Description
The 100% affordable housing development at 555 Kelly Avenue is intended to provide much needed housing and support services to members of the local senior and farm working community. With the support of ALAS (Ayudando a Latinos a Sonar, Helping Latinos Dream), Mercy Housing and the City of Half Moon Bay are working together to develop this site in a way that will target the intended population, meet funding, and cost requirements, and at the same time, meet local regulatory requirements and those of the Community at large.
The building consists of 4 stories over a podium (5 stories total) with the upper most floor significantly set back over 20’ so that it is barely perceivable from the street. The perceived height of the building has also been mitigated by breaking the building horizontally into the traditional base, middle and top zones. The base is articulated by the active uses and entries with storefronts, the middle of the building is articulated with bay windows and the top of the building is set back in relation to the bay window at the 4th floor while the 5th floor is set back further.
Architectural Design Features
- Southwest facing courtyard with combination of raised planters and children’s activities
- Management and ALAS offices on the ground floor
- Resource center with supportive services
- Community room, kitchen, courtyard, and laundry facilities
Project Information
- Client: Mercy Housing
- Site Area: 16,000 S.F.
- Density: 40 units
- Completion: TBD
Farmworker Housing
VMWP works closely with clients and community to recognize and remedy existing overcrowded and unsafe living conditions for farmworkers. Outreach often calls for human-centered design, prioritizing dignity and affordability. Farmworker housing reflects VMWP’s broader commitment to workforce housing design, blending architecture, equity, and public benefit.
Housing in Rural Environments
VMWP has extensive experience designing affordable housing in rural communities, where housing needs often intersect with unique economic, environmental, and infrastructure challenges. From agricultural towns to small coastal cities (Santa Cruz and Carmel) VMWP’s rural projects prioritize local character, climate resilience, and community connection. Our rural work includes farmworker housing, senior housing, and mixed-income developments that support local workforces and long-time residents.