Project Data:

Completion Date:     12/1/2023

Square Footage:      322600

Building Use:           Multi-family Housing

Project Description:

The project consists of two neighboring mid-rise multi-family buildings in downtown Santa Ana's Calle Cuatro corridor at the intersection of 4th Street and Main Street. Together, they offer 218 apartment homes in various styles, including studios and one- and two-bedroom floor plans.

The design pays homage to the historic architecture of the First American Title Company headquarters, formerly the Orange County Title Company, by incorporating the 1930s art deco facade into the modern community. The architect worked closely with two different entities specializing in historical preservation in Orange County and Santa Ana to preserve parts of the original exterior of the Title Company building in the mixed-use design. Additionally, the design drew inspiration from neighboring structures and the surrounding area.

The community's expressive character flows from the modern apartment homes to the welcoming community spaces. Rafferty boasts an array of amenities, including an expansive pool deck with elegant cabanas, daybeds, and shade umbrellas; dynamic indoor/outdoor fitness center, with towel service and flex space, featuring Wellbeats; jam room with speaker system; and coworking studio with both private and shared workspaces. The communal spaces invite residents to connect and unwind in sophisticated lounges and social hubs, including a speakeasy with functional bar and taps, a sky lounge with wet bar and billiards, and a rooftop deck with breathtaking views, grilling stations, and firepits.

This project helps introduce a walkable and lively mixed-use community that infuses energy into Orange County's urban core and brings much-anticipated housing options for young professionals working there. The OC Streetcar is conveniently located next to the site, providing easy and accessible public transportation to future residents. Rafferty complements the existing urban fabric and social hub of downtown Santa Ana.

The exclusive rooftop deck overlooks the neighboring 4th Street Market and offers views of the Newport Beach coast and Catalina Island. The mixed-use development on the ground floor includes over 12,300 square feet of retail space, providing opportunities for additional restaurants, shops, and pedestrian activities. The community offers both market-rate and affordable housing options.

Rafferty's apartments feature high-end finishes and modern amenities, including smart home technology, sleek cabinetry, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and custom modular closets. Some residences also offer private balconies, spacious soaking tubs, and double bathroom vanities.

Design for Well-being 

DESIGN FOR WELL-BEING
We have been looking for ways to design healthy spaces that promote well-being and cultivate social interaction within the community. This project was an opportunity to incorporate ideas to help a person's well-being, greatly influenced by their state of mind. It enables them to lead fulfilling lives, handle everyday stress, perform effectively at work, and contribute to the community. The project incorporates communal spaces to encourage residents to connect and relax in lounges and social hubs. These areas, such as the speakeasy with a functional bar and taps, the sky lounge with a wet bar and billiards, and the rooftop deck with breathtaking views, grilling stations, fire pits, pool and spa lounge areas, and the dog walk, are created to foster a sense of community. They create opportunities for people to interact with others, share ideas and thoughts, build trust and friendships, and reduce mental stress and anxiety. Both indoor and outdoor spaces have been carefully arranged to promote positive casual social interaction among neighbors, facilitate social connections, and reduce loneliness. The street corner was designed to attract residents and pedestrians who frequent the nearby restaurants connected to the project, creating community connections and opportunities for neighborhood engagement.

Completion Date:     12/1/2023

Square Footage:      322600

Building Use:           Multi-family Housing

Location:                 Santa Ana, California

Pieter Berger, AIA

MVE + Partners

Toll Brothers Apartment Living

Structure: Englekirk Partners
Civil: David Evans and Associates, Inc.
Civil Entitlements: Fuscoe
Mechanical & Plumbing: AME Design Group

MJS Landscape Architects

Snyder Langston

Historical Architect: Dunbar Architects
Acoustic: Veneklasen Associates
Pool: Aquatic Technologies
Interiors: H. Hendy Associates

Toll Brothers Apartment Living