Conserving Open Space while Promoting Affordable Living

5 Examples of Contemporary, Affordable Design

Next KeyNovato, California

Well-planned Design Features•Mission-inspired buildings•Native, drought-resistant landscaping

Total number of apartments: 32•Studios: 32

All apartment homes in this development are affordable: The adult employment-and-training students pay no more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities, leaving enough money for food, clothing, school supplies, transportation, etc.

Apartment homes per acre: 32

Developed by: Homeward Bound of MarinBuilt in 2008

All Next Key residents are investing in their futures by participating in employment and training programs.

Public participation was critical to the development of Next Key. Community members and local neighbors provided input on the development, which now includes a 21-row organic garden.

San Rafael CommonsSan Rafael, California

AWARD WINNER•“Sensible Growth Award” (National Association of Home Builders and Better Homes and Gardens Awards)•“Outstanding Contributions for Better Housing for All Americans Award” (National Association of Home Builders and Better Homes and Gardens Awards)

Total number of apartments: 83•Studios: 36 •One-bedrooms: 47

All apartment homes in this development are affordable: The seniors pay no more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities, leaving enough money for food, medications, clothing, transportation, etc.

Apartment homes per acre: 86 Developed by: EAH / Managed by BRIDGE HousingBuilt in 1979

Trees, planters filled with colorful blossoms, and well-maintained landscaping creates a tranquil, woodsy oasis in the San Rafael Commons courtyard.

San Clemente PlaceCorte Madera, California

Well-planned Design Features:•Open courtyard and landscaped central lawn area create sense of openness.•Garden and strategic use of planters in courtyard entryways tie in the natural beauty from the surrounding community. •Architecture was designed to “uplift the entire neighborhood.”

Total number of apartments: 79•One-bedrooms: 20•Two-bedrooms: 33•Three-bedrooms: 25

All apartment homes in this development are affordable: The families, seniors, and developmentally disabled tenants pay no more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities, leaving enough money for food, clothing, medications, school supplies, transportation, etc.

Apartment homes per acre: 29

Developed by: EAH HousingBuilt in 2007

Parnow Friendship HouseSan Rafael, California

Well-planned Design Elements: •Used landscaping to blend development into its surroundings and conceal height

Total number of apartments = 72

All apartment homes in this development are affordable: The seniors pay no more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities, leaving enough money for food, medications, transportation, etc.

Apartment homes per acre: 31

Developed by: Santa Fe Center for Interfaith HousingBuilt in 2007

Garden Oak ManorOakley, California

AWARD WINNER:Maxwell Awards of Excellence Program for Production of Low-income Housing

Well-planned Design Features•Colorful and rich landscaping allows development to serve as an extension of the surrounding neighborhood.•Careful attention paid to ensure development enhanced the existing neighborhood.

Total number of apartments = 50•One-bedrooms: 49•Two-bedrooms: 1

All apartment homes in this development are affordable: The seniors and disabled tenants pay no more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities, leaving enough money for food, medication, transportation, etc.

Apartment homes per acre: 26

Developed by: EAH HousingBuilt in 1996

Compact design provides:

•Comfort, •Convenience, and •Choice

while preserving Novato’s environment and open space.

For more information:

Robert HickeyNon-Profit Housing Association of Northern California

robert@nonprofithousing.org