Multi-Unit Housing

The Courtyards in Long Beach consist of 4 separate building sites each housing 10-12 dwelling units. The courtyard-style apartment buildings, built between 1922 and 1923, were renovated using the Enterprise Foundation’s Green Communities Criteria, a version of the LEED certification program specifically designed for affordable housing developments.

Sustainable features include drought-tolerant landscaping, water efficient plumbing fixtures, finishes with no or low VOC levels, ENERGY STAR appliance and lighting, energy efficient windows and doors, and energy efficient heating and cooling systems. Additionally, a waste haul plan was implemented during construction which diverted the amount of material sent to the landfill by 25%.

The architecture of each site varies from Moroccan or Streamline, to Spanish or Contemporary. The courtyard architecture was explored by examining wall texture, color, entry, and the use of accent tile.

Combined, the Courtyards in Long Beach recognize the strength that applied detail implies when proportion, scale, and thorough design consideration is expressed.

Awards: Award Finalist at California Supportive Housing (CSH) Quality Awards; Urban Land Institute (ULI) Los Angeles Supportive Housing Innovation Award for “Innovation in Community Improvement” (2010); Southern California Associaction of Nonprofit Housing (SCANPH) “Project of the Year” (2011)