The Aya

The Aya is the fifth of seven facilities constructed as part of a mayoral initiative to build short-term housing for the homeless in each of DC’s eight wards.

The new seven-story residential building accommodates 50 housing units and is equipped with a conference room, play and activity spaces, and an on-site health service clinic. The building’s setbacks create a ziggurat form that responds to the street’s tree line and creates improved views from each unit. The structure has an additional level below grade and a mechanical area at the roof.

Each floor contains a common corridor with bathrooms, a laundry room, and kitchen; the first floor features a dining hall and lobby. The Aya is LEED Gold certified.