How the Zoo Plays Into This Apt. Project’s Design

Mindlin: “The original idea was to try and enlarge this beyond just another residential development in hopes of a great revitalization.”

SANTA ANA, CA—Santa Ana First St. Apartments was inspired by the idea of creating a park district in the Prentice Park area, which houses the Santa Ana Zoo, and the desire to create a more immersive experience for residents, TCA Architects’principal and studio director Michael Mindlin tells GlobeSt.com. The project, a 601-unit apartment community to be developed by Wermers Properties at First St. and Elk Lane on the eastern edge of Santa Ana, will feature an innovative design as well as 18,500 square feet of commercial space upon its expected completion in 2020.

According to Mindlin, “The design for Santa Ana First St. Apartments is inspired by how we inhabit and explore the natural realm. The community will connect with the Prentice Park neighborhood through the creation of private and public spaces. Natural wildlife elements seamlessly interact with the architecture, and the expansive use of natural materials throughout the apartment community create an intriguing and unique conservatory-like atmosphere.” The conservatory design concept, as TCA has termed the community’s architecture, spotlights a richness of material, form, shade and shadow to create a unique engagement with nature. The apartments will offer walkable green spaces between commercial, dining and recreational options, creating a community for residents that will combine the textures, sounds and natural fauna of the zoo with contemporary residential living.