- Project Type: Multi Family
- Location: Moab, Utah
At 25,000 square feet on a 1.92-acre site, the Moab Area Partnership for Seniors (MAPS) independent living building offers cohousing-inspired affordability.
The three-story building includes 36 one- and two-bedroom, fully accessible rental units and is served by a full-size elevator intended to allow for independent, affordable senior living in Moab. The leasable square footage balances well with the gross square footage; nonleasable space is intentionally designed to generate community and support.
Indoor amenities include a computer room (coworking space), rooftop deck, fitness room, mail area, shared laundry, and a community lounge with couches, TVs, and facilities for basic food preparation. Also located inside is an office for the Housing Authority of Southeastern Utah (HASU), which developed the building and offers on-site services..
The wide, generous outdoor space features a landscaped courtyard with exterior activity spaces, covered parking, and bike storage. All of the units open up onto a wide walkway system that acts as an outdoor room.
Our design for this building was based on observations we have made while designing cohousing communities around North America. This was especially important to the development of the outdoor space, which serves as a gathering spot for residents. Our design also anticipates a second phase that would feature an enclosed courtyard to provide shelter against the severe desert climate and to create outdoor microclimates that are enjoyable any time of the year, any time of the day.
With our technical assistance, the project was funded in part by low-income housing tax credits (LIHTCs). The design included compliance with the Fair Housing Act, incorporated fully accessible ADA units, and gained Energy Star and Enterprise Green Communities certifications.
This project demonstrates our ability to design multistory apartments on a limited lot area, to develop efficient unit footprints for construction, to create common spaces to encourage social interaction, and to work with a housing authority to deliver affordable rental units.