San Marco Apartments

Supportive Housing Projects: +

Project Type: New Construction and Supportive Housing; Duluth, MN

Completion Date: 2007 

LHB worked with the Center City Housing Corporation to design a facility providing 30 permanent supportive housing units for chronically alcoholic individuals and 40 affordable efficiency apartments in downtown Duluth. Following the classic Duluth residential style, the five-story structure was constructed using red brick with a stone base. The building is designed to have one main entrance with a secured lobby area that separates the two living components. Support service spaces including case worker offices and an exam room provide areas for delivering medical, counseling, and intervention services for the residents. Other building amenities such as two outdoor courtyards, laundry facilities, storage lockers, lounge areas, and a dining room provide amenities for residents to interact and foster community building. Selected as one of four Minnesota Green Communities Demonstration Projects in 2005, the building is designed to reduce energy use by 30% less than current State code. One energy saving feature is the facility’s connection to the Duluth steam grid for efficient heating and hot water. Additional sustainable principles include daylighting of public areas and stairwells and use of an existing urban site that is located near public transportation.