CBH JV Starts 49-Unit Affordable Seniors Project

NoHo Senior Villas

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA-Clifford Beers Housing and PATH Ventures have started construction on a 49-unit project called NoHo Villas in the Community Redevelopment Agency project area here that is designed for low-income seniors 55 and older. The San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center will provide services to the mentally ill and formerly homeless residents at the complex, which is a five-story building designed by Killefer Flammang Architects of Santa Monica.

Jim Bonar, executive director of CBH, the co-developer and managing general partner, said co-developer PATH Ventures will be in charge of providing the supportive services. Architect Killefer Flammang is led by Wade Killefer, whose firm has designed more than 4,000 units of special needs housing, including a 49-unit project in Hollywood that was the subject of a GlobeSt.com report recently.

The one-bedroom units average 525 square feet, each with a kitchen and a bathroom, noted Jesus Hernandez, PATH’S project manager. Financing for the project comes from 4% tax credits; tax exempt bonds for the construction loan; a Mental Health Services Act loan (administered by the L.A. Department of Mental Health and California Housing Finance Agency); a Governor’s Homeless Initiative loan, administered by the Housing and Community Development agency; and an Affordable Housing Program loan administered by the San Francisco Federal Home Loan Bank. Project architect John Arnold noted that the CRA "played a major role in setting guidelines for this project to assure compatibility with the existing other projects in the community."

Arnold commented on the design: “Special efforts were made to create maximum recreation and outdoor facilities, which include a large shaded courtyard with a covered walkway, a landscaped roof deck, a roof garden and a substantial landscaped area with a 30-foot setback from the street.” Inside, the design focused on elements that would help seniors feel at home as well as encourage physical activity and interaction among the residents, the architect noted.

In development for some 20 years, the 743-acre NoHo project is a transit-oriented development next to the North Hollywood Metro station. Located adjacent to Lankershim Boulevard and the adjoining arts district. the project now includes 319,000 square feet of commercial and retail facilities as well as a large mix of market-rate and affordable housing.