SLI Empowered Living

Originally constructed in the early 1980s as a group living home for SLI, this residence accommodated eight clients and a live-in staff member. Each resident had a private bedroom, with bathrooms shared between two adjoining rooms.

The renovation reimagines the home to support semi-independent living and provide greater residential choice for SLI clients. Central to the redesign was the relocation of the kitchen from the front of the house to the center of the plan, creating an open-concept layout that unites the kitchen and communal dining area into one welcoming hub. The dining space flows seamlessly into a shared living room and a semi-private small group room, fostering both social interaction and personal retreat. Outdoors, the rear patio was expanded and enhanced with a wood pergola to provide shade and create a comfortable gathering space for residents and their guests.

The most significant transformation occurred within the former bedroom suites. What had once been two bedrooms sharing a bath were reconfigured into private apartment-style suites for individual residents. One former bedroom now serves as a living area with a compact micro-kitchen for limited food preparation, while the other remains a private sleeping room. Bathrooms were fully renovated to include ADA-accessible vanities, toilets, and roll-in showers, supporting safety, independence, and dignity.

Traditional wood trim and interior finishes were carefully selected to create a warm, residential character, replacing the institutional feel of the original facility. Wood tones and inviting colors contribute to a comfortable home environment. Exterior improvements, including new aluminum-clad wood windows for improved durability and energy efficiency, a new roof, and refreshed siding, complete the transformation, giving the residence a renewed, welcoming presence in the neighborhood.

Owner: SLI, Inc.

Size: 4,300 sf

Services provided: facility assessment, programming, architectural design, interior design, construction administration