Design Profile: Golden Age Living Accommodations

GALA is the result of a collaboration between a number of parties, including the Mt. Airy Baptist Church. The building uses vernacular cues from the neighborhood, like the brick base, vertical bays, and large windows. The site, centrally located within the West Oak Lane neighborhood of northwest Philadelphia, brings wellness services and senior living to a burgeoning neighborhood. GALA provides dedicated housing for low-income and senior residents in northwest Philadelphia.  

The eco-friendly three-story building complies with Energy Star standards, HERS Index criteria, and follows Enterprise Green Building Communities requirements. Community spaces along the first floor are public-facing and engage the street corner, providing active and positive community activity. A wellness center and medical suite allow visiting doctors to serve the community. Active colors throughout the corridors serve as wayfinding cues for seniors to easily navigate through the building’s many levels. ■ 

Project: Golden Age Living Accommodatons  

Location: Philadelphia, PA  

Client: Mount Airy Baptist Church and Conifer LeChase Construction 

Project Size: 41,196 sf  

Project Team:  
Donovan Architects, LLC (Architect)  

TMH Associates, Inc. (Collaborating Firm)  

BCM Affordable Housing (Consultant) 

Pennoni Associates Inc. (Civil Engineer) 

Bevan Lawson, P.E. (Structural Engineer)  

Schooley Electric (Electrical Engineer) 

Summit Engineers Associates (Mechanical Engineer) 

Underwood Engineering Company (Geotechnical Engineer) 

EAM Associates (Energy Consultant)  

Domus Construction (General Contractor) 

Photo: Domus Construction