The Heights Affordable Housing

Project Overview

After sitting vacant for years, the former Colonial Centre building presented both a challenge and an opportunity for the City of Cedar Rapids. To address the growing need for affordable housing, the City partnered with Emergent Architecture to transform the underutilized structure into The Heights, a 25 unit affordable housing community designed to support residents of all abilities while respecting the building’s historic character.

From the start, the project focused on adaptive reuse as a way to reinvest in an existing neighborhood while making responsible use of resources. Through careful planning, the team reimagined the building as a place that prioritizes dignity, accessibility, and community connection.

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The Project Team

Gary Landhauser

Principal Architect

Marcelo Aruani

Associate Senior Designer

Becca Haugen

Interior Design Associate

25 Units

Affordable Housing
24,483 SF

Size
2024

Year Completed

Transforming an Existing Facility for The Heights Affordable Housing

Feasibility and Community Engagement,

The project began with in depth feasibility studies to evaluate the building’s condition, structural capacity, and long term potential. At the same time, Emergent worked closely with City leadership to establish clear goals related to affordability, accessibility, and neighborhood impact.

In addition, collaborative neighborhood workshops played a key role in shaping the project. These conversations helped ensure the design responded to local needs while honoring the history of the Colonial Centre. As a result, the final solution balances preservation with progress.

Design for Accessibility and Community

Throughout the design, universal access and resident support remained central priorities. The Heights includes six fully ADA accessible homes, along with features that promote independence and safety for all residents. In addition, shared amenities such as a community gathering room and on site laundry help foster connection and everyday convenience.

Emergency ready infrastructure was also incorporated to support resident safety and long term resilience. Together, these elements create a housing environment that is both functional and welcoming.

Cost Management and Delivery

To maintain budget and schedule, Emergent leveraged BIM driven cost management tools and long standing relationships with local contractors. By coordinating closely with the construction team, the project stayed on track while maintaining quality and design intent.

As a result, The Heights was delivered on budget and on schedule, culminating in a community wide ribbon cutting celebration in April 2024.

Lasting Impact

Today, The Heights stands as a strong example of cost effective, community centered adaptive reuse. Most importantly, it provides safe, accessible, and affordable homes while reinvigorating a long vacant building.

Ultimately, the project reflects Emergent Architecture’s commitment to creating spaces that empower residents, strengthen neighborhoods, and uplift the communities they serve.

Learn more about the project with the City of Cedar Rapids.

Exterior view of the Colonial Centre building prior to renovation, showing boarded windows, overgrown landscaping, and the original brick facade before conversion to The Heights affordable housing.

BEFORE: The Colonial Centre prior to renovation, showing the existing building conditions before its transformation into The Heights affordable housing community.

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Exterior view of The Heights affordable housing building in Cedar Rapids, showing a three story brick facade with white trim, landscaped grounds, and sidewalk frontage.

AFTER: The Heights after renovation, showcasing the completed adaptive reuse of the former Colonial Centre into a welcoming affordable housing community.

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Interior of the former Colonial Centre before renovation, showing a deteriorated space with damaged ceilings, exposed supports, and unfinished surfaces prior to conversion into The Heights affordable housing community.

Before: Interior of the former Colonial Centre showing a dark, unfinished space prior to renovation for The Heights affordable housing project.

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Completed apartment interior at The Heights showing a bright, modern kitchen with white cabinetry, updated lighting, and durable flooring following the adaptive reuse renovation.

After: Renovated apartment interior at The Heights featuring a bright, modern kitchen with updated finishes, lighting, and flooring as part of the adaptive reuse transformation.

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