July 10th, 2024 marked the grand opening of Rafferty in downtown Santa Ana, MVE + Partners latest architectural project for Toll Brothers Apartment Living and their partner EJF Capital LLC. The 218-unit, eight-story luxury mixed-use apartment community is located in the heart of downtown’s Calle Cuatro corridor, at the prestigious intersection of 4th Street and Main Street. The award-winning firm’s design honors the historic architecture of the First American Title Company headquarters, formerly known as the Orange County Title Company by incorporating the 1930s art deco façade into the modern community.
MVE, an award-winning, Orange County-based architecture, design and planning firm, worked closely with Preserve Orange County and the Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society to maintain parts of the original exterior of the Title Company building in the mixed-use design. The project also drew design inspiration from neighboring structures and the surrounding area.
“We’re honored to complete this project for Toll Brothers Apartment Living, helping introduce a walkable and lively mixed-use community that infuses energy into Orange County’s urban core and brings much-anticipated housing options for young professionals working in the area,” said Pieter Berger, Principal, MVE + Partners. “Rafferty complements the existing sophisticated grid that makes up the urban fabric and social hub of the downtown Santa Ana community.”
The community’s expressive character flows from the modern apartment homes to the welcoming community spaces. Rafferty boasts an array of amenities, including an expansive pool deck with elegant cabanas, daybeds, and shade umbrellas; dynamic indoor/outdoor fitness center, with towel service and flex space, featuring Wellbeats; jam room with speaker system; and coworking studio with both private and shared workspaces. The communal spaces invite residents to connect and unwind in sophisticated lounges and social hubs, including a speakeasy with functional bar and taps, sky lounge with wet bar and billiards, and a rooftop deck with breathtaking views, grilling stations, and firepits.
Offering a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences, Rafferty’s high-end finishes and modern features create a unique and vibrant living experience for its residents. Each apartment home includes smart home technology, including keyless entry and smart thermostats; sleek flat panel cabinetry; quartz countertops with two-tone subway backsplash; stainless steel appliances; and custom modular closets. Select residences offer private balconies with timer-controlled lighting, spacious soaking tubs, and double bathroom vanities.
Rafferty’s exclusive rooftop deck overlooks the neighboring 4th Street Market and features views of the Newport Beach coast and Catalina Island. On the ground floor, the mixed-use development is home to more than 12,300 square feet of retail space providing an opportunity for additional restaurants, shops, and pedestrian activation. The community includes both market-rate and affordable housing options.