Project Description

San Rafael Commons

San Rafael, California

HUD held a limited competition among project proponents for funding of an elderly housing project for the San Francisco Bay Area. KMD, as architects and planners for Pacific Union, developed a unique conceptual proposal for the project which envisioned the creation of a housing complex which wrapped around an internal courtyard wherein residents could tend to individual garden plots as well as socialize with neighbors and visitors. Additional benefits of the internal courtyard included enhanced visibility of residents and visitors for personal safety and security. This innovative concept was selected by HUD for funding and the project was implemented.

Services provided included:

• Program development
• Review of previous experience with

elderly housing unit designs

• Site analysis and review of zoning

and building development regulations

• Development of alternative site

layouts and building configurations

• Presentations and discussions with

HUD representatives

• Preparation of final competition

Documentation

Role: Project Manager – Concept Phase