 The Office of Jerome King, called OJK, architectural firm was founded in 1981 in San Jose, California. The firm has been the recipient of 11 awards from state and government agencies and has won 18 awards from the American Institute of Architects. The firm finds its distinction in being very hands-on and uses a small environment to utilize maximum creativity.
The Gish Apartments are what OJK won an American Institute of Architects, AIA, Green Project Award for. The Gish apartments are not only housing, but a mixed-use development. Gish Apartments in downtown San Jose is a 35-unit, transit-oriented family apartment complex that provides quality, affordable housing for households earning 35%–50% of the area median income. The complex includes efficient two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments so the spatial needs can be met of the occupants. Over a third of them are set aside for residents with developmental disabilities. The complex is a model for the State of California's Multifamily Housing Program for mainstreaming special needs populations. The mixed-use plan includes a convenience store and a beauty salon on the ground floor. Residents have access to a computer center and are provided with services tailored to support low-income families, such as financial literacy training, computer training and after-school programs.
First Community Housing, the housing entity, prefers to locate housing in transit-oriented locations with access to community resources and services, providing a healthy living environment for residents and using resources efficiently. This means less dependence on the automobile. The development of Gish Apartments was consistent with these goals. By choosing a site adjacent to light rail and by housing those who may not be able to drive, First Community Housing earned a major parking reduction from the City. As a result, the project has a high housing density of 81 units per acre. The mixed-use design, which includes a ground floor convenience store, allows residents to purchase basic groceries on site. Other environmental aspects of the project include reuse of an urban brownfield site, a rooftop photovoltaic array (solar cell), high performance insulation in 2x6 exterior walls, double-glazed windows and high-efficiency heating and hot water systems. The initial costs associated with energy-saving features and durable materials are being offset by lower operational costs.
OJK uses the inspiration of blending the building with its community, art and Earth friendliness to create a masterpiece. EnviroCitizen.org learned that OJK is using First Community Housing as an example of how a building can be sustainable as well as art. We believe they hit their mark!
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