North Park Seniors isn’t just San Diego’s first LGBTQ-friendly senior housing community, it’s also leading the way in energy efficiency and sustainability. For that reason, we honored the project, and the developer of the project, Community HousingWorks, at SDG&E’s 14th Annual Energy Showcase.
More than an Inclusive Place to Live
The four-story 76-unit apartment building incorporates numerous energy-saving features, including LED lighting, high-efficiency mechanical systems, low-flow fixtures, a cool roof that is designed to reflect sunlight and absorb less heat, solar panels, and Energy Star appliances.
Solar panels meet 80% of the energy needs in the building’s common area. The landscaping is drought-tolerant. A permeable pavement captures and filters rainwater for onsite irrigation. The project’s sustainability features were in part made possible by financial incentives offered through the California Advanced Home Program administered by SDG&E.
Residents enjoy a comfortable, supportive and unique living experience at North Park Seniors not just because of the physical design of the building. There are other elements that make it special. Local artists, architects, community members and neighborhood businesses all collaborated to create the rainbow-themed “You Are Home” public art piece displayed on the front of the building.
Sustainability is infused into everyday living. Through a green curriculum, residents are educated about and encouraged to practice energy and water conservation in daily life and use environmentally-friendly ways of getting around. The complex is conveniently located near public transit, shops and restaurants, so residents can live without a car, and get around by transit, walking or biking.
Elevating Sustainability to New High
For over 30 years, Community HousingWorks has been building affordable and sustainable housing developments that have been recognized locally and nationally. The nonprofit owns more than 3,500 apartments in 41 communities statewide, serving more than 9,000 working families, children and seniors.
The organization’s initial goal was to have all of its projects built to meet the Silver status at minimum, under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification (LEED) program. So far, its most recent projects have exceeded that goal to reach Gold and/or Platinum level.