Cyber Village Senior Housing

973, North 7th Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

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Cyber Village Senior Housing

973, North 7th Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Firm

BWA architecture + planning

Type

Residential › Apartment

YEAR

2009

SIZE

25,000 sqft - 100,000 sqft

BUDGET

$10M - 50M

In response to the growing need for affordable senior housing, Mt. Tabor Community Education and Economic Development Corporation, closely associated with Mt.TaborAMEChurch, conceived of CyberVillage—an apartment building for older adults with low and moderate incomes that serves as an integral part of a diverse and thriving neighborhood. Located in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia, Cyber Village provides seniors with high-quality, low-cost housing while encouraging resident interaction and connection to the community through use of technology.
Designed by BWA Architecture + Planning, the 59,000 square-foot, four-story building features 56 units of rental housing, including 20 units for tenants with physical disabilities. Amenities include community lounges, fitness center, laundry room, tranquil outdoor areas, and multi-purpose room.
Key among the technology strategies are providing computers in the Cyber Café and in each apartment, high-speed wireless connectivity throughout the building, and computer training for residents.
Unique design components include:
— An earth-toned building façade featuring a modern, pixilated effect of EIFS walls interspersed with irregularly distributed metal-clad window bays.
— Ecological elements such as a 14,000 square-foot green roof; Energy Star® rated appliances; energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems; and highly-insulated exterior walls.
— Year-round foliage and color provided by Japanese red maple and weeping cherry trees along with hydrangea, holly, blueberry bushes, and evergreens.
Opened in January 2009, CyberVillage received donated pre-design services from the Community Design Collaborative of AIA Philadelphia as well as PHFA tax credits and HUD funding. The project is part of the 1% Solution program.