A Sunlit Riverside, California Sanctuary Designed For Recovery

2025 Best of Year Winner for Assisted Living Facility

A windowless book repository spanning two levels and 41,000 square feet was deftly converted into the Riverside Franklin Adult Residential Facility, a light-filled, 82-bed living facility in Riverside, California, that fills a gap in support services for adults with debilitating mental illness or substance-abuse issues. Gensler cut a vast opening in the second floor and roof to create the metaphorical heart of the design: a double-height commons flooded with sunlight. Trauma-informed principles (think safety, comfort, connection, and choice) shaped the overall approach, and the ground-floor lounge, dining room, clinic, and administrative offices were furnished, with an assist from Tangram Interiors, to evoke the comforts of home. The second level has double-occupancy dorm rooms arranged in friendly neighborhood clusters, with shared restrooms, shower areas, and quiet living rooms. Throughout, residents are encouraged to explore the property and its gardens. After all, mobility and access to nature both have a part to play in boosting mental health. 

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ERIC STULTZ; HETAL SHAH; DAVID JOHNSON; JAMES KELLY; MARCUS RICHESON.