal the 120-year-old brick church tower beyond, framing a new exterior south-facing landscaped courtyard.”
In response to the need for safe, affordable housing in the Center City of Rochester, NY, this new 60-unit apartment residence is located on a 1.5-acre urban infill site of a former asphalt surface parking lot. Serving a mixed-population of individuals with limited income and mental illness, the one-bedroom units provide those with special needs the opportunity to live in a supportive environment, near essential community services in an established, walkable neighborhood.
“The site is a 1.5-acre urban (former) asphalt surface parking lot with views of Downtown.”
BEFORE URBAN INFILL
Rendering by PLAN Architectural Studio, P.C.
Background Image by Google
AFTER URBAN INFILL
“The building’s three-story massing, with a formal central entrance flanked by two wings, is consistent with the public high school directly across the street.”
Rendering by PLAN Architectural Studio, P.C.
Background Image by Google
SITE PLAN
-
New Apartment Building
-
New Courtyard
-
Street Entrance
-
Parking Entrance
-
Apartment Parking
-
Existing Parking Lot
-
Existing Church
-
Existing School
-
Existing Apartment Building
-
Existing Multi-Family Housing
-
Existing Office Building
ALEXANDER STREET
1
2
3
4
5
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
N
The new building takes cues from its surrounding context. It’s boomerang-shaped footprint hugs the urban street, then gently pulls back to reveal the 120-year-old brick church tower beyond, framing a new exterior south-facing landscaped courtyard. Limited parking is provided in the rear and screened by the new infill building, as many services are in walking distance or within a short ride with public transit.
“The building materials tie into the existing context, with smooth red and buff-colored brick, warm grey and charcoal lap siding, fitting in with the school and church as well as neighboring apartment buildings and large multifamily homes.”
“A simple ‘fin-like’ element announces the entrance from the street and provides a neighborhood focal point. The ‘fin’ slices through the main lobby, articulating the axial circulation.”
“On the opposite side, the ‘fin’ marks the entrance from the parking area, and frames views of the city skyline.”
The building’s three-story massing, with a formal central entrance flanked by two wings, is consistent with the public high school directly across the street. The building materials tie into the existing context, with smooth red and buff-colored brick, warm grey and charcoal lap siding, fitting in with the school and church as well as neighboring apartment buildings and large multifamily homes.
“A strategically placed exterior courtyard, located just outside of the common spaces and lounges, provides exterior seating and access to a large sun-filled green space.”
“The building interior spaces tie into the surroundings…the resident lounges frame views of the school to the East.”
The building interior spaces tie into the surroundings, as the central lobby provides views to the Downtown skyline to the West, and the resident lounges frame views of the school to the East. Abundant natural light permeates the interior, and warm, natural materials contribute to a therapeutic environment. The over-sized double-hung windows echo the proportions of those found on nearby buildings. The 1-bedroom apartments have 9-feet-high ceilings that enhance the feeling of openness in a modestly-sized unit.
“The 1-bedroom apartments have 9-foot-high ceilings that enhance the feeling of openness in a modestly-sized unit.”
Importance was placed on both sustainability and affordability. The building’s energy efficiency exceeds the NYS Energy Code requirements and is Energy Star and Enterprise Green Communities certified. Parking space requirements were reduced through a municipal demand analysis process to maximize green space and minimize impervious surfaces.
