Description
The Southeast Santa Rosa Affordable Senior Housing community (formerly named “Elnoka”) transforms a 3.6-acre site into a restorative, 74-unit residential sanctuary specifically tailored for low-income seniors. It is part of the a larger 68.73 acre Southeast Santa Rosa Senior Housing Community. The development features two-story buildings, planned across two phases, designed to honor the area’s rural character through a palette of horizontal and vertical board-and-batten siding that blends seamlessly into the natural landscape. The architecture centers on a vibrant entry plaza and pedestrian paseo, which draws residents toward a meandering creekside path along Melita Creek, effectively connecting the private community to the greater neighborhood. Double-height lobbies flank the central plaza, leading to a robust suite of amenities including community rooms, a sunroom, and two shared private courtyards designed to foster social interaction and physical well-being. Committed to high standards for sustainability and resilience, the project utilizes an all-electric design to meet Santa Rosa Tier 1 requirements and incorporates Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) standards to ensure long-term safety and climate-responsive durability.
Design Features
- Central entry plaza and paseo to orient the community to Melita Creek
- Massing, roof plan, materials to blend with local character
- Double-entry lobbies and sunroom offer indoor-outdoor connectivity
- Comprehensive senior amenities
Sustainable Design
- All-electric building systems
- Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Compliance
- Strategic solar orientation
- Landscaping focuses on preserving riparian corridor, minimizing water consumption and supporting local biodiversity
Project Information
- Client: Burbank Housing
- Master Plan Site Area: 68.73 ac
- Senior Affordable Site Area: 3.6 ac
- Units: 74 senior units
- Density: 21 DUA
Senior Housing
At VMWP, we are experts in designing senior housing, creating safe, affordable, and restorative environments tailored to meet their unique needs. VMWP’s senior housing projects often integrate on-site medical care and comprehensive social services, addressing the complex health and well-being needs of older adults. By applying health-focused design principles, we promote physical and mental well-being, allowing residents to access a continuum of care on site. We understand how the design of physical spaces influences identity, self-worth, and dignity, empowering seniors to live comfortably and with greater independence.