This 74-unit affordable housing project designed for at-risk/chronically homeless seniors sits comfortably on a sloped site along a busy commercial street in Mission Valley. All units are studio apartments with full kitchens and accessible bathrooms. The modest size of the studios are offset by the ample provision of shared gathering and recreation space. Foremost is a central court designed to accommodate a variety of recreational activities. Adjoining the court is a community room with kitchen as well as a lobby/computer lounge. Other spaces offered include a workout/yoga room, a “skylounge” (upper level outdoor terrace) and a private dog exercise parklette.
The project was designed in conjunction with a local non-profit to include a PACE program element – meaning a suite of on-site counseling and basic medical offices. The sloping site proved ideal for creating a partially below grade parking structure at the base of the building – making cars convenient but hidden and secure. The street frontages were enlivened with large storefronts, a corner plaza and some commercial scaled signage – all serving to make this residential project feel at-home on this urban corridor.
“This shows San Diegans we don’t have to accept the status quo. We can successfully transition people off the street and into permanent housing. This is what it looks like.” -San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria