Mary’s Home

Multi Family
South Side, Colorado Springs
2015

Mary’s Home, part of the non-profit Dream Centers, took on a complete remodel of an existing, derelict 17-unit apartment building just east of the downtown area. The conversion has given Mary’s Home a place to safely uphold their mission of providing a community that helps women and children break from the cycles of poverty and homelessness.

The existing building was completely transformed, although to keep the budget in tact the original room layouts and circulation remained as is. The roof was removed and replaced with a vaulted truss that raises up to the views and path of the sun to the south. The stucco was refreshed and lightened up while cedar accents were added to provide the building with a warm and homey feel.

The interiors were addressed with warm, natural, and low VOC materials that provide the tenants with a comfortable and healthy place to live and raise their children. Bright, cheery colors were used to provide a feeling of joy throughout the space. Windows and insulation were upgraded to provide quiet and comfortable interiors and a more sustainable building. This, along with Energy Star appliances and lighting, and low-flow water fixtures, help keep utility costs low, important for the planet and this non-profit’s bottom line.

The front yard was raised and leveled to provide outdoor play areas and gardens for the tenants and their children. The retaining walls to create this level front yard are poured-in place, board-formed concrete. This move not only creates a useable front yard but also provides visual and auditory separation from the busy Airport Road to the south. The board forms, railing spacing, and cedar details (inside and out) all share the same spacing providing continuity in the design throughout the entire site.

We are so proud to have been a part of this project and love that not only are 17 mothers off the streets but they are in a safe place that is almost as beautiful as they are.