Reinventing the Familiar
Public housing faces a paradox. Many of the buildings that provided affordable shelter for generations now struggle to meet today’s expectations for accessibility, energy performance, and livability. However, these structures hold social and even architectural value that cannot be replaced easily or economically. The renovation of Jones Village in Dublin, Georgia -a 50-unit community originally constructed in 1952—offered our team at SRJ Architects an opportunity to reconcile that tension between past and future.
The goal was simple but ambitious: transform a mid-century housing project into a contemporary, dignified multi-family neighborhood—without displacing Residents or erasing the community’s identity. Along the way, we learned valuable lessons about technical coordination, phasing, and the profound effect of design on Residents.
Understanding the Existing Fabric
The bones of Jones Village were solid but dated. The original concrete block & brick buildings were structurally sound, yet they reflected the architectural austerity of postwar Public Housing: small, repetitive units arranged in long barracks-style rows, with minimal outdoor space and little connection to the surrounding neighborhood. The infrastructure, including electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, was far past its useful life, and accessibility was virtually nonexistent.
Before drawing a single line, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of the existing structures. Our team used field measurements and selective demolition to understand how much of the envelope and framing could be retained. These studies revealed that partial internal demolition would deliver the best value for both our client and the Residents.
Designing for Modern Living
From the outset, our design intent was to humanize the scale and experience of the development. Each unit received a new covered porch, providing Residents with an outdoor space that blurred the line between private and communal space. These porches quickly became the heart of social life in the community - a modest but transformative addition that gave every dwelling a sense of individuality and pride.
The exteriors were redesigned with new materials, color palettes, and roof profiles to replace the institutional aesthetic of the 1950s. Parking lots and driveways were reconfigured for better traffic flow, and new pedestrian walks and landscaping created a cohesive, walkable environment. The visual transformation alone was striking; what had once looked like a dated housing project now felt like a contemporary residential neighborhood.
Phasing and Occupied Renovation
Funding limitations and the need to maintain occupancy required a phased construction strategy. Working closely with the Local Housing Authority, we divided the project into manageable segments so Residents could remain on-site throughout most of the work.
This required careful coordination of contractors, material deliveries, and inspections. Temporary relocations were minimized by sequencing renovations building by building, with temporary units available for short stays when necessary. Clear communication with Residents proved as important as any construction document.
The lesson here was clear: in occupied Public Housing renovations, phasing is not just logistics—it’s community management.
Upgrading the Invisible Systems
Much of the most impactful work at Jones Village happened behind the walls. The 1950s systems were replaced with high-efficiency HVAC, modern electrical lighting & systems, upgraded plumbing, and new thermal insulation for the entire building envelope.
Energy-efficient windows and doors dramatically improved comfort while reducing utility costs. These upgrades were paired with envelope enhancements—new insulation, improved air sealing, and moisture management details that extended the buildings’ service life.
Accessibility and Compliance Challenges
Adapting a 1950s layout to meet modern accessibility standards was a significant challenge. Original door widths, thresholds, and bathroom layouts were all noncompliant. Working within the constraints of the existing footprint, we reconfigured key units to achieve full accessibility and improved universal design principles throughout the complex.
Building Envelope and Aesthetic Renewal
The renovation’s success was also aesthetic. Beyond code upgrades, we aimed to create a sense of home rather than housing. The new façades introduced visual rhythm through varied porch forms, trim details, siding types, and color contrast. New landscaping tied the site together.
These interventions may seem modest individually, but collectively they transformed how Residents and visitors perceived the community. The development became a case study in how design gestures can change the narrative of Public Housing - from aged infrastructure to a place of pride.
Post-Occupancy Reflections
Since completion in 2018, Jones Village has demonstrated measurable improvements in energy performance and Resident satisfaction. Utility costs dropped, maintenance calls declined, and the outdoor spaces now serve as gathering areas for families and children.
The Jones Village renovation reinforced a truth that guides much of our work at SRJ Architects: renovation is not merely repair - it is reinvention. Every technical challenge, from accessibility to energy performance, offered a chance to reimagine what Public Housing can be.
For the Residents, the result was not just a safer, more efficient environment—it was a restored sense of community identity. For us as architects, it was a reminder that even within tight budgets and complex constraints, good design can elevate everyday life.
Written by Michael A. Johnson, AIA, NCARB
President & CEO
Meet the team: Michael Johnson has been with SRJ Architects since 1981. In his role as President & CEO, he is responsible for managing, scheduling, and coordinating project managers, paraprofessionals and architects for assigned projects. Mike oversees scheduling of all design and production of projects and assures that each stage of development is carefully coordinated with the client’s schedules and budgets. He also serves as liaison with consulting engineers to assure that resulting engineering designs meet the firm’s demanding quality standards. You can read more about Mike and his work here.