The Ella at Somerset

The Ella at Somerset is a 250,000-square-foot new construction apartment community comprising 192 units and several modern amenities for residents to enjoy. The project is located within the Perkins Somerset Oldtown (PSO) Transformation master plan, which, in part, seeks to transform mixed-income housing within the PSO communities of Baltimore, Maryland. With a focus on community, equity, and overall wellness, the Moseley team helped create a modernized housing facility that places occupant well-being at the forefront.

Resident-Centered Focus

The project’s highest priority was to better the lives of the individuals and families who call The Ella at Somerset home, regardless of income level. This is a long-held goal on the project’s site, as it was part of the Somerset Homes public housing project, a 20th-century development aimed at improving living conditions within the area’s low-income neighborhoods. The new PSO Transformation plan maintains this focus by replacing aging public housing with high quality, mixed-income alternatives, and upgrading community facilities and the overall neighborhood to enhance residents’ lives.

The project is also part of the Choice Neighborhood program, which combines public and private funding to support both public and HUD-assisted housing as part of a holistic neighborhood revitalization effort. These programs and resources help create equitable, well-managed housing options that sacrifice nothing in the realms of quality and comfort.

Enhanced Living Experience

The Ella at Somerset houses 192 units that include studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, providing options for families of many sizes. Features also include common areas and a community room, which help foster a sense of community within the complex. With the overall health and comfort of residents in mind, the design team prioritized wellness and a connection to nature by including a fitness center and a landscaped exterior courtyard. Residents have access to other comforts and conveniences as well, such as retail space, bike storage, a parking garage, high-speed internet, offices, and a conference room.

Safety was also paramount to our design team. Security measures at The Ella at Somerset include 24/7 camera monitoring and controlled access to individual units.

Sustainability

The building includes many features focused on sustainable energy use, including Energy Star HVAC systems, Energy Star windows, and energy-efficient lighting. The site also features a widened sidewalk along Somerset Street, with new trees and landscaping. This not only increases green infrastructure, but encourages outdoor activity among residents and, subsequently, a healthier community. Because of the design team’s sustainability efforts, The Ella at Somerset is Energy Star and NGBS Silver Certified.

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