Magnusson Architecture and Planning Announce Completion of Selis Manor

Magnusson Architecture and Planning (MAP) announce the completion of Selis Manor, a tenant-in-place renovation of a 205-unit special needs apartment building serving a population that is blind and physically disabled.

Located in Chelsea, the building consists of studio, 1- and 2-bedroom units, as well as amenities such as a laundry room, multi-purpose room, and two types of outdoor spaces. It also hosts program space for Visions, an organization that provides services for the blind and visually impaired.

To increase sustainability, new MEP systems were installed, sunshades were added to the facade, kitchen appliances were replaced with energy efficient models and bathroom fixtures were replaced to ensure water conservation. Apartments were also given new finishes and layouts to improve livability.

“We were honored to work with Associated Blind and Visions and extremely pleased to be a part of a project that delivered fully renovated and comfortable apartments, greater energy efficiency and air quality, improved circulation, and more beautiful and functional shared spaces,” said Sara Bayer, Associate Principal & Director of Sustainability. “We hope that these measures improve the day to day lives of all who use them.”

To enhance service capacity, the first floor was redesigned, alleviating the traffic in and out of the main entrance and maintaining security for both residents and visitors. This new scheme saw the creation of separate entrances for residents and clients of the service center, as well as the reconfiguring of housing management offices (including a large meeting room) and the Visions Community Facility offices and classrooms. The addition of a new open stair and elevator between the first floor and the service activities in the cellar further aids circulation; and a new material lift to bring trash directly out to the street, enabled a restoration of the courtyard.

For over three decades, Magnusson Architecture and Planning (MAP) has worked with non-profit groups, municipalities, and for-profit developers to improve the lives of those who live and work in their communities. MAP’s award-winning buildings and urban revitalization projects serve as the foundation for vibrant and sustainable neighborhoods. Since our founding in 1986, we have been at the forefront of quality housing, green building and urban design.

MAP offers comprehensive architectural and planning services that blend design excellence with technical and planning expertise. The firm specializes in mixed-use developments including: affordable, supportive, senior, mixed-income, and market-rate housing; schools; community facilities; urban design projects; and, community planning.

In 2015 MAP established a Volunteer Program. Every month a team of staff, friends, and family donate personal time to projects that serve residents of the buildings the firm has designed, improve features in those buildings or support the clients of MAP’s nonprofit partners.

Media Contact: Christina Allan