As COVID-19 spread through Los Angeles County’s growing homeless population, the team designed, built and received final approvals in just 120 days for a 60,000-sq-ft interim housing facility.
Located in Walnut Creek, Calif., the $130-million Viamonte senior complex meets several ambitious—and sometimes conflicting—goals at once: a small community fitting seamlessly into a larger mixed-use development; condos designed for independent living that also allow for assisted care; and an enclosed courtyard built around an existing 500-year-old oak tree.
Space was at a premium for this 89-unit, transit-oriented development because its foundation occupies the entire 33,381-sq-ft lot. But the constraints didn’t end there.
As the COVID-19 pandemic recedes in the U.S. and restrictions on work and other interactions are lifted, the construction sector’s rebound is underway, with some markets bouncing back faster than others, analysts say.
Related Midwest and LendLease came up with a plan that restored, reopened and brought new life to the Julia C. Lathrop homes while still keeping its public housing mission intact.
Serving 3,000 homeless women and their families, the 190,000-sq-ft campus comprises eight buildings on 48 acres and offers services that include emergency, medical and dental care; counseling and job search; educational advancement; day care and after-school care; and safe, affordable housing.