Southside Co-Housing
This project involved guiding a group of 25 families through the process of developing a medium density co-housing community. MNA's services included project management as well as architectural design of this unique project, which is seen as a catalyst for rebuilding downtown Sacramento.
Our project management responsibilities included site and neighborhood evaluation, evaluating government, private construction and financing programs, preparing capital, operating cost estimates and projections, and negotiating all agreements for construction loans and mortgage programs. We also negotiated the selection of a contractor and agreements with the selected builder, and coordinated of other project consultants including attorneys, mortgage brokers and property managers.
Architectural design involved a lengthy and detailed community design process as we developed prototype units with groups of households for each unit type.
The wood-frame units surround an open space with a children's play area and the 2600 square feet Commons House, focal point of the community.
Because of its proximity to downtown jobs, automobile use is a fraction of the norm. The community also includes solar photovoltaic panels, organic gardens, storage for 75 bicycles, and a shop with shared tools including those for bicycle repair.
Awards
1993 Architectural Achievement Award, Sacramento Old City Association
1994 Gold Nugget Special Judges Award, Pacific Coast Builders Conference
1994 Outstanding Planning Project, American Planning Association, Sacramento Chapter
1994 Planning Excellence Award, American Planning Association, Sacramento Chapter
1994 Honor Award, American Institute of Architects, Central Valley Chapter
Awahnee Award, The Local Government Commission and California Council of the American Institute of Architects.
Project Details:
Owner/Developer: Sacramento Community Development Partnership & Ergos Developments
Architect: Mogavero Notestine Associates
Consultants: Landscape: Doug Strayer; Programming: Co-Housing Company; Property Management: Maloney Properties, Inc.; Photography: James Kline
General Contractor: Ergos Developments
TOTAL SITE AREA: 1.266 Acres / 55,147 s.f.
Community Center Size: 2600 Square Feet
# Of Units / Density: 25 Units; 20 Units/Acre
Unit Size: 1 Bd: 660 s.f.; 2 Bd: 1000 s.f.; 3 Bd: 1225 s.f.; 4 Bd: 1425 s.f.
Resident Profile: Mixed-Income Families
Previous Use of Site: Neighborhood Blight
Construction Details: New Construction; Wood-frame; Masonite lap-wood siding; Composite shingle roof.
Project Budget: $3.25 Million
Date of Completion: September 1993
Specialized Approaches
Ecologically sensitive techniques were combined with products that also kept green principles in mind.
- Energy efficient design - exceeded California's Title 24 requirements;
- Infill site location;
- Close to Downtown walking distance to thousands of jobs, shopping and entertainment.
- Alternative transportation nearby;
- Natural daylighting features;
- Natural ventilation features;
- Operable windows;
- Window shading;
- Insulation consisted of recycled content and was formaldehyde free;
- Flooring choices were all low V.O.C., no formaldehyde adhesives;
- Linoleum flooring was specified;
- Carpet had recycled content for indoor air quality;
- Paint was low- to no-V.O.C.;
- Fly ash was included in concrete material;
- 90% of the reinforcing bars were of recycled steel; and
- Construction/demolition waste programs were in force throughout the project.