Project Data:

Completion Date:     6/7/2023

Square Footage:      356283

Building Use:           Multifamily Housing for Seniors

Project Description:

Revitalizing a community with affordable senior housing through the adaptive reuse of a half-built structure is a rare opportunity. Originally envisioned for retail and luxury condos in 2007, the structure, dubbed the “Rusty Skeleton” by locals, was abandoned for over a decade, becoming a magnet for decay and crime. Reimagined as a mixed-use senior village, Garden Brook Senior Village breathes new life into this mixed-use corridor, offering 394 affordable apartments, 25,000 SF of recreational amenities, and 13,000 SF of ground-level retail.

Acknowledging Garden Grove as a melting pot for cultural diversity and economic disparity, Garden Brook Senior Village addresses the pressing need for affordable housing. Set along Garden Grove Boulevard, the site is close to major freeways, regional parks, existing retail centers, and cultural hubs hosting restaurants, shops, and cultural events.

The mission to transform the unsightly steel frame, visible from the Garden Grove Freeway, into a fresh, new gateway for the city required innovative planning and design. The ground-level retail features metal awnings that draw pedestrian traffic and reinvigorate the street. Intelligent proportions, varied parapet heights, and horizontal balconies enhance visual interest. A weaving pattern of geometric shapes, punctuated by bold red accents, reflects the community’s diverse cultures, symbolizing a place of prosperity. Metal grills, organic screens, colored Plexiglas, and bold accent colors formulate a modern residential ambiance.

The residential units feature modern kitchens, full-size bathrooms, and open floor plans suited for residents 62 years or older earning below 60% of the area median income. A purposeful program of indoor and outdoor amenities promotes social interaction. By seamlessly integrating indoor lounges with accessible outdoor spaces, residents are encouraged to engage with each other and their environment, promoting a sense of community and vitality.

Within a short walk to local shops, parks, medical services, and a bus stop, convenience is amplified for residents. The neighboring Boys and Girls Club encourages intergenerational programming, emboldening connections between seniors and adolescents. A series of roof decks on the upper levels and a centralized courtyard offer spaces for reprieve in fresh air, leading to a happier and healthier lifestyle for active seniors. This project is a long-awaited renewal, offering affordable housing, stimulating amenities, future retail, and quality living for active seniors, enhancing their daily lives.

Design for Integration, Design for Equitable Communities, Design for Well-being, Design for Discovery 

Design for Integration

Garden Brook Senior Village transforms a long-abandoned structure, infamously dubbed the “Rusty Skeleton,” into a dynamic and vibrant senior housing community. This innovative project turns a former eyesore into an inviting and functional space, engaging the senses through meticulously chosen design elements. Features such as metal awnings, bold red accents, and diverse geometric patterns mirror the rich cultural tapestry of Garden Grove, adding to the area’s unique identity.

The architectural design thoughtfully incorporates intelligent proportions and varied parapet heights, which not only enhances the building's visual appeal, but also establishes a distinct sense of place. These design choices contribute to creating a visually stimulating environment that resonates with the community’s diverse cultural heritage. Garden Brook Senior Village stands as a testament to how adaptive reuse and creative design can breathe new life into neglected structures, fostering a renewed sense of community and belonging.

Design for Equitable Communities

Garden Brook Senior Village engages and promotes human connection by creating a community-oriented environment specifically designed to foster interaction among residents. The project features a purposeful blend of indoor and outdoor amenities that encourage socialization, such as communal lounges, accessible outdoor spaces, and a centralized courtyard. These areas provide inviting spaces for residents to gather, socialize, and build relationships, thereby enhancing the overall sense of community.

The development also promotes inclusion and social equity by addressing a critical need for affordable senior housing in Garden Grove. Prior to this project, there were no affordable options available for seniors in the area, forcing many long-time residents to move away due to rising housing costs and gentrification. By offering 394 affordable apartments to seniors earning below 60% of the area median income, Garden Brook Senior Village allows seniors to age in place within their own community, ensuring they are not priced out of their homes and neighborhoods.

Garden Brook’s location along Garden Grove Boulevard provides easy access to local shops, parks, medical services, and public transportation, further integrating seniors into the broader community and promoting a sense of belonging. The inclusion of ground-level retail and recreational amenities not only serves the residents, but also attracts pedestrian traffic, revitalizing the area and fostering intergenerational interactions. The neighboring Boys and Girls Club, for example, encourages programming that brings together seniors and adolescents, enriching the lives of both groups through shared activities and experiences.

Garden Brook Senior Village engages and promotes human connection through its thoughtful design and community-focused amenities. It champions inclusion and social equity by providing much-needed affordable housing for seniors, enabling them to remain in their community and enjoy a high quality of life. This project stands as a beacon of renewal, bridging gaps in social equity and fostering a vibrant, inclusive community.

Design for Well-being

The design of Garden Brook Senior Village promotes comfort and health by integrating modern, spacious apartments equipped with full-size kitchens and bathrooms, tailored to the needs of seniors. Indoor lounges and outdoor amenities like roof decks and a central courtyard provide spaces for relaxation and social interaction, enhancing residents' well-being. The design connects people to place with nature by incorporating abundant green spaces and accessible outdoor areas. Roof decks and the courtyard offer residents opportunities to enjoy fresh air and sunlight, fostering a connection with the natural environment.

To encourage a healthy lifestyle, the project includes recreational amenities and promotes walkability with close proximity to local shops, parks, and medical services. Easy access to public transportation and nearby cultural hubs further supports an active, engaged lifestyle for residents. The collaboration with the neighboring Boys and Girls Club also encourages intergenerational activities, enhancing both physical and social health.

Design for Discovery

The transformation of Garden Brook Senior Village from a defunct mall into a vibrant senior housing community has provided valuable lessons in adaptive reuse and community-centric design. Initially envisioned as a retail and luxury condo complex, the project was abandoned for a decade, underscoring the importance of understanding the long-term viability and evolving needs of the community.

Flexibility and Adaptation: The ability to pivot from the original mall concept to affordable senior housing demonstrated the necessity of adaptable design that can evolve with changing economic and community needs.

Community Vision: The project's journey highlighted the importance of a strong community vision that can persist through economic fluctuations. This vision ultimately guided the redevelopment to meet the current needs of the community, such as affordable senior housing.

Sustainable Practices: Cleaning up and remediating the site before construction emphasized the importance of environmental responsibility in redevelopment projects. This step ensured the health and safety of future residents.

Long-Term Impact: The project underscored the need for designs that nurture and impact the community positively over the long term. Providing affordable housing for seniors helps maintain community diversity and supports the aging population.

Completion Date:     6/7/2023

Square Footage:      356283

Building Use:           Multifamily Housing for Seniors

Location:                 Garden Grove, CA

AO

AO

AMG & Associates

Huitt Zollars (Civil)
DC Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing)
Nextech Engineering, Inc. (Structural)

Thomas H. Phelps ASLA, RLA

Sinanian Development Inc.

The Pacific Companies (Interiors)

Dustin Bailey