Related California Debuts Affordable Mixed-Use Community
A partnership between the developer and San Bernardino County has completed the first phase of a five-acre site.
The 6,700-square-foot public library in the recently opened Bloomington Grove and Lillian Court mixed-use community.
Los Angeles—A public-private partnership between San Bernardino County and developer Related California has introduced more affordable housing to the Bloomington community with the opening of Lillian Court and Bloomington Grove, a 106-unit community with a public library that marks the first phase of a five-acre site.
The partnership is the first all-in-one capital improvement project in the county, which, in addition to the housing and public library, includes a community center and senior center.
Withee Malcolm Architects is also part of the project, and its founding partner Dan Withee said he believes the project “would be a catalyst for the redevelopment of the entire area.” He added that integrating a mix of public social uses and several housing options on one site “was key to community acceptance, and to the ultimate revitalization of the former industrial district.”
The first of the two-phase $66.9 million development plan includes a 6,597-square-foot Bloomington Public Library, two community centers, 70 units of affordable senior housing at Lillian Court, and 36 affordable townhomes for families at Bloomington Grove. Eleven of the townhomes are reserved for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness who are directly referred from the County of San Bernardino Department of Behavioral Health. Bloomington Grove also has a classroom facility located behind the library.
The outside of the 5-acre Bloomington Grove and Lillian Court community.
The entire development is also sustainable, using California drought-tolerant materials and open spaces with walkable pathways. The former site had no sewer system and inadequate water, so Related worked with surrounding municipalities to install sewer and water lines and enhance the streetscape.
The second phase of the project will include 84 family townhomes and should be completed by mid-2016, Related California Vice President of Development Stan Smith told the San Bernardino County Sun. A Related spokesperson also told the Sun that more than 667 people applied for the housing in October, a lottery was held in December, and all 36 units at Bloomington Grove were occupied by March as well as 50 of the 70 Lillian Court units.
Withee Malcom Architects is also involved in other affordable housing projects, including: Vermont Villas, a 79-unit permanent supportive facility that provides housing and services for chronically homeless veterans and individuals with critical health needs in Harbor Gateway; Arbor Green, a 40-unit community in Carson; Jasmine Gardens, 164 renovated townhome-style apartments for families in Compton; among others.
Images courtesy of Withee Malcolm Architects
