Park Paseo

Nominated by: AO
Location: Santa Ana, CA
Developer: Alliance Residential
Architect: AO
General Contractor: Alliance Residential
Interior Designer: Bells & Whistles and H Hendy Associates
Project Website: www.parkandpaseo.com

Project Statement

A once obsolete industrial site now embodies a unique luxury resort lifestyle — a model for the urban revitalization of central Orange County, Calif. Located at the gateway between Santa Ana and Tustin, the site is centered around an existing data center, which functioned as both a physical constraint and an opportunity to establish a street edge for the central promenade.

The five-story mixed-use development — built in three phases — was sited in such a way as to invite and engage the public, connecting it to adjacent hospitality uses, nearby shopping and entertainment destinations, and future mixed-use neighborhoods. Ground-floor retail and large alcoves planned into the buildings’ main street frontage create social spaces and allow for a sidewalk café culture. At the heart of the project sits an exposed glass elevator with vertical steel trusses and brilliant blue polished metal panels juxtaposed with the rooftop sky deck illuminating it like a beacon.

Each building celebrates a unique lifestyle, with a distinct architecture and mix of indoor and outdoor amenities. ARDEN’s architecture evokes a layered modernism, with prominent composite panels inlaid with wood siding and metal trim, while ARCHIVE was envisioned as hip, creative and artistic with deconstructed steel frame structures.

Community amenities are endless, with a host of rooftop perches and chic lounge areas providing inviting indoor/outdoor gathering spaces including a rooftop pool, spa retreat and salt room. Diverse plans offer unique units on the street edge capturing the active street scene via large glazed windows. A true live-work-play mecca is born here, one where families prosper, relationships are forged, and businesses flourish.