Las Bougainvilleas Oakland, CA

This project is an affordable, HUD-subsidized rental housing development where residents (aged 62+) pay 30% of their adjusted income for rent. The project was built on a prominent corner of a 30-acre mixed-use "transit village" surrounding the Fruitvale BART station. Visual interest was achieved by varying the massing of the 3- and 4-story building rather than by adding layers of costly detailing. To maximize the amount of exterior open space, parking was placed underground, allowing for a courtyard filled with enriched landscaping, a decorative fountain and benches. Interior areas such as the entry lobby/lounge and multi-purpose dining area overlook the courtyard and have become a gathering place for residents and visitors.