HomeRise and Mercy Housing California worked with Barcelon & Jang Architects to rehabilitate the Essex, a permanent supportive housing building for extremely low income, chronically homeless individuals. This was the first project HomeRise financed with low-income housing tax credits and tax-exempt bonds. The Essex opened its doors to tenants in February 2008.

THE BUILDING

Formerly an underutilized tourist and residential hotel, the Essex was constructed in 1912. Beginning in March 2007, the Essex underwent substantial renovations to transform the building into 84 studio units for single adults. Each studio apartment has a full bathroom and kitchenette. The building also features 3,000 square feet of street-level commercial space and 5,500 square feet of community facilities, including a fully built-out basement that includes a community kitchen, program room, laundry room, and tenant services offices. The rehabilitation included several upgrades to meet current safety standards and green building features. Sustainable features include low-flow water fixtures, Energy Star lighting, a high-efficiency boiler, insulated pipes, green-certified carpet and bathrooms surfaces, as well as re-used building materials.

AWARDS

Enterprise Green Communities Project

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