John Arthur Flats

Project Narrative

The John Arthur Flats is Cincinnati's first LGBTQ+ friendly, Senior Affordable Housing project. Located one block from Northside’s business district, the development serves senior households earning 30%, 50%, and 60% of Area Median Income (AMI) and allow residents to “age in place”. The fifty-seven-unit residential building is enhanced by community amenity spaces, including a game room, reading room, fitness room, management office, conference room and laundry room.

The design team focused on reinvigorating the vacant block on Apple Street while creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for Northside’s aging population. Exceeding the region’s status quo in senior housing design by giving unit details thorough consideration was a key goal of the project. Three accessible units and two sensory impaired units make affordable housing more attainable for area residents.

A custom brick blend created by the design team adds visual interest and elevates the design without adding cost. Simplicity and clarity in form, palette and texture convey authenticity and acknowledge the historic Northside context without resorting to historic mimicry.

Local community partners collaborated to provide services to new residents and a small office suite near the community gathering room was dedicated to these program services. A Design Committee of 10 Northside residents was formed to participate in design reviews and facilitate the design presentations with the public.

The main community gathering space, The Maureen Wood Community Room, features a local artist’s mural dedicated to its namesake. Maureen Wood was a long-time Northside resident and LGBTQ neighborhood pioneer who embodied the ethos of inclusive, sustainable, and community-centered living.

“My purpose in life is to be present, passionate and loving to each and every person that I meet, and continue to build safe, sustainable communities.” – Maureen Wood

NOTE: This project was completed in September 2022

                                           

Project Details

Submission Category

Building Architecture- Large Scale (>10,000 sf)

Date of Completion

September, 2021