Project Description
This project was selected as a Honor winner in the 2021 Residential Architect Design Awards, On the Boards category.
“This well-researched project addresses issues of displacement and offers design solutions that fit the neighborhood.” —Juror Ingrid Spencer
South Park, a historic and predominantly Black neighborhood in Raleigh, N.C., has suffered the hallmarks of systemic racism: redlining, predatory buying tactics, and gentrification. This affordable housing project was designed in a pro bono effort by Southeast-based LS3P to provide “equitable city design for all people, including affordable housing.” The $25 million, 226,000-square-foot scheme proposes 216 residential units across three sites with different zoning: 13 detached houses, two accessory dwelling units, 26 townhomes, and 175 units for renters earning between 30% and 70% of the area’s median income. Lots on predominantly residential streets feature one- and two-story gabled structures, while the former industrial site becomes a development of three-story walk-up apartments. All residents will have access to shared green spaces. The architects engaged visioning sessions with nonprofit leadership, staff, community, the Raleigh Planning and Development Department, and a pro bono team of civil, landscape, and modular-building consultants. The team’s strategy is to construct and sell the detached homes and townhomes at market rate first, with proceeds financing the rent-restricted units, which will be delivered for $100 and $130 per square foot. Though a market-driven solution would typically push out long-term residents, Passage Home seeks to match the demographics of the current population.
PROJECT CREDITS:
Project: Passage Home Affordable Housing, Raleigh, N.C.
Client: Passage Home
Architects: LS3P Associates, Matt Barnett, AIA, Dan Harrop, AIA
Landscape Architect: Stewart, Michael Batts, PLA
Civil Engineer: Stewart, Joe Puckett, PE
Size: 172,800 square feet
Cost: $26,000,000