NEW ORLEANS – SCNZ Architects announced that construction is slated to begin on the Raphael Village Town Center, a vocational and educational facility for disabled young adults. Designed by SCNZ, Raphael Village will consist of three separate one-story buildings located at 530 Jackson Avenue.
Raphael Village will include a 2,088 square-foot community café with a commercial kitchen and teaching/catering kitchen, a 2,033 square-foot administrative and classroom building, and a 1,045 square-foot vocational classroom building. Between the buildings will be 2,015 square-feet of raised circulation and gathering spaces.
The separated “village” approach is designed to create a non-institutional environment and provide the occupants with varied experiences, ample open space and increased opportunities for socialization. The design is transitional, with a mix of both modern and familiar elements. The proportions, scale and materials have been chosen to maintain and enhance the existing character of this historic Irish Channel neighborhood.
The designers, consultants and the contractor all discounted their fees or donated directly to assist Raphael Village in bringing much needed services to the New Orleans community. Malin Construction is the contractor and anticipates a completion date of Aug. 14, 2020.
Raphael Village supports special needs individuals so that they may be fully engaged in life through meaningful work and healthy social relationships. Raphael Village is founded on principles that integrate education, community life, life-sharing, farming/gardening and the arts to meet the needs of youth and adults with developmental disabilities. This approach helps young people find their way into a productive adult life through a nurturing and sustainable environment.
The organization currently offers comprehensive programming that includes a school, Raphael Academy, and an adult day program, The Guild. Founded in 2011, Raphael Academy began as a summer program for special needs students, and quickly grew into a state-accredited, private school for students ages 10-21. Since then, the Academy has added an early childhood class (kindergarten and first grade) and will be expanding to include second and third grade classes in the coming year. The Guild provides post-secondary education for adults with disabilities, including vocational and life-skills training, volunteering at local businesses, social opportunities, and self-expression through the arts.
In addition to the Town Center, Raphael Village is planning a residential life-sharing community, The Hearth, to open in late 2021.
For more information about Raphael Village, visit www.raphaelvillage.org.
SCNZ Architects is a New Orleans-based team of design professionals that serves a national client base. SCNZ designs hotels, corporate facilities and educational environments. For more information about SCNZ, visit www.scnz.net.
