Comm22 Wins ULI Smart Growth Award

The ULI Smart Growth Awards program seeks to recognize efforts in San Diego County to develop buildings and communities that accommodate growth in ways that are economically sound, environmentally responsible and supportive of community livability. Designed and master planned by MVE, Comm22 is located on a four-acre site in the Logan Heights district of San Diego and offers all of these attributes to the community it will serve while responding to the unique social, economic and physical needs of the community. The mixed-use, urban infill development offers families, teachers and seniors’ 252 housing options including affordable apartments, market-rate lofts and for-sale homes. The plan also offers community-serving features such as postal and bank services, a health clinic, daycare facility and approximately 12,900 square feet of commercial retail space offering diversity in both population types and in land uses.

"MVE utilized unique smart growth techniques to ensure the projects economic viability and to accommodate the dramatic increase in San Diego residents over the next several years.," states Ernesto Vasquez Partner-in-Charge of MVE. "We integrated a mix of land uses while strategically preserving open space with the use of courtyards, pocket parks and landscaped open spaces that will help to energize the neighborhood and provide festive gathering place for families and children to interact together," states Vasquez.

Smart Growth Initiatives

By incorporating a number smart growth initiatives in the design, MVE and Bridge Housing have created a truly sustainable development. The following initiatives are an example of the innovative design and construction elements that make Comm22 deserving of the ULI Smart Growth Award:

• Adaptive reuse of existing structures combined with new construction has given the project a unique design helping to highlight the cultural and social strengths of the community.
• The proposed hierarchy of sidewalks, alleyways, lanes and streets all focus on the connectivity to the commercial retail edge along Commercial Street and 22nd Street.
• A commuter friendly environment is created with the projects close proximity to a variety of different transportation options, promoting the use of public transportation and reducing the amount of cars on the road.
• Unique roof forms will provide solar sustainability while creating new building typology forms reinterpreting the historic character of this former warehouse district.

Comm22 is currently in the design stages and is slated for construction in 2008. For more information on the project please visit: http://www.bridgehousing.com.

About MVE

MVE is a recognized leader in design, planning and interiors for residential, commercial, mixed-use, hospitality, urban, transit-oriented and institutional developments of every scale. With offices in Irvine, Oakland and Honolulu the firm is known for creating functional and aesthetically pleasing architecture in environments that inspire individuals and enhance community. For more information on MVE, visit the website at www.mve-architects.com.