Casa De Amigos

A new affordable housing development on the Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ACBVI) campus designed to meet the unique needs of blind, visually impaired, and hearing-impaired residents at risk of homelessness.

Location

Phoenix, AZ

Principal

Steve Kuchenski AIA, SARA, CASp

MaeKeng L. Chinn AIA, SARA

Design Lead

Hrag DerHovagimian

Natalie Park, RA

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Details

ONYX collaborated with the Cesar Chavez Foundation to design the 80-unit residential community.

Architects Rendering of Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired ACBVI

The supportive housing development offers multiple communal spaces, including a community room, activity room, laundry lounge, and dedicated offices for on-site property management and resident services.

Architects Rendering of Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired ACBVI
Architects Rendering of Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired ACBVI
Architects Rendering of Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired ACBVI

A Learning Garden will offer programming for ACBVI clients and service dogs, while shared courtyards, a community garden, and well-landscaped open spaces encourage social connection and help reduce the isolation often experienced by residents with visual impairments.

Architects Rendering of Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired ACBVI
Architects Rendering of Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired ACBVI

Paratransit services—including Uber, Lyft, and Harbor-Share—are the primary mode of transportation for residents, with two covered paratransit drop-off locations integrated into the design of the new housing project.

Related Projects

Ramona Court Apartments Cesar Chavez Foundation
Esteban E. Torres Village

Designed for the Cesar Chavez Foundation, the Ramona Court Apartments project provides 51 units of affordable family housing.

MARV’S PLACE
Marv's Place

Marv’s Place provides 20 units of much needed affordable housing for formerly homeless families in the greater Los Angeles region.