Practicing ArchitectureAwards

2010 AIA Housing Award Recipient

Category 3: Multifamily Living

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Notes of Interest

Located in downtown San Jose, California, this 35-unit family apartment complex (efficiencies, two- and three-bedrooms) provides affordable housing for households earning 35-50% of the area median income. Thirteen of the units are set aside for residents with developmental disabilities.

The mixed-use plan includes a ground floor 7-Eleven and beauty salon to serve the neighborhood. Residents have access to a computer learning center and are provided with services tailored to support low income families, such as financial literacy training, computer literacy and after-school programs. Housing Choices Coalition provides resident services coordination for residents who have developmental disabilities, and facilitates communication between residents, their individual case managers, and the property management team.

This project became the first multifamily development in the United States to receive both LEED-NC and LEED for Homes Gold certification. The project also received the AIA/COTE 2009 Top Ten Green Projects award.