Nonprofit developer Resources for Community Development (RCD) and KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, are proposing to contribute to the renaissance of Martinez, California’s downtown area. Using the inspiration of the local architecture, the latest in green building technologies and design, and answering the strong demand for high quality affordable housing for seniors, RCD is in negotiations to purchase 1.03 acres in order to build Berrellesa Palms. Designed by KTGY, Berrellesa Palms is a proposed environmentally- and pedestrian-friendly, transit-oriented community, which would provide 48 one-bedroom apartments (plus an on-site manager’s unit) for active seniors 55 years of age and over, with rents at levels affordable to working as well as retired individuals and couples. Currently, the City of Martinez has three affordable housing developments in operation in Martinez but none offer income-adjusted housing specifically for seniors.
Berrellesa Palms is estimated to represent an $18.5 million public/private investment in the City of Martinez’s downtown neighborhood, $13.7 million of which is private equity or conventional debt. In addition, a $10.2 million conventional construction loan is anticipated.The development of Berrellesa Palms would provide area seniors with an opportunity to enjoy high quality new homes conveniently located within walking distance of downtown retail and commercial services and mass transit.
"Oftentimes, when residents hear the words ‘affordable housing,’ they immediately envision substandard housing and an owner that doesn’t care about the property or its residents or neighbors," says Jill Williams, AIA, principal at KTGY, based in Oakland, Calif. "This is certainly not the case with Berkeley-based RCD, one of the top affordable housing developers in the nation, according to Affordable Housing Finance magazine. RCD is known for their quality and dedication to creating and preserving affordable housing for those with the fewest options."
KTGY has garnered national accolades for their green, affordable housing community designs as well as their market rate and luxury housing communities. "As a member of Build-It Green as well as the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), KTGY continues to stay at the forefront of this dynamic industry and has LEED accredited and sustainability/green building experts as well as senior housing design specialists," Williams states.
RCD’s Associate Director of Housing Deni Adaniya says, "As with most of RCD’s recent developments, Berrellesa Palms will be designed to achieve a GreenPoint Rating or LEED Certification. Environmental responsibility, a healthy indoor environment and sustainability are core values in the design of our properties."
Overall energy performance for Berrellesa Palms is expected to exceed Title 24 by over 15% and will include ENERGY STAR appliances in all units, energy-efficient, low -mercury lighting, double-paned and double glazed low E windows, low-flow restrictors on bathroom and kitchen faucets, recycled content carpet and ground concrete flooring, and low or no-VOC paints; formaldehyde-free cabinet boxes, counter top substrates, and building insulation; implementation of indoor construction air quality management plan, construction waste recycling plan that diverts 75% of construction waste from landfills, a recycling trash chute for residents; and drought tolerant landscaping, bioswale drainage and filtration, and water permeable pavement.
With approvals, construction could begin on Berrellesa Palms in fall 2010, with completion anticipated for winter 2011, adds Adaniya.
For more information on the proposed project, visit http://www.ktgy.com/press.html
