Today, Moya Design Partners (MOYA) joined other project collaborators and the community to celebrate the official opening of the Downtown Day Services Center at the ceremonial ribbon cutting hosted by Mayor Muriel Bowser. The new Downtown Day Services Center, located at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church (1313 New York Avenue in Washington, D.C.) is a daytime facility and outreach program managed by the DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID), Pathways to Housing DC, District agencies and other partners. MOYA was responsible for the interior architecture as well as the branding and visual design for the Center.
“We are thrilled to see the Center open to the community today, where the homeless will find the safe and supportive environment they need,” said Paola Moya, CEO and founder of Moya Design Partners. “Working on projects that help our community and support those in need through thoughtful design and architecture is a key part of our firm’s focus and philosophy. Our team put their heart into this project, designing a space that conveys a sense of comfort and belonging as soon as you walk through the doors. Inside its walls, this innovative center will help rebuild lives and restore hope to those in our community who need it most…We are honored to be a small part of that.”
The Center “employs a housing-first model, which has been proven successful and is supported by Mayor Muriel Bowser’s plan to end homelessness, Pathways to Housing DC and the BID” (DowntownDC). Last year, the District of Columbia awarded the BID a $1.7 million grant to open and operate the Center.
The Center offers daily necessities, health services, legal and employment support, behavioral health resources, transportation and housing assistance, and access to kitchens, showers, laundry, computers, books and more. It will facilitate and foster close relationships between participants and the community. Read more about the Downtown Day Services Center here.
Design elements
MOYA’s design challenge was to transform a dark basement into an oasis where clients feel welcome, cozy and at home. The moment people arrive to the lobby area, a neon sign marks the start of a calm journey forward. Custom graphics with lush plants envelop the entrance and hallway walls with inspiring quotes. As clients walk through the space, they find showers, bathrooms, a barber shop niche, health facilities and seating spaces.
At the end of the hallway, clients are greeted by the “Community Garden,” a two-story lounge space where the community can relax together under a ceiling adorned with plants. The room includes wood-finished tables, cyan chairs, white high-top tables with computers, and allows clients to use the internet, enjoy snacks and beverages, and watch the news or movies together on the 85” television screen. Surrounding the core of the garden, there is a laundry room, kitchen, offices for staff and a conference room.
The contemporary gray, taupe and natural wood finishes are balanced with the striking green colors from vivid greenery and plants found throughout the space. The design elements create a bright, yet calming atmosphere to promote health and self-care. The team also created custom wayfinding graphics that guide each visitor throughout the Center.
