Fullerton Heights has been designed as a 36 unit supportive housing mixed use development located within an industrial zone in Fullerton, CA.  The challenge was to provide a sustainable, secure and nurturing environment with ample outdoor space for 11 – 3 bedroom and 7 – 2 bedroom family units and 18 – 1 bedroom special needs units, creating a residential oasis buffered from the surrounding commercial and low impact industrial uses. 

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Due to the heavy commercial traffic along Orangethorpe Avenue, the project is fronted by a single story retail use with outdoor seating creating a pedestrian oriented street presence and the residential portion has been set back significantly from the street.  The ground floor is anchored by a community room and a linear “pedestrian street” allowing for access to the outdoor communal spaces along the perimeter.  The subterranean garage footprint has been minimized so that trees can grow along the perimeter to help screen the building from the adjacent uses.  In addition, a community garden at the 4th floor increases outdoor opportunities for the tenants.

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The material palette consists of prefinished corrugated metal panels, referencing the industrial neighborhood, and brightly colored stucco panels that give the project a lively street presence and reduce the physical mass.  Sustainability features include photovoltaics for common area lighting and solar hot water heating, a modular wetland system and bioswales to contain roof runoff,  drought tolerant landscaping and sustainable finishes. 

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Awards

• 2018 SCANPH Homes Within Reach Winner of the Beyond LA Development Category

• 2019 Affordable Housing Awards - Special Needs Development Award

• LEED Silver Certification