Camp Pendleton Oceanside, CA

Originally a cattle ranch, the 125,000 acres of Camp Pendleton are home to over 30,000 military personnel. It is surrounded by the cities of San Clemente, Oceanside, Fallbrook and the Pacific Ocean. One of the largest projects of its kind to date, the development encompasses over 1,500 new/replacement homes and nearly 1,800 renovated homes in eight separate villages. Housing types include duplex and four-plex, multi-family townhomes for junior enlisted, single family homes for senior enlisted and officers, and five new general's quarters.

MVE provided community planning and architectural services for the new/replacement housing. Our goal was to provide an environment that creates neighborhoods that instill pride, security and a "sense of community." A blend of neo-traditional-inspired town planning creates a framework of villages, neighborhoods and homes that encourages an active street life and allows for easy access to parks, schools and village centers. Each village and neighborhood is supported by its own public meeting, social facilities, parks, playgrounds, swimming pools and outdoor activity areas.

A variety of housing types was fitted to the unique topography and climate of the site. Housing is configured in alley-loaded clusters, traditional front-loaded row homes and single family detached. Emphasis is on enhancing pedestrian activity by providing front porches on the street and reducing the impact of the garage area by alley loaded housing, side-in or recessed garages.

The architectural character of the homes is rooted in classic California and local traditions. The architecture utilizes a variety of elevation styles and color schemes to create character and distinctive neighborhoods within larger villages, while allowing for stylistic links to form a common thread for the entire community. The Spanish Hacienda vernacular of the historic O'Neil Ranch House, located on the base, is woven as a common thread throughout all the villages. Added to this are the regional influences of Spanish Monterey, Colonial Monterey, Craftsman and California Ranch.