Jun 2, 2023 _ news

Hisle Park Cuts Ribbon on Affordable Housing

GBBN recently joined representatives from the Portsmouth Metropolitan Housing Authority (PMHA), Model Group, city and state officials, and local residents in celebrating the ribbon cutting at Hisle Park Apartments in Portsmouth, Ohio.

Named for Major League Baseball player (and hometown hero), Larry Hisle, who dedicated much of his life to helping underserved youth, Hisle Park will provide supportive, affordable housing for young people who are aging out of foster care.

Developed in partnership with the Shawnee Family Health Center, the 45-unit apartment building will not only provide transitional housing for people 18-24 of age, but it will help connect them to educational opportunities, employment services, and physical and mental health services (like counseling and case management).

With many of its occupants having backgrounds that involve trauma, poverty, and other difficulties, the design really sought to create a safe, supportive space.

“The site has a lot going for it, so we tried to maximize its therapeutic potential,” according to Associate Principal, Doug Richards, FAIA. “For instance, we designed the siding to stress how the building nestles into the surrounding hillsides, aligning with the sloping tree line. The building’s shape also carves out a space for a courtyard and garden, where residents can connect to the land and to each other.”   

Read more at the Portsmouth Daily Times.

Learn more about Doug here.