The Grand Opening for the first Green Point rated, "universal design,” multi-family project in Sonoma County took place on Wednesday, January 7, 2009. There is much to celebrate about the Casa Grande Senior Residential Facility! The City of Petaluma’s Build-It-Green program awarded this project 103 Green Points – twice as many as the 50 minimum to be Green Point rated. In addition, the 100% “universal design” status reflects the comprehensive use of construction features which allow independent seniors and people with disabilities to maintain their independence. Architect, Tony Battaglia of Archumana, Inc., integrated these elements into a versatile and elegant contemporary style. This is the largest affordable housing project built by PEP Housing in its 30 year history and includes 58 residential units totaling 36,386 sf, a community center, and landscape features located on 2.33 acres.
The most prominent attribute is the overall site plan. The architecture has a strong aesthetic sense which creates a neighborly environment and pleasant energy throughout. The composition of the four, 2-story, residential buildings places curved buildings within right-angled buildings in such a way that creates a nesting effect. This effect is further enhanced by catwalks at the second floor level which interconnect all the residential buildings. The curve design also engages one’s interest while strolling the pathways which interlace the community through landscaped courtyards, past a water fountain and other unique features. Many of the second-floor residences enjoy views overlooking the area’s rural landscape and surrounding hills.
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The Community Center is a 1,850 sf structure, which further strengthens interaction between residents and creates community. The bamboo flooring, built-in bookcases, flat-screen TV, kitchen and fireplace make this an inviting center. Natural light suffuses the space with floor-to-ceiling windows. Just beyond the entrance are a bocce ball court and a community garden with raised planters accessible to wheelchair-bound residents. From the community center residents may observe the sheep and lambs in neighboring pastures.
The Green Point rating acknowledges a wide spectrum of green features, most notably the solar photo-voltaic system which augments the community’s site electrical power, the metal stud construction to conserve natural resources, pervious concrete in all the pathways which prevents run-off flooding and returns rainwater to the water table. The bamboo flooring in the Community Center is another conservation feature, as is the natural lighting provided by its floor-to-ceiling windows.
Compelling ADA design features are the emergency call features, electrical outlets installed at a higher than standard level from the floor, push-pull interior door hardware, modified built-in appliances such as side-opening ovens, and the use of non-toxic, non-allergenic materials.
Casa Grande is Midstate Construction’s third project with PEP Housing. Edith Street Apartments was completed in 2000, followed by the Richard S. Lieb Senior Apartments in 2004.
Midstate Construction is proud to have worked closely with PEP Housing and Archumana, Inc., to bring this project to its successful completion. |
