The East Orange Housing Authority, which already owned and operated nearly 250 residential units in one of New Jersey’s most populated areas, required additional space to provide affordable housing to residents, as well as renovated office space for the Authority’s staff. After acquiring two properties adjacent to their existing office building, they retained DMR to complete a feasibility study to determine design options regarding additions, renovations or new construction on the land they owned.
DMR first completed the feasibility study, which determined new construction was the most feasible and efficient solution. DMR then continued with the programming and design of the new, 61,000 square foot, mixed-use building which will provide 52 one-bedroom and 8 two-bedroom units, with 15 units set-aside and marketed to homeless persons and several units designed to accommodate the needs of residents with disabilities.
The building also includes 8,000 square feet of administrative offices for the East Orange Housing Authority, 1,755 square feet of indoor community space, and 1,400 square feet of outdoor space.