The goal at The Promenade wasnÆt just to build homes; it was also to create a new, unique residential village on an in-town site in Huntington Beach, Calif., that met the cityÆs state-mandated affordable housing requirement. One of the most daunting hurdles in accomplishing this goal was the site itself ù a triangular property that presented significant land-planning and design challenges.
"Every project is unique," says Steve Olson, The Olson Co. founder and CEO. "There are no cookie-cutter solutions we pull off a shelf. That is the very nature of creating in-town housing solutions."
At The Promenade, The Olson Co. hit a design and market home run. A 2000 Platinum winner in the Best in American Living Awards, Promenade features interchangeable townhomes with direct-access, attached garages. The modified, tuck-under design concept created by William Hezmalhalch Architects allows two- and three-level configurations for each unit without increasing the footprint of the building. Density is 17 units per acre.
This design solution also helped Olson address some of the significant setback requirements on the property, and careful attention to detail throughout the project underscores its coastal, village character. Exterior details such as varied color treatments, trim elements and window styles give each building the appearance of a unique village. Private patios strengthen the entry identity for each individual unit. In addition, organization around central motor courts keeps garages out of sight.
BALA award winner Promenade Residence Two is expandable from 1,198 to 1,250 square feet. High windows illuminate the third-floor loft master suite, which includes a luxury bath.
Opening sales prices at The Promenade range from $227,000 to $250,900, significantly below the average new home price in Huntington Beach.
"The beauty of a project like Promenade isnÆt just how it looks new, but how it lives and ages," says Olson Co. director of forward planning Dave Shaffer. "It is satisfying to drive through the community now and know it is living just as well as we imagined."
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