Dattner Architects is pleased to announce that WSFSSH at West 108 is the recipient of an AIA New York State Excelsior Merit Award! Celebrating its eighth year, the Excelsior Awards program highlights the best in publicly funded buildings, outdoor areas, and public art across New York State.
WSFSSH at West 108 is sponsored and operated by one of New York City’s most respected non-profit affordable housing providers—West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing (WSFSSH). Their vision was to create an integrated response to an urgent need for transitional, supportive, and family housing that promotes the dignity of each individual and enhances community.
“WSFSSH at West 108 is a very special project that provides transitional housing for homeless older adults, permanent supportive and affordable family housing, and an array of social services. The program includes a community health clinic and spaces for community activities. Varied heights, setbacks, and materials respond to the neighborhood context, while creating a distinctive identity for this sustainably designed building.” — William Stein FAIA
The shelter and supportive / affordable housing programs are designed to be integrated with a single entry and reception desk, while also allowing the transitional program to have its own secure circulation system. The development provides 119 permanent supportive housing units, 80 affordable family apartments, and a 110-bed transitional shelter. On-site support services include case management, crisis intervention counseling, and medication and nutrition services.
The ground floor is organized around a “main street” that links recreation spaces and support services for residents, including lounges for each program, a dining room and commercial kitchen, community rooms, children’s playroom, and social service offices. Additional amenity spaces include a landscaped outdoor recreation area and 7th floor roof terrace. The dining room is accessible for community events. A lower level accommodates a primary care health clinic.
“WSFSSH at West 108th brings much needed affordable, supportive, and transitional housing to Manhattan Valley in a building that is respectful of neighborhood context, while also providing a safe, healthy, lively space for tenants. We are proud to have been a part of the team bringing this building online, and appreciative of this recognition of what the project brings to the community.” — Shefali Sanghvi AIA
