Key partnership between 4/4 Architecture and Alliance for Building Communities results in renovations that significantly impact the lives of tenants.
Award for Mountain View
4/4 Architecture is proud to announce that our firm, along with Alliance for Building Communities (ABC), jointly received an Industry Partner Award for the renovations of Mountain View Apartments at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Eastern Pennsylvania Design Awards.
After reviewing entries from several local firms, the 2022 jury presented 4/4 Architecture’s design for ABC’s Mountain View Apartments with the Industry Partner Award. This award recognizes contributions to the built environment through an important partnership of architect and owner. The jury included Frank Grauman, FAIA LEED AP, a Principal at Bohlin Cywinsky Jackson, and Larry Eighmy, Managing Principal and Founder of The Stone House Group.
Mountain View Project & Team
ABC is a non-profit organization that provides affordable housing for low-income families and senior citizens in Northeastern Pennsylvania. After securing a Community Development Block Grant to improve their tenant spaces, ABC approached 4/4 Architecture about designing ADA renovations to two units within the Mountain View building. Those units belonged to tenants, each of whom struggled to navigate their living spaces due to a physical disability.
The goal of this project was to maximize residents’ safety and mobility, while ensuring they could independently and successfully function within their living space.
The jury felt the project was successful in meeting its goal. “The architect took the trouble to develop a deeply personalized understanding of … tenants’ individual needs. By carefully and economically tweaking their apartments, the project clearly makes a huge difference in their lives,” the jury comments read.
The jury also acknowledged ABC, the building owner. “[ABC] is recognized for taking the initiative to seek and provide funding for these essential and very personal requirements.”
Mountain View renovations targeted the entryway, kitchen, and bathrooms as high-impact areas for improvement. In the entryway, the team reconfigured the area to create appropriate clearance space for tenants who use mobility aids. The team lowered countertops in the kitchen, cut out space under the sink for accessibility, and added hardware to cabinetry. In the bathrooms, the design replaced a tub with a walk-in shower with adjustable bench, created clear-floor areas in front of fixtures, and added grab bars.
Other team members included Mohawk Contracting and Development, the Construction Manager, and Barry Isett and Associates, MEP Engineer.