NAMCO Block, Windsor, VT

Designed by Gossens Bachman Architects, EF Wall & Associates (General Contractor), Housing Vermont, Rockingham Area Community Land Trust, TJ Boyle & Associates, Dufresne & Associates, Knight Consulting Engineers, Mary Jo Llewellynn, John F. Penney Consulting Services, Pearson Associates, Efficiency Vermont, Energysmiths

The entire neighborhood is revitalized by the renovation of this four-story brick apartment block, originally comprising nine identical buildings that contained 72 apartments. De-densification was thoughtful here, incorporating a plan that reduced the number of units to 58 and provided each with a south-facing kitchen to maximize light. The rental structure was changed from low income to mixed income and represents a small town’s theological choice to fix up a very large historical site and make it appealing to a wide range and percentage of its population. The space feels very accessible, not just mechanically, but socially, incorporating very sensitive distribution of light and views. It’s rare to find a full block of buildings without some pronounced misstep, but this work is calm and handsome. The client, who could have done so much less, should be applauded.