Eva’s Phoenix provides long-term shelter, education and skills training to youth aged 16-24 in transition from homelessness to independent living. Inside a pair of historic warehouses, LGA Architectural Partners created an internal “street” with ten contemporary townhouses that are awash in natural light from new skylights, while also securely enclosed by the original brick walls. Residents enjoy their own bedroom within a communal home shared with four other residents. The layering of spaces from private to public builds comfort and confidence, and gives the youth the ability to find their own level of participation as they integrate into the Eva’s community and social life of the building.

Jury Comments

This project is the re-making of a historic building into a valuable social use. The jury felt strongly that more of these types of projects and these types of programs are needed. This is a totally different adaptive re-use with a great message of positive transformation. Highlights of the project include a protected, internal street allowing occupants to mix – turning a large and potentially difficult found space into a comfortable environment. This is community building at its best and a great prototype. The architects have done an amazing job with what is likely a small budget. The jury did note that there could have been a more emphatic connection to the adjacent park.

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Publish Date : 2021/Sep/02