We are pleased to announce that DePaul Pan-American Square Apartments has been recognized with the 2025 Community Impact Award by the Buffalo/WNY Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. This award honors projects that make a meaningful difference in their communities through thoughtful, inclusive design.
Completed earlier this year, Pan-American Square Apartments transformed a former rail corridor into a 150-unit affordable and supportive housing community in Buffalo, NY. Designed to Passive House standards, the development provides energy-efficient homes and essential services for seniors and individuals experiencing homelessness or mental illness. More than housing, it is a catalyst for community revitalization, delivering stability, sustainability, and hope for Buffalo’s most vulnerable residents.
Jury Comment:
The integration of community-based programs and sustainable design at the Pan-American Square Apartments struck the jury. Exemplifying the criteria of the Community Award, the Pan-American Square Apartments took a holistic approach to senior living and supportive housing that will have a lasting positive impact on the WNY community. It is clear that this project will uplift and provide stability for the most vulnerable members of our community and the design team took every opportunity to maximize resources available to its residents.
SWBR provided architectural, interior design, structural engineering, landscape architecture, and graphic design services for the project. The awards celebration was held Thursday, November 6 in Buffalo, NY.