HAWKINS VILLAGE

Hawkins Village was originally designed as concentrated, barracks-style apartment blocks to address the post-WWII housing crisis for returning veterans. Sixty years later, the development represented a model of “what not to do” with affordable housing.  The small and inefficient townhomes were designed with their backs facing the streets, many of which were dead-ends.  Front doors faced an impenetrable, semi-private green-space that had long been neglected.  There was little to differentiate units or personal space, giving residences little “pride of place” and sense of ownership.

LGA, in collaboration with Pennrose, Fablo, and  the Allegheny County Housing Authority, reimagined the development as a modern, community-focused plan, with fewer larger units situated around a Village Green.  The Green is punctuated by a new, civic-like Community Center housing community space and resources for all residents.  New playgrounds, sidewalks and backyards complement the overall streetscape design, organized to more closely reflect traditional neighborhoods and connect the development to the adjacent community.

LGA Partners’ Jonathan Glance was featured on WTAE last week for our work at Hawkins Village, to watch the news segment click the button below.