Multifamily Project Targets Disabled

SAN FRANCISCO-Affordable Housing Associates and Hearth Homes Community Building have opened one of the country's first affordable multifamily housing projects designed to accommodate residents with a broad range of disabilities and special needs. The 27-unit complex, at 1721 University Ave., is called University Neighborhood Apartments. The new complex is one of a new type of multifamily development, called "universal-design" buildings, that are designed to serve the needs of "as many people as possible, regardless of age, ability or situation, without the need for adaptation or specialized design," according to the project's developers. The two organizations that created the complex explain that "people with special needs tend to be segregated into separate facilities away from their loved ones or the community at large." Their project is designed to counter that trend, says Susan Friedland, executive director of Affordable Housing Associates. The Affordable Housing-Hearth Homes can accommodate residents with physical and developmental disabilities, with HIV/AIDS and with other disabilities or conditions, the developers point out. The 27 units consist primarily of two- and three-bedroom apartments, with commercial space on the ground floor. All of the apartments are reserved for low-income families. Of those reserved for low-income families, 14 are designated for disabled residents and their families. In addition to the University Neighborhood Apartments complex, other universal-design projects currently in development include the Ed Roberts Campus at the Ashby BART station, which is being designed by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects and is expected to be completed by 2007 or 2008. Among the elements common to universal-design projects are one-story living, wide doorways and hallways, extra floor space to allow for a large turning radius, push/pull lever faucets for those with limited hand strength, and roll-in showers.