1. Domino sugar factory remake gets its first occupants
The 16-story, 800,000-sf 325 Kent building is the first structure to open at the $3 billion, 11-acre Domino Sugar Factory redevelopment on the waterfront in Brooklyn, N.Y. Designed by SHoP Architects for owner/developer Two Trees Management, the dramatically shaped edifice brings much-needed rental housing to booming Brooklyn. One-fifth of the 522 units have been set aside for low-income residents. (Two Trees received more than 87,000 applications for the 104 affordable units.) The building’s doughnut-shaped west façade is formed by a three-story amenities structure that spans the two apartment towers at the top levels. On the east façade, the residential floors step up in terraces to connect the existing neighborhood with the taller Domino buildings. Studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and one-bedroom with home office rentals are available, starting at $2,495/month.
2. 12-story tower addresses needs of San Diego's homeless
San Diego County has more than 9,000 homeless persons. “Atmosphere,” a new 12-story edifice with 205 one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences, provides 51 permanent supportive apartments for the formerly homeless, including those with mental disabilities. Through the Housing First model, Atmosphere also provides social support service to these residents. Subsidized rents in the $79.3 million project range from $525 to $1,250/month. Joseph Wong Design Associates was the architect and Suffolk Construction the GC for developer Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation.
3.Co-living operator 'common' opens its second D.C. location
Developer and operator Common sees opportunity for growth in co-living projects. Common Bowman is its latest location, and its second in Washington, D.C. The 8,300-sf home, located in Chinatown, includes 14 fully furnished bedrooms across four suites. Residents (called “members”) share furnished living rooms, en suite balconies, and a roof deck with views of the city. Member benefits: weekly room cleaning, shared supplies, WiFi, heating/AC, on-site laundry, and access to Common’s networking events. The developer now has 14 locations across Chicago, New York, Oakland, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.
4. Rental multiplex adds 201 subsidized units in Las vegas
Twenty-one buildings constructed between 1958 and 1960 have been rehabilitated into 201 subsidized apartments in Las Vegas. Families earning up to 60% of area median income were eligible to receive Section 8 rental assistance in the new complex, known as Baltimore Gardens and Cleveland Gardens. Community Development Partners pulled together $21 million in financing from tax-exempt state bonds, HOME funds, and equity from the sale of 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credits. The project team: Integrated Design & Architecture (architect), Cornerstone Residential (property manager), and Precision General Contractors (GC).
5. L.A. Development caters to two neighborhoods with a single structure
Situated at the crossroads of two distinct neighborhoods in Mid-City Los Angeles—Fairfax, a busy commercial thoroughfare, and Orange Grove, a quiet residential street—the five-story VINZ on Fairfax mixed-use development appears as two separate buildings, each matching the scale and vibe of its adjacent neighborhood. Shimmering silver screens highlight a more vibrant, emotional aesthetic along Fairfax Avenue, while a muted design styling makes up the Orange Grove exterior. Developer Alliance Residential Company brought 144 rental units and 4,280 sf of commercial retail and amenities spaces to Mid-City. Available units start at $2,950/month: studios, one/two bedroom rentals, three-story townhomes, and penthouses with private elevator access. Amenities: zero-edge pool, outdoor cooking area, fitness center, outdoor movie screen, and electric-car charging stations. Cuningham Group was design architect; Gensler did the interiors.
Photos: Adrian Gault
Related Stories
Multifamily Housing | Feb 18, 2015
Make It Right unveils six designs for affordable housing complex
BNIM is among the six firms involved in the project.
Office Buildings | Feb 18, 2015
Commercial real estate developers optimistic, but concerned about taxes, jobs outlook
The outlook for the commercial real estate industry remains strong despite growing concerns over sluggish job creation and higher taxes, according to a new survey of commercial real estate professionals by NAIOP.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 17, 2015
NYC multifamily sales increased by 39% in 2014
For New York City as a whole, $20 million-plus deals accounted for more than half of all transactions.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 17, 2015
California launches pilot program to finance multifamily retrofits for energy efficiency
The Obama Administration and the state of California are teaming with the Chicago-based MacArthur Foundation on a pilot program whose goal is to unlock Property-Assessed Clean Energy financing for multifamily housing.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 17, 2015
Young Millennials likely to return home
Ninety percent of individuals born between 1980 and 1984 and who hold a Bachelor’s degree left home before they were 27 years hold. However, half of this group later returned to their parents’ home, according to a study by the National Longitudinal Study of Youth.
High-rise Construction | Feb 17, 2015
Work begins on Bjarke Ingels' pixelated tower in Calgary
Construction on Calgary’s newest skyscraper, the 66-story Telus Sky Tower, recently broke ground.
Mixed-Use | Feb 13, 2015
First Look: Sacramento Planning Commission approves mixed-use tower by the new Kings arena
The project, named Downtown Plaza Tower, will have 16 stories and will include a public lobby, retail and office space, 250 hotel rooms, and residences at the top of the tower.
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2015
New Appraisal Institute form aids in analysis of green commercial building features
The Institute’s Commercial Green and Energy Efficient Addendum offers a communication tool that lenders can use as part of the scope of work.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 9, 2015
GSEs and their lenders were active on the multifamily front in 2014
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac securitized more than $57 billion for 850,000-plus units.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 6, 2015
Fannie Mae to offer lower interest rates to LEED-certified multifamily properties
For certified properties, Fannie Mae is now granting a 10 basis point reduction in the interest rate of a multifamily refinance, acquisition, or supplemental mortgage loan.
