Courtesy of 2014 AIA Housing Awards

• Located at the edge of Oakland's Chinatown near a busy freeway
• Transformed an abandoned site into a community asset for disadvantaged or formerly homeless seniors
• Sets a high standard for sustainable and universal design
• High density, transit-oriented project
• One of the first new developments near the Lake Merritt BART regional transit station
• Upper floor apartments respond to the character of the eclectic Pan-Asian neighborhood with colorful and varied porous facades that reflect their orientation
• The south façade features an independent screen that provides shading, privacy and acoustical modulation enlivening the view of passing freeway drivers
• The ground floor footprint for the required parking has been minimized in order to concentrate the communal uses and support services and link to a sunny garden courtyard
• A high level of transparency at the ground floor enhances security, mitigates senior isolation and strengthens a connection to the community
• All 70 apartments are reserved for seniors with incomes between 30% and 50% of area median. Over half of the apartments were set aside for seniors who are homeless or at risk for homelessness, HIV/AIDS or challenged by mental illness