[ THE CHALLENGE ] Create a community for senior living within the shell of a historic turn-of-the-century school building including adaptive reuse of basement spaces.

[ THE RESPONSE ] Earth was pulled away outside and a section of the first floor was removed to form a two story space as the center of community life. Stairs, balconies and overlooks connect to other social areas and the new entry and terrace that reach out to the surrounding gardens. Oversized school windows and high ceilings in the former classrooms provide 28 apartments that are spacious and filled with light.