Practicing ArchitectureAwards

2010 AIA/HUD Secretary’s Award Recipient

Category 2: Creating Community Connection Award

Photo 1 of 7

Notes of Interest

This 21-unit affordable housing development for artists is the first urban infill project to be completed since the city implemented its new Downtown Specific Plan to transform this mostly vacant city area into “a place of historic, cultural, social, economic and civic vitality.”

Seldom frequented by pedestrians in recent times, the historic core of the city is now host to community events such as farmer’s markets and street fairs.

The program includes 21 live/work loft apartments for artists, a non-profit gallery, and an outdoor exhibit/gathering space. The public face of the building above the gallery has an iconic curvilinear massing, which opens views deep into the site to encourage visual and physical exploration of the courtyard exhibit space.

In response to the potential needs of the intended user group, many enhancements were included in the design of the 21 two-story living units, including high ceilings, abundant natural light, natural and mechanical ventilation for fresh air, finished concrete floors, a 220-volt outlet for equipment such as a kiln, etc. The non-profit gallery is curated by the tenants as an outlet to show and sell their artwork.

The design incorporates many sustainable design methods; among these, the use of high efficiency mechanical systems qualifies the design to exceed California Title 24 Energy Code requirements by 20% and the lighting system exceeds the requirements by 24% which significantly reduces the use of energy. Additionally, the project received the support of the City and financing through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits.