Project Data:

Completion Date:     12/1/2021

Square Footage:      226868

Building Use:           Mixed-Use Housing & Retail Development

Project Description:

Guided by the city’s Town Center Specific Plan for the development of a new downtown mixed-use district, Prado West establishes a new direction for Dana Point, a historic Southern California enclave. This transformative project encompasses 109 units spread across a 2.3-acre site, alongside 32,500 square feet of retail space, further enriching the area's dynamic urban landscape.

The design of this pioneering coastal community faced numerous challenges, requiring innovative solutions to align with the city's vision and address the complexities of the site, program, and local context. The sloping triangular site presented significant challenges due to the difficult grading, its unique shape, and existing structures. Spanning three blocks, the site layout demanded a strategic approach as it was separated by a post office distribution facility, resulting in dividing the development into three podium buildings. An internal street with an arched tunnel element was crucial for connecting the site from one end to another, fostering community ties, and creating a seamless flow between the buildings. This solution provides the opportunity for future expansion onto adjacent parcels. The walkable pathways lead to the vibrant heart of the project—a pedestrian-friendly urban district boasting street-level boutiques, storefronts, shops, eateries, cafes, and public art. Today, the development is a bustling hub for gatherings, hosting an array of activities from farmers' markets, art walks, and craft fairs, to creating a dynamic community living room.

The project's location in a historic Southern California enclave necessitated a design that respected and enhanced the local heritage while establishing a distinct identity for the new downtown. A blend of diverse yet harmonious architectural styles creates an urban downtown environment, evoking the sense that the buildings were developed organically over time and contextually fit their surroundings. These buildings draw inspiration from local landmarks and beach culture, featuring bold colors and materials such as corrugated metal and natural wood siding. The proximity to the historic Lantern District required a design that celebrated and preserved local heritage while introducing contemporary elements. The striking 40-foot mural at the entrance serves as a nod to its roots, emphasizing an appreciation for art, culture, and local history.

Catering to the market of modern SoCal professionals, the carefully curated amenities include co-working spaces, a fitness center, a surfboard wash, a dog spa, a rooftop terrace, and more. With flexible unit plans, from one-bedroom to live-work units, the resort-style community generates the critical mass necessary to establish a lively downtown.

Challenged by multiple site constraints and ambitious urban design goals, this iconic downtown community responds with an innovative mixed-use program, a highly efficient and technical design, and diverse architecture establishing a bold new future for this burgeoning 21st-century seaside enclave.

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

Design for Integration:
Prado West stands out as a beacon of architectural excellence and site plan efficiency, deserving recognition for its adept utilization of placemaking principles. Seamlessly engaging the senses and connecting people to place, the new mixed-use community integrates into the Amber Lantern historic district by introducing a new design vernacular while respecting the context. This cultivates a distinctive urban identity and fosters a vibrant community where residents can thrive.
Drawing from local architecture and beach culture, Prado West employs design elements such as corrugated metal, natural wood siding, and vibrant colors. These features not only enhance its visual appeal but also create a tactile connection to the surrounding environment. The project's thoughtful design ensures it minimizes its footprint, preserving scenic views and respecting neighboring properties, even as it stands four stories tall.
Prado West achieves its mission to create a vibrant community where residents can thrive. It embodies the principle of contextual design, ensuring that the development feels as though it evolved naturally over time and is in harmony with its surroundings. This approach to placemaking is evident in its urban flair and the way it integrates local cultural elements into its design, like public art, fostering a deeper connection between residents and the place they call home. By doing so, Prado West not only provides a functional living space but also enriches the sensory experience of its residents, making it a model for future developments in this coastal setting.

Design for Equitable Communities:
Prado West is designed to foster human connection and community engagement through thoughtful design principles. By integrating new housing with retail spaces, it blurs the lines between residents and community members, encouraging communal experiences at the street level. The development features outstanding new restaurants and sidewalk cafes with al fresco dining, enhancing the experience for both residents and visitors. Additional retail options and a public art venue form the retail mixed-use core of the development, attracting more pedestrians and businesses to reinvigorate the Lantern District.
Prado Square, established by the community, serves as the vehicle for community engagement, managing events, and activating the downtown urban core. Its programming draws people together, fostering memorable connections and making it the perfect location in Dana Point for community gatherings. Public events hosted by Prado Square include farmers' markets, art festivals, concerts, car shows, and craft fairs, which attract locals and enhance sensory engagement through sights, sounds, and social interactions.
Public spaces are activated by unique rotating art installations and murals lining the walkways and courtyards, complemented by seating areas that invite pedestrians to enjoy the outdoor scenery. The design of the main courtyard along Amber Lantern creates a walkable street environment, ideal for events and community activities. On special occasions, the main street is closed to vehicular traffic and transformed into an outdoor venue welcoming pedestrians. This downtown development serves as a backdrop to the greater coastal community, providing a space for enhanced community and neighborhood identity.

Design for Well-being:
Designed for its environment in Dana Point, California, the project’s design promotes comfort and health by fostering an active and engaging atmosphere. The project encourages pedestrian and cyclist traffic, inviting residents and visitors to enjoy leisurely strolls to the beach, explore local shops, and indulge in nearby culinary experiences. The inclusion of amenities such as a 24-hour fitness center, a surfboard washroom with lockers, bike storage, and a rooftop terrace enhances an active lifestyle and aligns with beach-centric activities. These features support a healthy lifestyle by providing residents with convenient access to exercise facilities and outdoor recreational options. The retail shops with the development, like Clean Juice, Yoga Six, Rip Curl, Lost Winds Dive Shop, And Penelope Pots, are focused on well-being and promote an active, Dana Point lifestyle.
Furthermore, the design promotes a car-free community with its walkable conveniences, reducing the reliance on vehicles and encouraging more physical activity. By connecting the place with nature, the project integrates outdoor spaces that allow residents to soak in the sunshine and enjoy the natural beauty of Dana Point, creating a harmonious balance between urban living and the coastal environment.

Completion Date:     12/1/2021

Square Footage:      226868

Building Use:           Mixed-Use Housing & Retail Development

Location:                 Dana Point, CA

AO

NA

Raintree Partners

Psomas

GMP Land Architecture

W.E. O’Neil Construction

Interior Design - H. Hendy Associates
Geotechnical Engineer: Nova Services

Hayley Hill Photography
Chad Davies of Davies Imaging Group