Two National CORE developments in Orange County have swept the Housing Innovation Award category in the 2025 American Planning Association (APA) Orange Section Awards.
Mountain View in Lake Forest received the Award of Excellence and Santa Angelina in Placentia received the Award of Merit.
National CORE Chief Development Officer Alexa Washburn said receiving two APA Housing Innovation Awards is a monumental privilege.
“With every new affordable housing community National CORE creates, we strive to push the limits of our design and services to enhance the lives of our residents,” Washburn said. “Being honored by the American Planning Association is a key indicator that we are working toward a better tomorrow. It is so gratifying to be acknowledged by such a prestigious organization.”
The selections highlight National CORE’s long-term commitment to strengthening the communities where developments are located – including partnerships with community organizations and government agencies.
Mountain View, opened in 2023, provides 71 apartment homes to residents earning under 60% of the area median income. Twelve apartments are set aside for residents who have faced homelessness.
The all-electric community replaces an office complex and has achieved a LEED for Homes Gold certificate for its energy-efficient, durable construction. Mountain View partners with the Boys & Girls Club to provide free services to youths.
The nomination included National CORE’s second Lake Forest development – Aspan Court – which is still in pre-construction phases. Aspan Court will provide 50 homes, including 15 for residents who have faced homelessness, as well as offices for Lake Forest police.
Santa Angelina, opened in 2024, provides 65 apartment homes to seniors age 62 or better who earn less than 60% of the area median income. Twenty-one apartments are allotted to residents who have faced homelessness.
By collaborating with the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, National CORE was able to locate the community on the campus of the Episcopal Church of Blessed Sacrament in an area rich in services. The all-electric development also achieved a LEED for Homes Gold certificate for its energy-efficient, cost-contained construction. The development included a new parish hall for the church.
The APA Housing Innovation Award recognizes exceptional developments that address community needs through innovative approaches and combine affordability with effective design and public-private partnerships. It also celebrates communities serving specific groups, such as workforce housing or housing serving vulnerable populations.
Mountain View and Aspan Court were nominated by the City of Lake Forest and National CORE.
“The Mountain View and Aspan Court affordable housing projects are more than just buildings – they are blueprints for the future of equitable, inclusive and resilient communities. They demonstrate how cities and nonprofits can work together to turn policy into progress, and vacant buildings into vibrant homes,” the nomination form states.
Santa Angelina was nominated by Placentia.
“The City of Placentia Santa Angelina Senior Housing Development displays innovation in housing in so many ways. It was truly innovative in partnership,” the nomination read. “This development was innovative in taking an underutilized and aesthetically lacking property and adding much needed affordable housing that blends structural beauty and architectural interest into the fabric of an existing neighborhood.
“Santa Angelina was innovative in its funding sources, by being one of the first developments of its kind to utilize the new California Housing Accelerator program to fund the majority of the development and receiving additional funds from the County. Lastly, this was an innovative housing development because it demonstrates the ability to achieve affordable housing goals, while enhancing and not changing the character of a beloved community.”
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