Palacio Dorado, Toa Alta, Puerto Rico (2019)
Winner: 2019 Puerto Rico Builders Association, Social Impact Project of the Year.
Winner: 2019 AIA Puerto Rico Honorable Mention Award of Excellence in Architecture for Built Work
The central goal of this Green Construction Permit design is to provide high-quality, affordable housing with supportive services where the residents can feel safe, flourish and have pride in their living environment. In addition, by designing for a high density, both the existing downtown commercial businesses and new residents will benefit from each other’s presence.
This LIHTC urban infill project, developed by Acacia Network, includes 103 one-bedroom units. The ground floor level contains a generous public community services room, lobby areas, administration areas, and a parking garage. The second (courtyard) level, apartment units are arranged around the interior courtyard, with a community room, fitness center, and computer, reading, and game room.
The courtyard provides a secure passive recreation area and space for casual encounters between the residents. It gives residents a place to gather and build a sense of community.
Photography by Gil Stose