![\"Choli](\"https:\/\/www.send2press.com\/wire\/images\/17-0503-Choli-Aronson-600x450.jpg\")
\nDiscussing the success of the Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), she examined emerging issues in the affordable housing category.<\/p>\n
DELRAY BEACH, Fla., May 3, 2017 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Last week\u2019s American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Conference in Orlando united the country\u2019s leading decision makers from across the industry for innovative presentations on the best practices for building a better world. Choli Aronson, Senior Associate at Currie Sowards Aguila Architects (www.csa-architects.com) in Delray Beach, addressed the hot button topic of social responsibility in architecture.<\/p>\n
\nDiscussing the success of the Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), she examined emerging issues in the affordable housing category.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are several topics that must be addressed in order to build the kind of affordable housing which will nurture healthy families,\u201d explained Choli, AIA, LEED AP BD&C. \u201cDuring my presentation, I discussed current housing issues including grandparents as child care providers, aging in place designs and multi-generational\/multi-income communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Choli spoke of the need for affordable housing units to adjust age restrictions to allow for the expanding trend of grandparents assuming the role as primary caregivers for their grandchildren. She also addressed the nature of design to enhance the elderly\u2019s independence. And she showcased the importance of restoring the street grid to integrate affordable housing into the community while mixing multiple generation, multiple incomes and multiple housing options in one area.<\/p>\n
Choli was encouraged by the partners at Currie Sowards Aguila Architects to serve on the Delray Beach Housing Authority, and during the Orlando conference she highlighted a successful partnership that transformed the historic LaFrance Hotel into a low income senior housing complex.<\/p>\n
When the LaFrance opened in the late 1940\u2019s it was the only Black-owned hotel between Delray Beach and Fort Lauderdale. In 2004, the Delray Beach CRA purchased the LaFrance to redevelop the property while preserving its history. CSA Architects was hired to renovate the original 3,800 SF hotel building and include a 4,000 SF addition. Now used as low-income senior housing, the complex contains eight studio units, six 1-bedroom units, laundry facilities and storage, all built around a common courtyard.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis project exemplifies social responsibility,\u201d said Aronson. \u201cThis redevelopment preserved an historic site, one of tremendous pride for the community, while creating much needed affordable senior housing, assuring that the older residents would have an opportunity to remain in their beloved neighborhood.\u201d<\/p>\n
About Currie Sowards Aguila:<\/strong> The versatile practice, known for its distinctive designs, has garnered acclaim for their singular ability to transform once utilitarian facilities into iconic structures for municipalities. From community centers to parking garages, fire stations to bridges, CSA allows design to be experienced in unexpected ways.<\/p>\n Their practice is augmented by the commitment of the partners to community involvement. Bob Currie, Jess Sowards and Jose Aguila have defined their legacy through their philosophy of \u201cgiving back by design and service.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nFounded in 1969, the award-winning architecture firm\u2019s bold designs have enriched communities around the globe. The team\u2019s creative inspirations have graced cultural centers, residential communities, commercial \/ mixed-use developments and an array of municipal projects.<\/p>\n