h+uo is thrilled to announce our team member, David Carroll, was presented with the John V. Nyfeler, FAIA Community Service Award.

Named to acknowledge the first recipient, John V. Nyfeler, FAIA, for his leadership in the community, this award is for an individual AIA Austin member for extended commitment to their community whether or not this service is directly related to the profession.

David Carroll follows firm founder, Tom Hatch, FAIA, in receiving this award 10 years prior.

Last year Hatch + Ulland Owen Architects was asked by the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) to develop an economic feasibility study for the restoration and rehabilitation of six structures at Rosewood Courts.  The first phase Rosewood Courts, built in 1938, was the very first public housing for African Americans in the United States, thanks largely to the efforts of Senator Lyndon Johnson.  The modern design served a community that needed affordable housing desperately, not unlike the present.

HACA, the nearby community, and the residents concluded that, after many deliberations, to honor the rich history of Rosewood, eight of the phase-1 structures would be restored and rehabilitated to comfortably accommodate existing residents.  The eighty-year-old structures are structurally sound, but need major rehabilitation to meet current code, be accessible, and provide a home that no longer feels like a “jail” said one of the residents. All would welcome central air-conditioning, new kitchens and baths as well as wide doors and rooms that are comfortable.

This approach also allows many new multi-family homes on the site that would almost double the amount of new homes, some of which would be owner occupied.

After presenting this concept and getting unanimous approval of the Landmark Commission, the Planning Commission, and last Thursday, the City Council, the many residents that had been attending and speaking at the 3 meetings jumped for joy.

h+uo architects is very excited to be apart of this Historic Rehabilitation of the Rosewood Courts. We will provide updated interiors to Rosewood Courts while restoring the exterior to its former self. The structures will be made to meet all current code and to provide modern finishes in he interior.

Please join us by attending a presentation to be given by Tom Hatch, FAIA and Kristina Olivent, AIA of h+uo architects, along with co-presenters Shelly Murray of Austin Energy and Bungane Mehlomakulu of Integral Group.  The AIA Summer Conference presentation will be on Thursday, August 3rd at 3:00pm at the Norris Conference Center in Austin.

The one hour presentation will explore Foundation Communities’ Lakeline Station Learning Center which is slated to achieve Living Building Challenge Petal Certification and participated in the Austin Energy Green Building rating as well as their new Integrated Modeling Incentive.  The project team will discuss the Living Building Challenge and how incorporating early energy modeling, progressive utility programs, and rigorous performance imperatives produced a sustainable space that regenerates lives.

You can visit the AIA Austin Summer Conference website to register!

A recent story on the front page of the New York Times featured Houston, Texas speaks about how cities decide where affordable housing  SHOULD  go.  It discussed the role of government subsidized housing, neighborhood groups, and politicians have in maintaining our country’s tragic racial and social divides.

For h+uo architects this topic hits close to home. Partner, Tom Hatch, has worked closely with John Henneberger and Karen Paup since the late 70’s. The founders of Texas Low Income Housing Information Service (TLIHIS), John and Karen have helped organize most inner-city neighborhoods in Austin and the Valley in the interest of helping local groups find their political strength to create housing for the working poor and those less fortunate.

With commonalities to projects Karen, John, and Tom have encountered in the Valley, Houston is facing a great debate on how low income housing effects surrounding areas and if the outcome is as negative as predicted. In h+uo’s experience these well managed housing communities have no negative effect, including not lowering property values.  Houston has a bad habit of supporting affordable housing in very problematic and sometimes poisonous parts of the city, where no one else wants to live.

Lakeline Station

Two of our more recent known low income projects in Austin are Lakeline Station and Homestead Oaks. Working closely with Foundation Communities, these two projects exemplify what can be done in great neighborhoods where good schools, public transportation, and work opportunities exist for all.  In addition to the family based communities, Foundation Communities includes Learning Centers that provide the best after school activities that nourish the minds and the health of all area children while helping parents whose work schedules do not coincide with school hours.

Homestead Oaks

So, while neighborhood groups in many cities such as Houston are fighting against the Low Income Housing movement, h+uo continues to bat for its growth. Creating needed quality affordable housing in all parts of cities is where our hearts are.