libeskind's affordable senior housing opens in long island for low-income residents

Libeskind’s Senior Housing in Freeport, Long Island

Studio Libeskind has realized an affordable senior residence in the Village of Freeport on Long Island in collaboration with Selfhelp Community Services. The structure, known as the Allan & Geraldine Rosenberg Residences, is designed around a landscaped central courtyard, fostering interaction among residents. Covering an area of around 42,000 square feet (around 3,902 square meters), the building offers 44 one-bedroom units and one two-bedroom superintendent’s unit, catering to the local low-income senior population aged 55 and above. 30% of these units are reserved for disabled formerly homeless seniors, supported by funding from the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI).

The development is part of two low-income housing projects, with the Atrium senior housing at the Sumner Houses in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, currently under construction and scheduled to open in late 2023. ‘Senior housing isn’t just about accommodation; it’s about people. It’s about creating a home where occupants feel secure, dignified, and emotionally connected to their neighbors. Above all, it’s about creating a vibrant community,’ says architect Daniel Libeskind.

all images by Inessa Binenbaum

Allan & Geraldine Rosenberg Residences Promotes Community & adaptability

Libeskind‘s design for the five-story building features a simple white exterior with vertical geometric facets that elegantly cascade down the façade and a sloping metal roof with dormer windows on the upper floors. The central open space is designed as a landscaped courtyard for residents, and large windows in units and hallways, along with multiple outdoor spaces to bring in ample natural light.

In the one-bedroom units, one discovers an array of open layouts with large windows. The building is designed to support Selfhelp’s Age-In-Place philosophy, with all departments being flexible, five apartments fully adapted for tenants with physical disabilities, and two apartments adapted for residents with visual or hearing impairments. The development prioritizes seniors’ quality of life with a laundry facility, a multi-purpose community and computer room, a recreational courtyard, and a rooftop terrace with a walking track.

Libeskind’s design for affordable senior living

Passive House Design at senior Residences

Allan & Geraldine Rosenberg Residences also incorporates Passive House design principles and prioritizes green and energy-efficient features, aligning with the standards of Enterprise Green Communities and Energy Star Multifamily High Rise programs. The sustainable design includes energy-efficient building materials and systems, high-efficiency HVAC and ERV systems, as well as eco-friendly site features like a green roof and on-site stormwater storage and infiltration system. The building uses fully electrical appliances and heating systems to promote clean energy and reduce carbon emissions. It also has an emergency power generator for life safety systems, lighting, and emergency outlets, allowing residents to use the community room during emergencies.

The design also integrates active elements, such as stairwell windows and a well-organized hallway layout, to encourage residents to opt for stairs over elevators. The property provides outdoor recreational amenities, including a walking track and a central courtyard with views of South Bergen Place. Moreover, residents have access to on-site supportive services upon request, including recreational activities, social work assistance, educational programs, and health and wellness services. The project’s design phase commenced in 2017, construction began in 2020, and residents started moving in December 2022.

incorporating adapted apartments for diverse needs