Metro Square
Located in downtown Sacramento, Metro Square was developed through a partnership between a merchant builder and the local redevelopment agency. This infill market-rate single family housing project single-handedly transformed the Central City housing market.
The project features 45 single family homes on 2.2 acres (20.5 dwelling units per acre) ranging in size from 1,250 square feet to 1,550 square feet. Each unit has a front porch, a small private backyard, and a one or two car garage tucked under the unit. The two-story homes offer two to three bedrooms, up to two and one-half baths. Some plans feature dual master suites, den-library or private decks. The Redevelopment Agency loaned the developer $1.2 million to reduce the land costs and mitigate the risk of building in the Central City rather than in the suburbs.
Architectural design balances contemporary construction needs with the existing character of the neighborhood. A central courtyard serves as a focal point for community interaction. The street appearance of the project conforms to that of an early 20th century residential neighborhood, while the interior emphasizes community interaction and the scale of contemporary development.
Awards
2001 Ahwahnee Award
Local Government Commission
California Council
2000 Certificate of Merit
Outstanding Planning Project
American Planning Association,
Sacramento Valley Chapter
1999 Architectural Award
Sacramento Old City Association
1998 Gold Nugget Award of Merit
Best Single Family Detached Home
Pacific Coast Builders Conference
1998 Gold Nugget Award of Merit
Best Redevelopment Rehab/Infill Project
Pacific Coast Builders Conference
Project Details:
Owner/Developer: Sares-Regis Homes / SHRA
Architect: Mogavero Notestine Associates
General Contractor: Sares-Regis Homes
Total Site Area: 2.2 Acres / 60,750 Square Feet
Previous Use of Site: Vacant lot
Resident Profile: Professionals and Families
100% For-sale
# Of Units / Density: 45 units; 20.5 Units/Acre
Unit Size: 2BR: 1,250 Square Feet; 3BR: 1450-1550 Square Feet
Construction Details: 2-Story; New Construction Wood Frame and Stucco
Project Budget: $6.1 Million
Date of Completion: June 1998
Specialized Approaches
Ecologically sensitive techniques were combined with products that also kept green principles in mind.
- Roof orientation for photovoltaic retrofits
- Surface drainage to reduce water pollutants
- Energy efficient design - exceeded California's Title 24 requirements by 35 to 42 percent;
- Infill site location;
- Natural daylighting features;
- Natural ventilation features;
- Operable windows
- Window shading;
- Linoleum flooring was specified;
- Carpet with recycled content;
- Paint was low- to no-V.O.C.;
- Fly ash was used in concrete material;
- 90% of the reinforcing bars were of recycled steel;
- Metro Square consumes only roughly one-quarter as much land as conventional suburban developments with the same number of single family homes.
- Despite alleys and wide sidewalks, Metro Square contains less than average paved surface per capita thus reducing surface water runoff.
- More compact lots reduce the need for pesticides, fertilizers, and water for irrigation during Sacramento's dry summers.
- Amenities within walking distance such as: supermarket, convenience stores, schools, parks, and public transit service.
- Location and features reduce driving and attendant motor vehicle pollution. Survey results indicate that Metro Square residents may be more than four times as likely to accomplish daily tasks by walking and may take only half as many driving trips as other Sacramento Residents, driving a total of between only 50-60 percent as many miles. This translates into fuel and energy savings as well as fewer emissions of greenhouse gases and unhealthy air pollutants.