We’re heading for the beach this Memorial Day weekend, and will be driving by one of our favorite projects — the Arroyo Apartments in Santa Monica. This affordable and sustainable community was built by one of our most innovative clients — Community Corp. of Santa Monica — and honored by the American Institute of Architects at their 2021 Housing Awards. Designed by KoningEizenberg Architecture, the AIA jury commended The Arroyo for its “beautiful, thoughtful design that puts people and community at the heart of the project.”

JAG is proud of our contributions to the interiors and common areas. “The exterior of the building and closeness to the beach was our inspiration for the fresh interior colors and modern feel,” explains the firm’s founder and president, Jamie General. “The two community rooms will provide on-site resident services, such as after-school homework assistance, health and wellness classes and computer skills training.”

The five-story building “pays homage to the historic natural arroyo that once bisected the site,” according to the developer. “Residents enjoy the riparian inspired central courtyard as well as other common amenities including two community rooms, a raised platform deck, a common courtyard space with communal gathering space and a play area, which includes a basketball court area and seating for onlookers. The courtyard, with meandering plantings and a rustic aesthetic, has also been designed to capture the spirit of the historic arroyo.”

LEED Platinum certification has been achieved for The Arroyo’s use of drought-tolerant landscaping elements and high-efficiency irrigation systems which allow potable water to be conserved for drinking, cooking, and bathing. Additional energy conservation measures include high efficiency HVAC, lighting and renewable energy photovoltaics, as well as solar thermal panels that feed pre-heated water from the roof into the domestic hot water system. Not only will these measures promote sustainability, they should also result in lower utility bills for residents.

Electric vehicle chargers were also provided — as well as over one hundred and thirty bicycle parking spaces — to encourage the use of sustainable mobility alternatives.

“We are thrilled to bring this beautifully designed, environmentally sustainable, affordable property to the heart of Downtown Santa Monica,” said Tara Barauskas, Executive Director of Community Corp. “The Arroyo will add to Santa Monica’s affordable housing stock, making the city a more inclusive and vibrant place for everyone to live.”