Masonry Magazine February 1972 Page. 17
The George M. Rhodes (left) and Dwight D. Eisenhower Apartments, Reading, Pa., designed by architect Morris Steinhorn, AIA. Serving as the general contractor on the twin highrises was Frank Favazza with Esbach Brothers (MCAA) the mason contractor.
Senior Citizen Housing
Shortage of properly designed units being eased with quality masonry construction
Although few Americans seem aware of it, architecturally designed quality masonry apartments for senior citizens are increasingly being occupied throughout the nation, according to the International Masonry Institute. The structures, many of them highrises with landscaped grounds and recreational facilities, are making life more bearable for low-income elderly people.
"They have long faced the severest housing shortage in the U.S.," IMI reports. "If the building pace continues, the sight of old people spending their days on park benches to escape shabby quarters they were economically forced to occupy will increasingly become a thing of the past." Giving impetus to this trend will be the $35-million earmarked for housing for the elderly and other funds President Nixon recently signed into law with Bill H.R. 9382.
Idaho's Golden Glow
An encouraging example of the nation's growing concern for the aged is the eight-story Golden Glow Towers in Nampa, Idaho. It's of reinforced, pumice block, load-bearing walls on spread footings of compact gravel with an interior of exposed 8x8x16 block textured with plaster. Designed by architect Lewis Keys, AIA, and sponsored by the Nampa First Christian Church, the $820,000 project was financed through HUD. Luekenga Construction Company was the general contractor with Walter Rossum as mason contractor.
Architect Keys describes the building as "a compact symmetrical design which equalizes the weight of the loadbearing walls." The Idaho architect selected pumice block and the loadbearing system to meet a tight budget and provide the quality required by local and federal government agencies funding and responsible for the project. "It worked out well," Keys told IMI, "and we're pleased to see that there's no noticeable settling of the loadbearing walls on the gravel base."
The elderly occupants of the 64 units enjoy use of a well-designed lounge with kitchenette and fireplace, and in good weather an outside fireplace and patio. Most units have balconies and all have equipped kitchens, drapes, separate thermostats with electric heating, elevators, emergency bells to the main office, full security, a smokeproof stairway and fire protection. Rents range from 568 to 592 a month.
Reading Sets Pace
In Reading, Pa., masonry craftsmen have been quite active in construction of apartments for senior citizens. (Please turn page)
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