Passengers on MARTA’s elevated rail line just west of the Historic Decatur Square may have wondered what the sharp-lined new structure is greeting them at eye-level like something from the pages of Dwell.
The answer could surprise: It’s the new home of an agency devoted to providing accessible housing and greater equality, established in the DeKalb County seat nearly a century ago.
The Decatur Housing Authority recently moved into their new home at 511 W. Trinity Place on the western fringes of downtown. The distinctively modern, 12,000-square-foot facility replaced a long-vacant lot and is designed to feel urban, with its street-oriented stance and small, landscaped parking area tucked behind the building for DHA staff.
According to the design team at PRAXIS3 architecture, the location presented infrastructure challenges but was strategic, in that it’s located within walking distance of many of DHA’s largest properties, including the Trinity Walk Apartments, Allen Wilson Apartments, and Swanton Heights Apartments.
Topped with solar panels, the two-story structure was designed to use passive solar shading technology throughout both levels, which contain a resident training center, client and administrative offices, and DHA board and meeting rooms.
The ceramic wall, shown at bottom left, includes images of various DHA buildings. Rion Rizzo, Rizzo Creative Sources Photography
The site of DHA’s 12,000-square-foot new home at 511 W. Trinity Place, just west of the city’s historic square. Google Maps
According to its architects, the structure takes design cues from a nearby school administration building but maintains an approachably modern, open façade, with an entrance that recalls “an abstract residential structure” and lively interiors with no shortage of natural light.
“We’re very proud of the building and of the good work that DHA does in the City of Decatur,” said David Hamilton, a principal with…
Read the full article here
