Project Data:

Completion Date:     5/19/2023

Square Footage:      223492

Building Use:           Provide high-quality affordable homes for families who earn between 30% and 60% of the area median income (AMI) in a community with excellent job and educational opportunities.

Project Description:

The Finamore Place project was an ambitious initiative to deliver affordable, high-quality homes in Anaheim, California, whilst integrating much-needed community services within the same precinct. With the goal of fostering a resilient and sustainable community, this project was rife with challenges from conception to completion.

A major challenge in the project’s design was the adaptation of a 2.86-acre vacant site into a mixed-use residential and community services development. This required an intelligent, space-efficient design that accommodated 102 apartments and a 17,000 square-foot community center without compromising the residents' quality of life. The solution to this was a vertical architecture that allowed for an expansive open courtyard space and a multi-story parking structure that optimized the use of available space.

Contextually, the project sought to blend with Anaheim's modern architectural style while catering to the unique needs of its low-income and formerly homeless residents. The design had to be both aesthetically pleasing and functional, incorporating accessible features, and a range of amenities to cater to residents' diverse needs. Creating a sense of community was also vital, with features such as the community garden, recreational clubhouse, and public art incorporated to foster connections among residents and the surrounding neighborhood.

Another significant challenge was the project's budget and financing. The project was heavily reliant on a complex mix of funds, including tax credit equity, construction financing, permanent financing, local government support, and loans. Balancing the stringent budget constraints with the goal of delivering high-quality, sustainable homes and amenities required innovative solutions and rigorous cost management.

The pursuit of LEED certification posed additional challenges. To achieve this, the design had to comply with rigorous sustainability standards, including energy efficiency, water savings, sustainable materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. This required careful selection of construction materials and systems, and the inclusion of green features like ENERGY STAR appliances, photovoltaics, electric vehicle charging stations, and water-efficient fixtures.

The inclusion of Permanent Supportive Housing for formerly homeless residents necessitated careful consideration of the unique needs of these residents. This included both the design of the homes themselves and the provision of ongoing supportive services to help these residents sustain their tenancies. Which helps to ensure connectivity to local services was a pivotal aspect of the project. The site’s proximity to amenities such as parks, schools, and public transit influenced the design to promote walkability and easy access to these facilities.

Finamore Place project's design faced challenges of context adaptation, rigorous budget constraints, stringent sustainability goals, accommodating diverse resident needs, and promoting community connection. Through innovative design solutions and careful project management, these challenges were successfully navigated to deliver a project that sets a benchmark in affordable, sustainable housing development.

Framework for Design Excellence

Design for Equitable Communities
Finamore Place has been meticulously designed with the vision of fostering equitable communities. The project's greater reach extends far beyond merely providing affordable housing options. It facilitates a vibrant and inclusive community by offering a plethora of on-site services to cater to the needs of its residents and the larger community. The development’s close proximity to parks, schools, and public transportation, as well as shopping and medical centers, contributes to creating a diverse, accessible, walkable, and human-scaled community.

Finamore Place addresses social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion by offering homes to families who earn between 30% and 60% of the area median income and by setting aside units for formerly homeless residents. This inclusive approach ensures that a diverse group of residents, including those from vulnerable communities, have access to quality housing. The design incorporates an extensive array of amenities, including a community center, outdoor areas, and a garden, fostering a sense of community and promoting human connection.

The design process must always consider if there are any overlooked groups. For instance, while the project has made considerable efforts to include vulnerable communities, it might further explore ways to accommodate the needs of the elderly or persons with disabilities, if not already addressed. Moreover, engaging residents and the wider community in future design and decision-making processes could further promote inclusion and social equity.

In terms of community resilience, the project is designed to support health and resilience in times of need or emergencies. Its LEED design aims at promoting a healthier living environment. Furthermore, the presence of onsite medical and mental health services, as well as early education facilities, helps ensure that essential services are within easy reach during emergencies. The project's design also reclaims and transforms an unused strip of land into landscaped walkways, thereby promoting outdoor activities and community connection.

Regarding mobility and access, the project's location is less than half a mile from public transportation lines and includes ample parking in a centralized three-story structure, complete with charging stations for electric vehicles. This thoughtful arrangement caters to a wide variety of mobility needs and supports sustainable transportation practices.

The design of Finamore Place is rooted in the principles of social justice, equity, and inclusion. Through careful design and a holistic approach, it strives to create an environment that is not just a place to live, but a supportive community that fosters engagement, empowerment, and resilience.

