Mogavero Architects

Sierra Vista Homes Phase I

A new affordable housing community replaces aging buildings and resident facilities, and will provide additional units and amenities for existing and future tenants.

The redevelopment includes increased residential density from 9 units to 16 units per acre. Family housing consisting of one, two, three and four bedroom units will be arranged in a pedestrian-focused relationship to garden courts and streets with separated sidewalks.

A large community center with pool and adjacent basketball half-court, along with with tot lots and play areas will encourage interaction between families, young children and older generations.

The first phase of a 43-acre master plan replaces housing built in the early 1950’s with energy efficient affordable residences centered around common spaces.

Secondary paths and routes to the neighborhood elementary school are planned for safe routes to school. Improvements of streetscape, accessible crossings and connections to the greater community will aid in increasing pedestrian pathways to school and public transportation. The site design and current access to public transportation allows the project to pursue parking reductions to one parking space per unit. Bicycle parking has also been provided at one space per unit.

Laundry facilities will be provided in the common areas, as well as a hook-up in each unit. All ground floor units are designed to be adaptable, with upper units at 10% accessibility following the same floor plan.

Storm water mitigation approaches will help to shape the landscape with bio-swales and retention basins reminiscent of local wetlands. A selection of native plant species has been chosen to support these systems and to provide interpretive learning landscapes for outdoor education.

Helping to alleviate the burden of utility expenses and offset the carbon footprint, the project is designed to be Net Zero. Current commitments are at minimum 40% solar PV offset of residential load and 100% common load. Common hot water systems for each building are arranged to support future solar hot water.