DC Safe, a nonprofit that provides housing for domestic violence survivors, is planning to building a five-story emergency shelter. The 32,000 SF building will include 30 units, office space and a recreation area.
The building will replace an 108-year old, two story building that had been used as a grain warehouse and ice cream factory. The 30 units will be fully furnished and range from studios to three-bedroom units. The rooftop space will serve as a communal space with a 1,300 SF play area, a 400 SF terrace and a 2,000 SF indoor recreation space.
Bala designed the HVAC system to consist of high performance PTAC units for the proposed 30 residential units on floors 3 through 5. The lower three floors, which will be used as administrative space or rented to other others is designed to be served with a VRF system for energy efficient heating and cooling. Outdoor air is provided by a dedicated outdoor air unit with a heat recovery wheel. Bala designed and permitted this project. It is awaiting more funding to continue on to construction.