Partnering with the housing arm of Mount Zion Baptist Church, Rolluda Architects collaborated with the client to plan and design a structurally innovative and culturally resonant housing solution for low-income seniors. This vital project replaced an aging, century-old four-plex on a challenging 10,100 sf trapezoidal lot. To maximize the tight footprint of this irregular urban plot, the architectural design utilizes a soaring seven-story configuration that optimizes spatial efficiency without compromising structural integrity.

​

In its place, the client established the Central District Freehold, a dedicated initiative designed to provide affordable senior housing while intentionally embedding the neighborhood’s rich Afro-centric culture into the fabric of the building’s identity. The resulting 46,756 sf building introduces 62 modern homes—comprising 10 studios, 50 one-bedroom apartments, and one two-bedroom unit—specifically tailored for seniors and veterans. Beyond secure housing and integrated supportive services, the state-of-the-art facility features sophisticated engineering and design details. It elevates daily living with seamlessly integrated amenities, including a high-tech business center, a structurally advanced community rooftop, and space-efficient, dedicated parking.