The U.S. has always been a difficult country to age in placeseniors who cant find lodging with a loved one are often relegated to nursing homes, if they can afford the fees. The situation gets even more precarious for LGBTQIA+ seniors, who commonly see bias in the rental application process, and get turned down for apartments at high rates. Things are especially dire in Texas, where state law doesnt protect individuals from housing discrimination based on their sexual orientation, although LGBTQIA+ individuals are still protected under the federal Fair Housing Act. This exacerbates the problem and puts even more people at risk of poverty and social isolation.Perkins&Wills Dallas studio recently completed a new affordable housing project for LGBTQIA+ seniors to help combat this public health crisis. Today, Oak Lawn Place in Dallas represents north Texass first affordable housing development, the architects shared. It offers 100 percent affordable housing to those 55 years of age and older.Karen Chen of Sunshine Studios created a bespoke mural on every floor of the building. (John Steinkamp)The Dallas neighborhood of Oak Lawn has been the beating heart of north Texass LGBTQIA+ community for decades. Oak Lawn Place was developed with the developer Matthews Southwest; Volunteers of America, one of the largest LGBTQIA+ community centers in the country; and Resource Center, an HIV/AIDS service organization.Im seeing Oak Lawn Place transform peoples lives, Resource Center CEO Cece Cox said in a press statement. A project like this elevates everyone and makes Dallas a better place. In plan, Oak Lawn Place is shaped like a C. This was meant to increase natural light exposure within every unit; this feature also provides a protective wing that surrounds an outdoor deck, hidden from public view. The deck has great views of the sites sloping topography and a nearby creek.Mural by Karen Chen of Sunshine Studios (John Steinkamp)Karen Chen of Sunshine Studios created a bespoke mural on every floor of the building, which helps with wayfinding. Oak Lawn Place was designed with maximum accessibility in mindeverything from the hallway seatings, elevator lobbies, to wheelchair-friendly doorways are meant to provide a positive user experience.The design of Oak Lawn Place is economical and efficient, yet still manages to have splashes of color here and there; the facade has a rainbow flag to signify all are welcome. The 80,000-square-foot building has a total 84 units. Its within walking distance of public transit options and Resource Centers Community Center.The building has a shared kitchen and other community-building amenities. (John Steinkamp)Oak Lawn Place helps make Dallas a more inclusive, inviting cityfor those considering moving here and for those wondering, as a queer person, Will I truly feel welcome? Are there spaces in Dallas for me? We are honored and proud to bring this project to life, Cox continued.A new healthcare facility, Resource Center Health, will open across the street from Oak Lawn Place later this year.