Buffalo, NY SWBR was recognized by the New York State American Institute of Architects (AIA) with a 2017 Excelsior Award for Public Architecture in the Historic Renovation category for its work on the Evergreen Lofts project.

Evergreen Lofts opened in 2016 with a mission to provide affordable housing for people who are in danger of, or are experiencing homelessness – and a safe option for people who may face housing discrimination elsewhere – with full access to supportive services including medical, mental health and transportation. “Our goal was to make a place where people both were welcomed and would feel comfortable, particularly Buffalo’s LGBTQ community,” said Justin Azzarella, associate VP for community development.

The five-story former warehouse was originally built around the turn of the century. Today, the 64,000 s/f Evergreen Lofts contains a mix of 56 one, two and three-bedroom apartments with half of those units eligible for subsidies through the HUD McKinney Continuum of Care Supportive Housing Program.

Joe Gibbons, AIA, principal-in-charge of the Evergreen Lofts project said, “Working closely with Evergreen Health, we were able to adapt and transform a wonderful piece of Buffalo’s manufacturing history into exciting and energizing new apartments for their residents. As architects, it is very rewarding to be able to design projects that have a meaningful impact on people’s lives.”