Park Avenue
Park Avenue is a shining example of how the collaboration of the Chico Redevelopment Agency, the City of Chico, the Housing Authority of the County of Butte, Affordable Housing Development Corporation and Mogavero Notestine Associates all came together for the purpose of eliminating underutilized land along Park Avenue, providing senior low income housing and, at the same time, designing a unique and attractive building that would serve as a catalyst for additional redevelopment in the City for years to come.
This project brings the opportunity for a modern, safe and very attractive living environment to the lives of 107 senior households that did not previously have this type of opportunity in the Chico community.
The one-and two-bedroom units range from 560 to 800 square feet with a total project square footage of 89,000 square feet. The complex has been planned with several common areas that will allow the residents to interact with one another in a community setting. These include a lounge, community meeting area and laundry rooms. Twenty-three parking spaces will be provided to residents and visitors.
The existing single family neighborhood and surrounding businesses presented special challenges to the design and site layout. The front of the building was designed to be grand, yet commercial in appearance, complimenting the other businesses that exist on the corridor. The common areas are highly transparent, and on the ground level to liven the street-front after hours.
The on-site parking areas were strategically designed to be hidden away from the traffic corridor and by stepping down to two-stories, the rear of the building was specifically designed to blend with the existing historical single family homes.
Each residence has its own outdoor space (balcony or porch) inviting residents to enjoy the outdoors.The courtyard walkway is covered and provides a serene outdoor space while shading the residents from the hot Chico sun.
Awards
2007 Gold Nugget Award of Merit
'Best in the West' Senior Housing Project
Pacific Coast Builders Conference
Project Details:
Owner/Developer: Affordable Housing Development Corporation
Architect: Mogavero Notestine Associates
Consultants: Landscape: Haag Landscape; Civil: Yamabe & Horn; Structural: Buehler & Buehler; Electrical: Sacramento Engineering; Mechanical/Plumbing: Peter's Engineering; Photography: Domin Photography
General Contractor: Ashwood Construction
Total Site Area: 1.46 Acres / 63,624 Square Feet
Previous Use of Site: Vacant commercial
Resident Profile: Seniors
# Of Units / Density: 107 units; 73 Units/Acre
Residential Area: 78,218 s.f.
Office Area: 4,507 s.f.
Community Space: 5,120 s.f.
Construction Details: V-1HR; Wood frame; Cement plaster
Project Budget: $11.5 Million
Date of Completion: Fall 2006
Specialized Approaches
Ecologically sensitive techniques were combined with products that also kept green principles in mind.
- High density urban infill site. Although the F.A.R. being increased by over 10 times, the non-permeable area of the site was decreased;
- On side storm drainage detention and purification;
- Located on the main bus route in the City;
- Walking distance to basic commercial and senior oriented services;
- Parking under habitable space to eliminate pavement;
- Parking quantity below code requirements;
- Traffic calming and pedestrian safety enhancements on surrounding streets;
- Low flow water fixtures;
- Water conserving landscaping;
- Increased wall and roof insulation;
- Variable transmissivity glass;
- Structural shading of glass;
- High efficiency HVAC;
- Local originating building materials;
- Energy Star Appliances;
- Energy efficient lighting;
- Construction/demolition waste programs were in force throughout the project.