Arroyo Green

Nominated by: DAHLIN Architecture | Planning | Interiors
Location: Redwood City, CA
Developer: MidPen Housing
Architect: DAHLIN Architecture | Planning | Interiors
General Contractor: Devcon Construction
Interior Designer: MidPen Housing
Project Website: midpen-housing.org/property/arroyo-green-apartments/

Project Statement

This vertical mixed-use project creates a strong synergy between 117 affordable senior housing units and a childcare center for infants and preschoolers. The contemporary Neoclassical architectural style meets the requirements of a very detailed Downtown Precise Plan, fulfills the goals of city council to create more traditional architecture while simultaneously responding to the contemporary architecture of the site context.

Heavily influenced by the adjacent Redwood Creek, the project completes a gap in the regional trail system. Building orientation, layout and massing respond by stepping down toward the creek, along with orientation of the podium deck — with its amenities — and units on floors 3-7 opening toward the creek as well. The courtyard amenity on level three is an open plaza with passive activities and community gardens. The main building entry as well as “liner” units hide the two-story parking garage form public view along the street, and the building contributes to the public art realm with two tile mosaics and large murals on prominent building walls.

Building amenities include community room, computer lab, fitness center, secured bicycle storage, game room and public open space. The childcare center anchors the building corner and engages the street edge and creekside trail. Views from the classrooms and the outdoor play areas take full advantage of the pedestrian-oriented creekside setting within a very urban context.