SPECIAL HOUSING

Jensen Chernoff Thompson Architects are committed to designing quality energy efficient projects for the special needs of residents that are safe, secure and above all provide a sense of hope and dignity to the residents.

The Our Place Society is the amalgamation of two faith based societies—the Open Door and Upper Room devoted to care and support of Victoria’s most disadvantaged citizens. The new five-storey complex will provide 45 transitional housing units, meal service for residents and homeless individuals, and a drop-in centre, as well as life skills coaching, literacy, and employment skills training. The project features a large west facing courtyard which serves as the main entrance into the building for most of the day programming. (JGA)

The Saint Vincent de Paul Society with funding assistance from BC Housing completed this 43 unit low income/single homeless facility in conjunction with their Social Concern office and Thrift Store. Located in the redeveloping Harris Green Neighbourhood the building provides retail storefront and office space at ground floor level and six storeys of residential accommodation above. The units of 325 sf are all self contained with a modest kitchen and bathroom. A common activity area on the 7th floor has view to the south over the City. (JGA)

A 7000 sq. m. three and four storey economical wood frame structure provides accommodation for 294 students on campus. The single occupancy rooms are arranged in “houses” of between 14 to 17 students who share washroom and shower facilities designated for that house. Due to its prominent location on the ring road the building is sited in a double horseshoe configuration and scaled from one, three and four storeys to reduce its impact when viewed from the road. A ’residential vocabulary’ was employed in the details, materials and colours to further minimize the size of building and provide a welcoming first impression. (JGA)

The proposed facility to be operated by the Canadian Mental Health Assoc. occupies one half of a vacant property close to downtown Duncan. Entrance to the building is via an enclosed south facing courtyard which provides access to hygiene facilities, a drop in centre, dining room and counselling rooms. The secure elevator leads to 15 shelter beds on part of he second floor while the balance of the floor and third floor provides up to 24 transitional units of 250 sf each. Building is designed to LEED Silver standard. (JGA)

Located at 42 East Cordova St, this City of Vancouver project involves the renovation of an existing 1910-era heritage building. The building was converted into social housing, with 65 single room occupancy units as well as residence lounge and laundry facilities. (CTA)

This 2,476 sm project is an upgrade to an old hotel at 1261 Granville to provide 82 SRO housing units. The work includes numerous fire and safety upgrades to the old building and adding private washrooms to all units, and in some cases converting three units to two larger units. The upgraded facility includes a new hotel lobby and lounge for the residents. The ground floor retail spaces are upgraded to accommodate a higher quality of tenant, as well as providing low income accommodation. This project provides a needed face-lift in the 1200 block Granville for the benefit of all neighbours. (CTA)

The project began with a feasibility study of the existing 1,510 sm hotel building and retail commercial space at grade. The building is owned by the City of Vancouver. Alternative concepts for conversion into low income residential with upgraded retail space for lease were explored. Alternatives for two, 5 and 60-year scenarios were developed with detail comparative cost studies with the scope including a full seismic upgrade and asbestos removal. The construction was completed in July 1993 and provides affordable, good quality housing for low income single people. The project received an Urban Development Institute affordable housing award. (CTA)

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(CTA) - Projects carried out as Chernoff Thompson Architects
(JGA) - Projects carried out as Jensen Group Architects