Located in a downtown mountain community, Shervin’s Mixed-Use is a three-story development that brings together ground-floor retail, storage, 20 affordable housing units, and integrated parking within a compact and highly efficient building. Responding to a demanding program, stringent building requirements, and a limited budget, the project demonstrates how thoughtful mixed-use architecture can maximize urban land while creating much-needed housing and an engaging pedestrian presence.

The building’s carefully organized plan accommodates a substantial mix of uses within a single structure. To reduce the perceived scale of the development, the exterior is articulated through projecting window bays, varied fenestration, deep roof overhangs, and structural columns that visually divide the horizontal massing. At street level, stained concrete distinguishes the retail spaces from the residential floors above, clearly expressing the building’s different functions while contributing to an active commercial frontage.

A restrained palette of natural wood siding, exposed steel, and stained concrete reinforces the building’s contemporary mountain character. These durable, low-maintenance materials are expressed honestly throughout the architecture, creating visual continuity between structure, function, and finish.

Sustainable design strategies are integrated throughout the project. A rooftop garden and vegetated sod roof improve thermal performance, help manage stormwater runoff, and provide residents with a private outdoor amenity above the activity of the street. High-performance roof insulation further reduces energy demand and supports year-round comfort.

Large, insulated low-E windows bring abundant natural daylight into the residences while framing views of the adjacent butte. The glazing strategy balances daylight, views, solar heat gain, and energy efficiency to create comfortable interior environments. Motion sensors control lighting in public corridors, reducing unnecessary electricity use, while durable materials support long-term performance and lower maintenance requirements.

Beyond its architectural and environmental goals, Shervin’s Mixed-Use demonstrates the social and economic value of well-designed affordable housing and mixed-use development. The project has maintained continuous full occupancy since opening, reflecting the strong demand for thoughtfully designed housing integrated with commercial uses and community amenities. The rooftop garden has become a particularly valued feature, providing residents with a shared outdoor retreat and strengthening the sense of community within the building.

Shervin’s Mixed-Use reflects Ward Blake Architects’ approach to mixed-use architecture, affordable housing, sustainable urban development, and efficient infill design. By combining housing, retail, parking, natural daylight, durable materials, and shared outdoor space within a carefully articulated building, the project demonstrates how architecture can respond simultaneously to economic constraints, environmental responsibility, and the needs of a growing mountain community.

Location

Jackson, Wyoming

Project Size

18,862 s.f.

awards

2007 Residential Architect - Merit Award for Affordable Housing

Publications

2011 21st Century Homes

2010 Inhabitat

2007 The Wall Street Journal Online

2007 Residential Architect

2007 Eco-Structure

2006 Environmental Design + Construction