Architecture and planning that support City’s Beach-Edinger Specific Plan, a template for transforming Beach Boulevard from a rag-tag of uses, styles and intensities into thoughtfully organized urban redevelopment. For this 100% affordable workforce housing community, key goals included market-rate aesthetics, interactive street presence and lower density ambience.

• Courtyard planning visually opens tight infill parcel, provides pleasing outdoor spaces, and relates to lobby, offices and community center with kitchen, computer lab and gathering space. Offering residents a positive community focus, these centralized elements also spark the steady foot traffic that activates Beach Boulevard.

• South-oriented courtyards bring light and coastal breezes to most units, which occupy 3 levels above parking podium. Through-plan views and open layouts visually expand every home. Per plan enhancements of decks, dining and en suite masters strengthen market rate quality.

• Spare, contemporary envelope softens high density. Subtle palette, sunshades and laser-cut railings strengthen interest without clutter, presenting fresh, upscale identify in high-profile location.

• Providing critically needed housing for local wage earners, this LEED Silver project incorporates social services for children and adults, boosting its long-term vitality.  Praised by public officials, it sets a high and practicable bar for future development.