Novato, California

This is an affordable housing project for extremely low-income seniors, developed by the non-profit developer, Eden Housing on a 2.55-acre site. The building is a combination of two and three stories, with two story lobby and community spaces for on-site service programs for residents. The landscape development includes a community courtyard (raised outdoor patio), community garden area with raised planter beds, front and side entry planting, pathways, and parking lot planting with trees. A bridge walkway over a large, landscaped swale provides for a pleasant street-facing entry. 

We worked closely with the architect and civil engineer to address the site challenges associated with being in a flood plain adjacent to Warner Creek. The units are constructed on a structural podium at an elevation above the flood plain. Stormwater mitigation strategies implemented to retain water on-site included constructing bioswales to receive building roof, courtyard, and pedestrian paving drainage. An existing wetland was relocated to an area immediately adjacent to Warner Creek. Permeable pavements were used extensively for the pedestrian paths that meander along the top of the creek bank. Native and low water use plant materials minimize amounts of supplemental irrigation water needed. The project is a Bay Friendly Rated Landscape.

Owner/Client: Eden Housing

Team Lead: Van Meter Williams Pollack