This 43-Unit apartment building has services for chronically homeless adults.
One overall goal of this project was to provide a safe, secure, and affordable place to live for homeless adults. The apartments, either one-bedroom or efficiency, become models for the tenants to learn to live independently with help from on-site services.
Another goal was to maximize the use of the .46 acre urban site by providing 43 one-bedroom and efficiency apartments with the fewest parking spaces the city will allow which is 20 spaces.
The Cooper House also provides office space for on-site services, a secured and monitored building entry system, complies with the State’s Green Community Criteria and Fair Housing Act Accessibility, and complies with the City’s desire for an ‘urban’ appearance.
This four-story, wood-framed structure includes tapered EPDM roof covering, a combination of EIFS, masonry and corrugated metal panel exterior finishes, inoperable windows on the first floor to prevent unauthorized entry, energy conserving construction, fixtures, appliances and lighting, and a 24-7 entry monitoring system.
Architecturally, the city was interested in pursuing an ‘urban’ appearance to the form and texture of the building. They were not interested in another ‘suburban looking’ apartment building with traditional horizontal siding and a pitched asphalt-shingled roof.
The entry is centered on the south side of the building between the community room and the offices. A small outdoor plaza is adjacent to the entry. All public gathering areas are in a convenient location for staff monitoring. Hallways on each floor include natural light from end windows and are straight to maximize monitoring from security cameras. The building was completely furnished through donations from local volunteer sponsoring agencies. Donations included furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and personal hygiene materials.