Project Data:

Completion Date:     12/18/2023

Square Footage:      81021

Building Use:           Affordable, Supportive Housing

Project Description:

Clara Vista is an adaptive reuse project that transformed the former Tahiti Motel in Stanton, CA, into supportive housing for families, veterans, and formerly homeless households. Developed in partnership with Jamboree Housing Corporation, the County of Orange, the City of Stanton, and the State HCD, the project spans 1.86 acres at 11850 and 11870 Beach Boulevard. Funded by State HCD Homekey funds acquired in December 2020, the former motel has been converted into studio apartments within two existing two-story buildings.

The site aims to provide permanent supportive housing for 59 formerly homeless households, including 10 units reserved for veterans meeting HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) criteria. The project involved converting motel rooms into studio apartments and constructing a new 3,400-square-foot community building with outdoor amenities on the adjacent leased site. The community building features counseling rooms, a group room, a kitchen, a TV lounge, a game room, a laundry room, and office spaces for service staff. The outdoor space includes a courtyard with a garden, barbecue areas, seating, tables, walkways, and landscaping—a welcoming space for residents to come together. Additionally, the site offers 50 parking spaces for convenience.

Transitioning from a functioning motel to residential units posed significant hurdles. This included addressing specific fire safety requirements and obtaining approval from both the fire department and the city. The property's existing use as a motel necessitated adjustments for residential occupancy, such as implementing different fire protection measures and ensuring appropriate access points. Coordinating these changes with the city was particularly challenging, given the smaller unit sizes compared to typical residential projects. Additionally, the project's location on a busy Beach Boulevard presented further complexities. The high traffic volume and proximity to the sidewalk required careful consideration in mitigating potential issues.

Integral to Clara Vista’s success is its comprehensive supportive services, provided by Jamboree’s dedicated Community Impact team. This team includes a full-time case manager and a full-time Supportive Service Coordinator, offering on-site support to residents. The services are designed to create a stable environment, facilitating successful transitions for formerly homeless individuals into permanent housing. The community building serves as a hub for these services, offering spaces for counseling, group activities, and social interaction, which contribute to the overall well-being of the residents.

Clara Vista stands as a model for adaptive reuse projects, effectively addressing the housing needs of vulnerable populations while overcoming significant challenges associated with site context, program scope, and regulatory compliance.

Design for Integration, Design for Equitable Communities, Design for Economy, Design for Well-being, Design for Resources, Design for Change 

Clara Vista integrates thoughtful design principles that elevate the project's impact on the community, promote well-being, and ensure economic and resource efficiency while remaining adaptable to future changes.

Design for Integration: Seamlessly transforming the former Tahiti Motel into a supportive housing community, this adaptive reuse project converted interim housing into Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). Funded initially by the State HCD Homekey program, this process involved light rehabilitation for interim housing followed by a comprehensive renovation for PSH providing 59 formerly homeless households, including 10 veteran units, with a stable and supportive living environment.

Design for Equitable Communities: Clara Vista significantly impacts Stanton’s community by providing housing for vulnerable populations as part of a larger effort to combat homelessness. This is one of three motels converted to PSH in collaboration with the City of Stanton and County of Orange utilizing $23.5 million in Homekey funds and $30 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credits. The site creates a thriving community with comprehensive supportive services, ensuring long-term stability and empowerment for its residents.

Design for Well-Being: The well-being of Clara Vista's residents is central to its design with an on-site Community Impact team that delivers holistic supportive services, including counseling, health care coordination, and personalized service plans. The community building provides spaces for social interaction, recreation, and essential services, enhancing mental and emotional well-being. The outdoor courtyard also offers a welcoming environment for residents to relax and connect, promoting physical health and social cohesion.

Design for Economy: Clara Vista’s rehabilitation and renovation efforts generated an estimated $7 million in local income, $1.3 million in taxes and revenue, and 96 jobs. The ongoing impact includes $1.6 million in local income, $302,000 in taxes, and 26 jobs annually. Funding sources, including $1.9 million from the City of Stanton, $2.4 million from the County of Orange, $16.5 million in tax credit equity from Boston Financial, and a $3.5 million loan from Century Housing, illustrate a well-balanced strategy that maximizes economic benefits for partners and residents alike.

Design for Resources: Clara Vista's adaptive reuse of the Tahiti Motel highlights resourceful design by repurposing existing structures which minimized environmental impact and optimized material use. The project's focus on durable and safe housing aligns with sustainable practices, ensuring long-term resilience and the integration of energy-efficient systems and materials.

Design for Change: The project's phased approach—starting with interim housing and transitioning to PSH—demonstrates flexibility in addressing immediate needs while planning for long-term stability. This forward-thinking strategy ensures that the housing solutions remain relevant and effective over time, reducing risks and enhancing the project's usability and value for the City of Stanton and the County of Orange.

Completion Date:     12/18/2023

Square Footage:      81021

Building Use:           Affordable, Supportive Housing

Location:                 Stanton, CA

WHA | Architects. Planners. Designers

Jamboree Housing Corporation

Site Design Studio, Inc.

ICON National

Lokro Productions, Inc.