Urness House follows the Housing First model, which asserts that a homeless individual’s primary need is to obtain stable permanent housing. Issues impacting an individual (possibly having led to her homelessness) can only properly be addressed once housing is obtained.

Urness House housing typology draws on SRO and co-housing models, creating 80 efficiency studios, and emphasizing communal living spaces and support, manifested in built form by flexible amenity spaces, resident dining room, laundry and outdoor spaces.

Urness House furthers Housing First by providing commercial tenant spaces for complementary uses such as case management, medical & mental health services, and group therapy for residents and vulnerable community members.

The plan is symmetrically organized around a central core and day-lit hallways. A vegetated roof and deck provide high-quality outdoor amenity space and eliminate the need for stormwater utility connection. Radiant heat provides energy efficient, durable spacing heating to units. Exterior cladding materials are sustainable and durable, with 40-year warranties. Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard score of 74 is anticipated.

Urness House will assist our most vulnerable neighbors in breaking the cycle of homelessness, allowing for accountability, promoting self-sufficiency, and succeeding in permanent housing -an innovative approach to economic and social inclusion in housing.