Reimagining Community: Janice Brooks Bay Residences

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Reimagining Community

At Sparkflight Studios, we believe architecture is most powerful when it strengthens communities. Our rehabilitation of the Janice Brooks Bay Residences in Las Vegas reflects this mission: transforming an aging affordable housing development into a revitalized, sustainable neighborhood for families.

Breathing New Life into a Legacy Property
Originally built in 1972, the 9.56-acre Janice Brooks Bay complex includes 14 two-story buildings with 100 residential units. Over time, the property had grown tired and in need of significant updates. The Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority (SNRHA) tasked our team with leading the architectural design for a full rehabilitation.

Our design approach carefully balanced respect for the community’s history with a forward-looking vision that prioritizes safety, accessibility, and modern comfort. Today, that vision is becoming reality — the project is now under construction.

Creating Space Within Constraints
One of the project’s biggest achievements was finding a way to add a new 4,170-square-foot Activity Center within strict funding parameters. By strategically using Alternates during the bidding process, Sparkflight Studios created a path for the center to move forward — replacing aging structures with a space designed for community gatherings, educational programs, and resident services.

The surrounding landscape was redesigned to encourage connection and comfort with added dog park, play equipment, and gardening beds. Outdoor gathering spaces invite neighbors to come together, while private porches and patios give residents their own retreats. New shade trellises and decorative wall surrounds add beauty and functionality.

This kind of creative problem-solving reflects our commitment to not only meet budgets, but also to expand opportunities for residents whenever possible.

Before & After: A Visible Transformation
Prior to rehabilitation, the site reflected its age — landscaping had worn away to bare dirt, trees were in poor condition, and the buildings all shared the same light tan paint scheme. The transformation will be clear and vibrant:

  • Repeated site motifs incorporated into decorative block walls, adding character and identity.
  • Metal railing details and interior finishes that bring warmth and variety to the existing apartment buildings and new Activity Center.
  • A refreshed color palette with bold blocking, replacing the once monochromatic look with a livelier expression across the buildings.


A Holistic Rehabilitation
The $27 million project involves a comprehensive scope of work:

  • Upgrading 100 Units: Modernizing interiors while enhancing energy efficiency and long-term durability
  • Accessibility Improvements: Converting eight units to ANSI A117.1 Type A and Type B standards, ensuring residents of all abilities have safe, functional homes
  • Site-Wide Enhancements: Addressing infrastructure, landscaping, and circulation to create a more cohesive and welcoming environment.

Janice Brooks Bay Residences Perspective

Community-Centered Design
Our role extended beyond drawings and specifications. We conducted due diligence studies to understand existing conditions and engaged in collaborative conversations with the client to ensure the design met both technical requirements and resident needs. By aligning the rehabilitation with SNRHA’s vision, we sought to create a place where families can thrive — not just live.

Looking Ahead
As construction moves forward, the Janice Brooks Bay Residences stand as a testament to how thoughtful design can transform public housing. With new life breathed into the property, residents will gain more than upgraded units — they will gain a renewed sense of community and pride in where they live.

At Sparkflight Studios, we are honored to partner with SNRHA on projects that not only enhance buildings but also elevate lives.

Thank you to the Team: 

Owner - Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority (SNRHA)

General Contractor – B&H Construction

Architect – Sparkflight Studios 

Structural - Wright Engineers                                   

MEP - REVOLUTION Engineers                                

Wet and Dry Utilities - AUS Applied Utilities                 

Landscape Architect - LAGE Design

Fire Protection and Alarm - ACS Group

Cost Estimator - ESG



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