DESCRIPTION
This new mixed-use senior center, located on the corner of Third and Brooks Street, provides affordable housing to low-, very low-income, and formerly homeless seniors. The building integrates high-quality amenities including a community room and kitchen, residential courtyard for gatherings and gardening, a multipurpose room and exercise room, central laundry facility, and two roof decks offering expansive views of Mt. Tam and Downtown San Rafael. The first and second floors house Vivalon’s extensive services program for the Marin Senior Community, a new cafe, auditorium, classrooms, service offices and a clinic as part of its Healthy Aging Campus.
VISION
Vivalon has partnered with Eden Housing to help realize their vision for a new facility that includes 67 units of onsite affordable senior housing to complement its Healthy Aging Campus. This new development allows a highly respected and admired local non-profit organization to continue serving Marin County and become a symbol of San Rafael’s commitment to their seniors.
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
To develop a vibrant and inviting residential community with supportive services for seniors, easily served by transit.
DESIGN FEATURES
- Contemporary design with traditional building form
- Residential courtyard with gardening planters
- Two roof decks with views of San Rafael and Mt. Tam
- Arcaded main entry
- Green walls at the stair towers
Green and Resiliency Features
- Extensive use of photovoltaic panels
- Energy efficient appliances
- Recycled materials with low VOC content
- Reduced irrigation water use
- GreenPoint Rated Gold
- Car-free community with direct transit access
- Battery Storage for arbitrage & backup power
- Emergency backup power generator connections
PROJECT INFORMATION
- Client: Vivalon (formerly Whistlestop) & EDEN Housing
- Architect: VMWP
- Interior Architect for Healthy Aging Campus: MBH
- Site Area: 15,000 sq. ft.
- Building size: 74,821 sq. ft.
- Density: 67 units – 194 DU/A
- Completion: Winter 2023
- Construction est.: $28 M
Affordable Senior Housing
At VMWP, we are experts in designing affordable 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.