Palo Verde Apartments, in Sun Valley, Calif., opened to residents in early 2012 on the site of a former self-serve car wash facility.
Developed by L.A. Family Housing of North Hollywood with a design by Gonzalez Goodale Architects, the new infill project provides safe and affordable housing for previously homeless single adults living with mental illness.
The 60-unit complex embodies the concept of permanent supportive housing, an approach that provides the requisite atmosphere of stability with the goal of fostering socialization among the residents and openness to support and treatment. The development includes offices, community and program space where residents can access social and recreational, counseling, recovery and employment services.
The 35,000-sf U-shaped complex takes its architectural cues from the surrounding Mediterranean-style neighborhood, reinvigorating it with a contemporary character. The front elevation features projecting bay windows and balconies that animate the façade and offer generous views of the neighborhood, creating an inviting atmosphere.
Another key component of the project design and construction was environmental sustainability. Palo Verde surpasses the State of California standards for energy efficiency by 37% and is aiming for a LEED for Homes Gold rating. Green features include solar panels that generate approximately 41% of the building's electrical needs, Energy Star appliances, high-efficiency mechanical equipment, water-saving plumbing fixtures and drought-tolerant landscaping. BD+C
Related Stories
Multifamily Housing | Jan 27, 2021
2021 multifamily housing outlook: Dallas, Miami, D.C., will lead apartment completions
In its latest outlook report for the multifamily rental market, Yardi Matrix outlined several reasons for hope for a solid recovery for the multifamily housing sector in 2021, especially during the second half of the year.
Modular Building | Jan 26, 2021
Offsite manufacturing startup iBUILT positions itself to reduce commercial developers’ risks
iBUILT plans to double its production capacity this year, and usher in more technology and automation to the delivery process.
Architects | Jan 26, 2021
Perkins&Will and AIA set stage for industry adoption of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I) programs
A new white paper provides U.S. architecture firms with clear guidance on establishing just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive work cultures.
Data Centers | Jan 21, 2021
The Weekly show, Jan 21, 2021: Data centers in a pandemic world, and LGBT certification for AEC firms
This week on The Weekly show, BD+C editors speak with AEC industry leaders about LGBT certification for architecture, engineering, and construction firms, and the current state of data centers in a pandemic world.
Multifamily Housing | Jan 20, 2021
Abandoned Miami hospital gets third life as waterfront condo development
The 1920s King Cole Hotel becomes the Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami in the largest residential adaptive reuse project in South Florida.
Market Data | Jan 19, 2021
2021 construction forecast: Nonresidential building spending will drop 5.7%, bounce back in 2022
Healthcare and public safety are the only nonresidential construction sectors that will see growth in spending in 2021, according to AIA's 2021 Consensus Construction Forecast.
Multifamily Housing | Jan 14, 2021
The Weekly show, Jan 14, 2021: Passive House innovations, and launching a design studio during the pandemic
This week on The Weekly show, BD+C editors speak with AEC industry leaders about innovations in Passive House design, and the challenges of building a design team and opening a new design studio during a pandemic.
Multifamily Housing | Jan 8, 2021
Student housing development in the time of COVID-19
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, many college and university residences were completed in time for classes, live or virtual. Here are 14 of the best.
Contractors | Jan 7, 2021
The Weekly show, Jan 7, 2021: Preconstruction boot camp, and leadership strategies for navigating a challenging market
The January 7 episode of BD+C's The Weekly is available for viewing on demand.
Architects | Jan 5, 2021
Ware Malcomb finds itself in the mix for multiple diverse projects
Its latest completion is an office/factory/warehouse combo for one of Marvin Window’s brands.