Design for Integration
Finamore Place is an embodiment of beauty and delight, integrated seamlessly into its surroundings. The architectural design draws on the contemporary, modern style that characterizes Anaheim, with building exteriors combining stucco, Hardie Panel siding, and wood accents to create a visually appealing aesthetic. The spacious courtyard and landscaped walkways introduce elements of nature, further enhancing the beauty of the space. The community garden is not only a resource for fresh herbs, vegetables, and flowers but also a delightful touch that encourages residents to engage with nature and each other.

The central design and performance concept of Finamore Place revolves around creating a beacon of hope and support for residents and the surrounding community. This vision is realized through a blend of residential and communal spaces designed to foster social interactions and deliver essential services. The design is performance-focused, with features such as ENERGY STAR appliances and fixtures, electric vehicle charging stations, and photovoltaic systems, aimed at reducing energy consumption and supporting a sustainable lifestyle.

The design of Finamore Place is firmly rooted in its place, considering the climate, history, and people of Anaheim. Its location in the heart of Anaheim provides excellent job and educational opportunities. The community’s amenities, including outdoor picnic areas, sports areas, reflection walk, and rooftop deck, are all carefully planned to take advantage of the favorable Californian climate. The decision to reclaim a previously unused strip of adjacent land for landscaped walkways and a community garden underscores a connection with the local history of land use while also creating a people-centric space.

Finally, the design process of Finamore Place was truly integrated, involving multiple stakeholders including the City of Anaheim, Jamboree, community service partners, and local stakeholders. The aim was to create a living space that not only provides affordable housing but also delivers a range of supportive services tailored to meet the needs of residents and the local community. By coordinating closely with the city on community outreach efforts and leveraging the collective knowledge of community service providers, the design process was inclusive and holistic, ensuring the final design was well-integrated into the fabric of the community.

Design for Economy
Finamore Place was meticulously designed to maximize economy while maintaining an abundant lifestyle for its residents. The project's budget-conscious design manifested in the efficient use of space and resources, while still providing a plethora of amenities and services to enhance residents' economic, intellectual, and experiential opportunities. Compact yet functional apartment layouts, coupled with shared communal spaces, enabled a higher density of dwellings without compromising on living standards. The decision to incorporate community services within the development, such as the early education center and medical services, enriched the intellectual and experiential resources available to residents, fostering a vibrant and self-sustaining community ecosystem. Economically, this model allowed for savings in infrastructure and transportation costs, creating added value for both the residents and the broader community.

In terms of balancing cost with long-term value, the design choices were informed by a commitment to sustainable practices, which although might incur initial higher costs, provide substantial long-term savings and benefits. Achieving LEED certification through energy-efficient appliances, water-saving fixtures, and the inclusion of a solar-powered central boiler system will not only lower the community's carbon footprint but also reduce ongoing utility costs for residents. The development's resilient design and durable materials selection further ensure longevity and lower maintenance costs, enhancing the project's long-term economic viability.

For future improvements that are cost and design-neutral, it would be beneficial to continually monitor the development's performance post-occupancy. This data can provide insights into areas that might need enhancements, such as energy efficiency or water consumption, that can be addressed with minimal cost and design alterations. Furthermore, engaging with the residents to gather feedback can highlight opportunities to improve community amenities or services, ultimately enhancing the quality of life within Finamore Place in a cost-effective manner.

Firm Name:              Architecture Design Collaborative

Completion Date:     5/19/2023

Square Footage:      223492

Building Use:           Provide high-quality affordable homes for families who earn between 30% and 60% of the area median income (AMI) in a community with excellent job and educational opportunities.

Location:                 915 E. Orangewood Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92802

Design Architect:
Chris Weimholt | Architecture Design Collaborative

Associate Architect or Firm:

Landscape Architect:
Site Design Studio

Owner / Developer:
Jamboree

Engineer:
Fuscoe Engineering

General Contractor:
Jamboree's, Quality Development Construction Incorporated

Consultant:
Seneca Structural
PBA Structural
TAD Engineering
Candela Engineering
CDC Design
Faces of Santa Ana
Primus Twinning
Partner Energy
Accessibility Specialists
Hillman Consulting
Bollard Acoustical
AMJ California Solar Integrators Inc.
Sign Post Studio
Citrus Public Relations
Gallagher
Rutan

Photographer:
Juan Tallo