This project received its Certificate of Occupancy Seashore Gardens 24 West Jimmie Leeds Road Galloway, New Jersey August 29, 2011. Seashore Gardens is a 3 story apartment building consisting of 58 one- bedroom units for seniors, with 12 of the units set aside for individuals with developmental disabilities. This project provides affordable housing and Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) credits to Galloway Township allowing them to meet their COAH unit obligation.
Financial Assistance for Seashore Gardens was provided by the following sources:
New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA), LIHTC, TCAP, Tax Credit
Exchange, Special Needs Housing Trust Fund
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Affordable Housing Program
Seashore Gardens was featured in the Spring 2012 Annual Showcase Issue of “Environments for Aging” in an article entitled “Obstacles and Solutions in Real- World Design” for overcoming a construction obstacle with creativity and ingenuity. This issue also makes honorable mention of Seashore Gardens in its 2012 Citation of Merit Winners honoring Seashore Gardens in the category of New construction for Independent living.
Modular Construction – Seashore Gardens is constructed of 139 stacked modular units. Each module arrived on the site with finished interiors, tubs, showers, toilets, kitchens, etc. that were
Obstacle: How’s this for thinking on you r feet: The method of building construction for this 58-unit independent living community was changed after the structure was designed and approved. The building was originally designed in 2007 as conventional slab-on-grade and wood frame construction. The building form, massing, roof pitches and derailing were designed ro match the architecture of the existing healthcare center, which offers physical therapy, occupational therapy and other services. This design received site plan approval from the township and later by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency for financing. After the economic downturn in 2008, and the addition of a developer to the project team, the project was changed to modular construction.
Solution: The project ream’s creativity was rested to the limit to “fir” the original design into modular constraints while maintaining t he approved building footprint, setbacks and coverage as well as the integrity of the original architectural design. {See above photo for modular construction.)
1he common spaces and residential units were designed to reflect the Aoor plan of the traditional American house-a form that is immediately recognizable and understandable.Just like in a house, the living room is connected to the dining room, which is con nected to the kitchen. “The retention of the residential massing through significant change i n the construction type and method is a design victory,” judges wrote.
Obstacle: The St. John’s project epitomizes the goals of THE GREEN HOUSE® initiative while bringing elders back to their original Upstate New York communities. This is, of course, after finding an appropriate site to support the Green House homes within a vibrant community.
The challenge with site selection was not so much in the physical
environment bur the infrastructure: In developed areas, land costs were cou high or parcels too small to support the development; in outlying areas, new utility connections are expensive and the homes would not be integrally connected to the community.
Solution: St.John’s teamed with Pride Mark Homes, a local builder that was planning a residential townhome development. Site development costs were thereby shared with 84 townhomes and a community building. This pairing aided in t he town’s approval process of the Green House homes as the town found great value in having a community-based nursing home embedded within a residential development. The teaming also proved valuable to both parties, offering St.John’s inclusion in a beautiful community while providing Pride Mark an unexpected marketing tool-local residents have actually purchased townhomes based on t heir proximity to the Green House homes.
“The coordination with the townhome developer was a great solution to a significant obstacle and aligns with the goals and objectives of THE GREEN HOUSE concept,” judges wrote. EFA
Seashore Housing is a 58-unit residence for qualified low-and moderate income seniors and those with special needs. The building is located on the Seashore Gardens Living Center campus, a full-service Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living facility.
All too often affordable senior housing projects stand in isolation from a greater community. As the most recent additions to an established senior healthcare campus, Seashore Housing residents enjoy access to the activities, services and atmosphere of a stimulating campus life.
Seashore Housing abounds with easily accessible and flexible indoor and outdoor living spaces.A shared public patio overlooks the campus entrance drive-a fine place to watch the daily comings and goings of campus life. Porches provide shade and security, while extending the days for enjoying the outdoors. A community room offers meals and activities, while a club room with a fireplace, library and promotes socializing.
The residential units are larger than most affordable housing units. A typical 722-square-foot unit features an accessible private patio or balcony-an uncommon feature in affordable housing-that adds to the quality of life of residents with mobility limitations.
Services at the adjacent healthcare center available to Seashore Housing residents include physical therapy,occupational therapy and a PACE program-just a short, accessible walk away. Meal plans are available to the residents through Seashore Gardens Living Center meal programs.
An on-site public transit bus stop and a campus shuttle enable mobility when residents can no longer drive.
