The existing structure was called the Sleepy Hollow Motor Coach Motel and the slogan on their postcards was, “For people who care”. We took that to heart with our adaptive re-use and remodel of this single story 17 unit courtyard historic motel. Located on Historic Route 66 in Albuquerque for New Mexico AIDS Services, a non-profit whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for people affected by HIV/AIDS through innovative and comprehensive services, support and prevention education.
Sleepy Hollow Apartments, now 10 residential units and community building, are arranged around a large landscaped courtyard instead of a parking lot. We saved as much of the existing historic hotel as possible – approximately 3200 square feet along 11th and Kent and demolished a non-contributing wing and office. Five new units and a community building were added in approximately the same location as the demolition. Each of the 10 units and community building has open light-filled living spaces, bathroom, and kitchen. Each courtyard unit has low patio walls in the central courtyard and higher perimeter yard walls for privacy from Central (Route 66), 11th Avenue and an adjoining property. The community building will be used as a day time office for supportive services and counseling. Sleepy Hollow Apartments is now a 90% net-zero energy usage building utilizing roof top photovoltaic panels and many other energy and water saving features. The project is in the final stages of LEED for Homes Platinum certification. The sustainable features we utilized save natural resources but also help protect the current residents compromised immune systems and pocket books.
The new residents were previously isolated, some homeless or living in cars, or in other very difficult situations. We transformed a Route 66 hotel into a community for HIV positive individuals to live with grace and dignity – by and for people who care.