Highland Gardens Milwaukee, Wisconsin Completion Date: 8/24/2005

The goal of this project was to re-think the traditional public housing model by utilizing best design practices from well-to-do senior living facilities. A tight budget, limited timeframe and the coordination of numerous consultants was part of the challenge throughout the process. Design challenges included integrating superior accessibility standards and introducing sustainability design principles. This project demonstrates how a forward-thinking public sponsor met all of these challenges in a structure that will help revitalize a neighborhood and be a catalyst for future development.

This building is part of an overall revitalization plan to transform the existing site from a typical public housing super block into a revitalized, mixed-income community. The building was designed to mirror the urban fabric of the surrounding neighborhood in order to reconnect the community through New Urbanism design principles. This structure offers 114 mid-rise units that utilize universal and sustainable design principles to serve an elderly, disabled and culturally diverse population. In order to create a homelike atmosphere a building typology more commonly used for multi-family housing was utilized. Four-story residential wings with double loaded corridors were divided into secure components. Together they form and embrace a central courtyard.

In order to “serve the underserved”, the concept was to create a building that catered to the special needs of a diverse population. Whether inhabited by elderly, developmentally disabled or mobility impaired residents, the design of the individual apartments allows each room to offer total accessibility when needed. The entire facility caters to residents’ needs allowing them to live independent and active lives free from accessibility issues. Salvaged building materials as well as environmentally friendly products and finishes were incorporated into the project. In addition a green roof and rain garden were key sustainable design elements.