Local Affordable Apartments Earn National Design A
Local Affordable Apartments Earn National Design Award
Cook Inlet Housing Authority (CIHA) and local architecture firm Koonce Pfeffer Bettis were recognized as among the “best of the best” in the seniors housing industry with a Platinum Award for the design of Kenaitze Pointe by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The award was presented during the 2005 Best of Seniors Housing Awards ceremony held in January in conjunction with the International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Fla.
Sponsored by the NAHB Seniors Housing Council, the Best of Seniors Housing Awards has promoted excellence in the seniors housing industry for the past 13 years. This year, the Council presented 180 platinum, gold and silver awards in 77 categories to current and on-the-boards projects from across the United States, Canada and as far away as Spain.
Design categories covered a range of product types such as active adult, aging in place, assisted living, continuing care retirement community, for-sale condominiums, rental apartments and renovated seniors housing. Kenaitze Pointe was entered in the “Affordable Rental Apartments” category and was one of two facilities to receive a Platinum award for overall community design this year.
A 14-member panel of architects, builders, designers, marketing professionals and universal design specialists judged projects on how effectively they responded to the housing demands of the burgeoning 50+ market as well as their innovative architecture, interior designs and marketing. Projects were evaluated on their ability to meet the lifestyle requirements of the target market, examining the master plan, community facilities and model homes. They also were judged on criteria such as marketability, budget and their ability to overcome site challenges. This is what the jurors had to say about Kenaitze Pointe:
"This project really jumped out at the jurors! It is an impressive execution on a limited budget, reflecting regional architecture with a modern feeling. Architectural elements such as heavy timber and stone reference King Island houses which were known in the community. This project elegantly meets the need of local native elders while respecting their culture and history."
Kenaitze Pointe offers 53 apartments (47 one bedroom and 6 two bedroom units) in two wings, separated by a grand community room and kitchen. The facility is situated, along with four other CIHA elder apartment properties, in a secluded area in East Anchorage offering fantastic views of the Chugach Mountains. Four of the five apartment buildings on the campus were designed by Koonce Pfeffer Bettis.
The 20-unit Knik Corners received the Celebration of Anchorage Honor Award and the Winter City Design Award in 1998. The 75-unit Chickaloon Landing received a National Cultural Design Consultation Award from HUD in 1995, the Celebration of Anchorage Merit Award in 1996, and an Alaska Chapter AIA Award and a National Council on Senior Housing-Best of Affordable Senior Housing Award in 1997. The final property, 40-unit Tyonek Terrace, was just completed in September.
“Where we live can have a tremendous impact on our pride and our quality of life. At Cook Inlet Housing Authority we want to insure that our clients – especially our elders – have a home they can be proud of,” said CIHA President and CEO Carol Gore. “ We’re also committed to enhancing Anchorage neighborhoods by constructing attractive, well designed housing, and partners like Koonce Pfeffer Bettis are invaluable in helping us achieve that goal.”