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
Architects | Nov 28, 2017
Adding value through integrated technology requires a human touch
To help strike that delicate balance between the human and the high-tech, we must first have an in-depth understanding of our client’s needs as well as a manufacturer’s capabilities.
Architects | Nov 17, 2017
How to leverage historic tax credits
About 90% of the time prospective clients are not aware of historic tax credits.
Sponsored | Architects | Nov 16, 2017
Growing your AEC firm through an exceptional client experience
Many small AEC firms don’t feel they have the time to focus and create clear marketing messages.
Multifamily Housing | Nov 15, 2017
6 noteworthy multifamily developments: artists housing, tech lofts, resort-style senior living
These recently completed projects represent emerging trends and design innovations in the multifamily sector.
Architects | Nov 9, 2017
AECOM and Van Alen Institute announce four Urban SOS® 2017 finalists with bold ideas for creating more equitable cities
Multidisciplinary student teams were challenged to redefine the traditional “hour city” radius, providing broader access to opportunity.
Multifamily Housing | Nov 8, 2017
No place like home: LA’s The Six provides permanent supportive housing for veterans
The 52-unit development gives hope and dignity to homeless or disabled veterans and others in need.
Healthcare Facilities | Nov 6, 2017
Design isn’t enough to foster collaboration in healthcare and research spaces
A new Perkins Eastman white paper finds limited employee interaction at NYU Winthrop Hospital, a year after it opened.
Architects | Nov 6, 2017
How to start a negotiation: Begin as you mean to continue
How you start a negotiation often will determine where you end up, writes negotiation and mediation expert Brenda Radmacher.
Giants 400 | Nov 3, 2017
Top 25 military architecture firms
Jacobs, Michael Baker Intl., and HDR top BD+C’s ranking of the nation’s largest military sector architecture and AE firms, as reported in the 2017 Giants 300 Report.
Engineers | Nov 2, 2017
CannonDesign expands its presence in Colorado with BWG acquisition
Future mergers could be in the offing.
