February 22, 2021
New residential community in Lafayette, CA will include affordable rental units for people with developmental disabilities
In partnership with Pacific West Communities, Inc., Miramar Capital, and Novin Development Corporation, Sunflower Hill announced today that a new residential development in Lafayette, CA, with affordable rental units for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has been approved for development by the Lafayette City Council. The residential development will include 128 market-rate, for-sale units and 38 affordable rental units for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Known as Lafayette Lane, the development was unanimously approved by the Council Members at the January 25, 2021 City Council meeting.
After the vote, Lafayette City Council Vice Mayor Teresa Gerringer, who brought the vote to the council, stated that she was “very excited to make the motion” to approve the project. “I really appreciate the thought and consideration that’s gone into making this a very usable space for the community,” said Council Member, Gina Dawson. Mayor, Susan Candell added that she “appreciated a project coming to us like this.”
“I am THRILLED that Sunflower Hill has chosen Lafayette as the site for its next community,” said Niroop Srivatsa, Lafayette City Manager. “We welcome you and look forward to working together to build homes for our neighbors, family members, and friends with developmental disabilities.”
Working in collaboration with Miramar Capital, which along with Pacific West Communities (a firm owned by The Pacific Companies) owns the land, and with its partners and architects, Ward-Young Architects, Sunflower Hill will advise on the design of Building 1, which will contain 38 rental units, as it relates to optimal residential design for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The site to be developed is currently a mixed-use property known as Corporate Terraces. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2023, with a tentative completion in 2026. Once complete, Sunflower Hill at Lafayette Lane will provide person-centered programs and activities for its residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the greater community.
“Great projects are built on great partnerships,” said Caleb Roope, founder and CEO of The Pacific Companies. “We hold the philosophy that successful development requires the skills and actions of capable people in every sector of the industry—from nonprofit organizations like Sunflower Hill and local partners like Contra Costa-based Novin Development Corp. This partnership approach has served The Pacific Companies well over the years with over 200 projects completed. We are excited to be working in the City of Lafayette to provide deeply affordable housing for individuals with developmental disabilities, in a high opportunity area.”
In September 2020, Sunflower Hill completed construction and lease-up of its first residential community, Sunflower Hill at Irby Ranch in Pleasanton, California. As the first of its kind in the Tri-Valley area, Sunflower Hill at Irby Ranch received nearly 300 applications for its 30 available units. With over 62% of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities living with an aging caregiver*, there is an immense need for affordable, independent housing options for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“We feel incredibly fortunate to partner with Pacific West Communities, Miramar Capital, Novin Development, and Ward-Young Architects to co-develop Sunflower Hill at Lafayette Lane and provide affordable, innovative, and independent housing for people with developmental disabilities,” said Edie Nehls, Executive Director at Sunflower Hill. “We know that residential communities for individuals with developmental disabilities are critical for so many Californians, and are excited to move forward on this project.”
The Lafayette Lane residential community will be located on Mt. Diablo Blvd. and First Street in Lafayette, near the library, Whole Foods shopping center, within one-half mile of the Lafayette BART station, and walking distance to Plaza Park and the downtown area.