OAK KNOLL VILLAS
A Community Transformed
Community HousingWorks just completed a multimillion dollar renovation of the 52 apartment homes at Oak Knoll Villas. Oak Knoll Villas is a part of a larger revitalization plan the Poway Redevelopment Agency initiated which includes roadway and sidewalk improvements, undergroundingof utilities, business park development, and a new community park. The Agency supported Community HousingWorks’ acquisition in 2008 and renovations in 2009 withan $8.2 million loan because it wanted an active, responsible owner that will work with the City, the Sheriff, and other community organizations to stabilize the neighborhood. The City financing would enable us to lower the rents from market rate to permanently restricted affordable rents for residents earning 50%-60% of area median income and provide CHW’s award winning Learning Communities program, training and support to help residents move up in the world.
Constructed in 1973, Oak Knoll Villas sits on a 2.11 acre site and originally included six residential buildings, two laundry rooms, and 52two bedroom units that had suffered from years of deferred maintenance. As the general partner of a limited partnership, Community HousingWorks acquired Oak Knoll Villas in April 2008 and began planning the upgrades and renovations for the apartments’ interiors and exteriors. We were ready to close construction financing in November but Oak Knoll Villas was among hundreds of projects throughout California that was stalled due to the collapse of the financial markets in late 2008. After months of uncertainty, Community HousingWorks was able to restructure the financing with newpartners and closed construction financing in May 2009 with Union Bank as the investor and Bank of America Merrill Lynch Community Banks as the construction and permanent bond lender.
As a pioneer of green and sustainable building, Community HousingWorks’ designed the renovations to include energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainable materials and healthy in-door air quality. Oak Knoll Villas’ renovated apartments and community center now include low flow toilets; linoleum; low-E windows: low-VOC carpet and paint. The roofs were replaced with “cool” roofs that reflect the sun’s heat and insulate to make the building maintain a more consistent, comfortable and energy efficient temperature for the residents. The landscape includes Xeroscape to conserve water and edible fruit trees and garden planters to promote healthy lifestyle choices.
The new Community Center houses the Learning Communities programs, leasing office, community room and kitchen. The unit interiors all received new carpets, bathroom flooring, kitchen countertops, sinks, and cabinets, bath tubs, bathroom cabinets, AlC and heating wall units. Three units were also transformed to meet accessibility standards. The exterior of each building received a facelift designed by Zagrodnik +Thomas Architects, LLP after removing the old mansard facades.
We appreciate the cooperation and patience of the residents and the excellent teamwork between the general contractor, Sun Country Builders, the rehab architect, The John Stewart Company, and ConAm Property Management which enabled this project to be completed on time.
Community HousingWorks is especially grateful for the commitment and support of the City of Poway and Poway Redevelopment Agency, and of Union Bank and Bank of America Merrill Lynch, for stepping up in the financial storm to finance the renovations at Oak Knoll Villas which offer families in Poway affordable homes, support and training to help them move up in the world for many years to come.
At the 4th Annual SANDEE Awards Community Housing Works was awarded best project for Solara. The project boasts an extraordinary accomplishment-95% of their
energy needs are met by on-site, renewable energy. SOLARA achieves energy efficiency through passive design features such as site orientation, shade overhangs and natural ventilation that replaces air conditioning. Building materials include EnergyStar Low-E windows, appliances and a radiant barrier. In addition, SOLARA uses high-efficiency tank-less boilers, low flow tap and shower devices and dual flush toilets. SOLARA has also installed photovoltaic panels on the roofs and carports to supply the electrical demand for all of the common areas and apartment units.
Mission of Community Housing Works:
Community HousingWorks(CHW) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization with a mission to help people and neighborhoods move up in the world by providing a full range of housing options, combined with training and support. We build and own beautiful affordable apartments, provide first time home buyer loans, and provide support and training that strengthens communities and helps kids and adults build a wealthier future. Since its inception in 1982, CHW has served the San Diego County region through our affordable housing developments, HomeOwnership Center, and community programs, which strengthen neighborhoods and help families become more financially independent. Since its inception in 1982, CHW has built or renovated 29 developments that provide nearly 1,600 apartment homes.
About Priority Moving – San Diego Movers:
Priority Moving – San Diego Movers is an award winning San Diego Moving company that performed the poway moves at Oak Knoll Villas. Priority Moving was proud to be a chosen as the Poway moving company to perform the move of the residents from their existing to their renovated and beautiful new residences. Thank you to Community Housing Works for choosing Priority Moving to be a part of this wonderful and successful project.
