The five-story affordable senior housing project reflects a contemporary approach rooted in local character. Inspired by surrounding Craftsman and Prairie-style homes, the design emphasizes horizontality to reduce vertical scale while introducing modern detailing. Soft wood tones and clean lines harmonize with the mountain backdrop. A key feature is the perforated metal panel, inspired by mid-century modernism, adding privacy and visual interest to the parking garage on Figueroa Drive.

Located on a half-acre corner lot at Lincoln Avenue and Figueroa Drive, the building offers views of the city to the south and the San Gabriel Mountains to the north. Though the January 2025 wildfire devastated the Altadena neighborhood, the non-combustible exterior helped save the building—making it a symbol of hope and resilience. The project includes 72 studio and one-bedroom units, a two-bedroom manager’s unit, and a landscaped courtyard. Residents enjoy over 2,000 SF of amenity spaces, a welcoming lobby, bike storage, laundry room, and 35 parking spaces. The design promotes wellness, connection, and long-term stability.

Amanda Villas is an affordable senior housing development, currently under construction, in Cudahy, CA. The 140-unit project will provide low-income seniors earning 50% below the area median income with high-quality affordable housing. The project includes a 21,000 square foot state-of-the-art health center that will deliver medical, dental, and behavioral health services to residents of the development as well as neighbors in the community.

According to LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn “the proposed development is designed to be an impactful mixed-use development that provides a one stop housing and wellness solution for low income and homeless seniors, including an array of on-site health services and economic development opportunities accessible to the surrounding community, such as job creation, and education and training programs”.

The five-story building exterior was designed with Irvin Gil’s influences, considered a pioneer of the modern movement in architecture and commonly found in southern California. The exterior design features white stucco walls contrasted by a brick cladded base and colorful tile insets. The building massing is softened with deep roof overhangs and gracefully articulated arched openings at the ground level. Rounding the street-facing building elevation is a focal entry courtyard and a landscaped rooftop terrace on the fifth level overlooking the existing streetscape.

The project is funded by a combination of LA County Development Authority (LACDA) funds and State of California Tax Credits.