DANA POINT, CA—Located on a FEMA flood plain, which added a layer of oversight, South Cove's major challenge was maximizing views to the ocean from as many units as possible on an infill site, adjacent to industrial, KTGY Architecture + Planning principal David Obitz tells GlobeSt.com. As we reported in August, South Cove is a luxury residential community here developed by Zephyr, offering unique amenities to its residents, and KTGY was instrumental in its design.

South Cove is also Dana Point's first new for-sale residential development to open in decades. The property is a barefoot community in a coastal setting at the southern gateway of Dana Point at 34202 Del Obispo St. The community features a mix of 168 one-, two- and three-story flats, townhomes and twin homes, ranging from 883 square feet to 2,126 square feet.

Obitz tells us exclusively that the largest challenge in developing South Cove was maximizing views to the ocean from as many units as possible on an infill site, adjacent to industrial uses. Also, rooftop decks were requested as part of the design, but the City is strict about its building height limit; the design team was able to accommodate the request.

The site is also located in a FEMA flood plain, and being along the coast, needed to be reviewed and approved by not only the City but also the California Coastal Commission, Obitz tells us. “There is nothing comparable in the area; it is surrounded by industrial and commercial uses as well as beach/inlet and single-family homes.”

Obitz also tells us the Coastal Commission required “visitor-serving uses.” Since the homes are adjacent to the Buena Vista Creek, the design team created a park that connects to the nature/bike trails that already exist in Dana Point. Bordering Pacific Coast Highway and the southern edge of South Cove, the one-acre public park was built in dedication to the surf legends and the history of Dana Point, the birthplace of the surf industry, notes Obitz. The park will feature life-sized sculptures of local surf legends including a 27-foot sculpture of Hobie Alter, the creator of the foam surfboard, and the history of Dana Point and will connect to the town's existing nature and bike trails.

The design of South Cove is inspired by beach-town influences with a master-plan feel, said Obitz in a prepared statement. There are three residential types: single-level living flats (Aliso), tri-level townhomes (Trestles) and twin homes (Strands). The Strands model offers dual master suites and first-level California (covered outdoor) rooms and only share one wall with a neighbor. All three residences will have attached garages and come equipped with the latest green technology including pre-wiring for electric vehicles.
Some of the residences will have indoor/outdoor floor plans, balconies, porches, rooftop decks and options for beach rinses and dens. Amenities include a swimming pool with cabanas and common areas throughout the community.
Home prices at South Cove start from the low $600,000s to mid-$1 million. Ten residences will include live/work space with commercial opportunities on Pacific Coast Highway, and 17 of the homes will be offered as affordable housing.

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How This For-Sale Development Overcame Challenges

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