Proposed Senior Apartment Community in the City of Pasadena
Senior housing complex of 112 units
100% affordable, with 50% average median income, and a minimum of 10% set aside for Permanent Supportive Housing
Unit mix
Studio: 26 units
One bedroom: 78 units
Two bedroom: 8 units
Parking
50 underground parking stalls for residents
City Unity
A community in which all citizens are working in unity to bring about a well-balanced, harmonious whole, will produce the perfect city. Let’s all help clean, build and beautify in harmony. Let’s work to a plan.
~ 1923 campaign literature in support of the Bennett Plan
Building Design
5 stories and 60 ft. height, and architecture complementary of City Hall and surrounding buildings with monumental entrance facing city hall, consistent with Bennett Plan and the Olin Study. The architect is Pasadena based ONYX Architects with extensive experience in integrating buildings into historic settings.
Landscaping
Outdoor courtyard accessible to public, with enhanced landscaping along Holly, Garfield and Ramona.
Adjacent Public Improvements
National CORE believes the civic center location, especially with easy public transit access, will qualify for government grants that can fund public improvements adjacent to the property.
Sustainability
National CORE and ONYX are nationally recognized innovators in building well-situated, environmentally friendly, state-of-the-art communities and committed to constructing a building that meets the highest levels of sustainability and green design.
Construction
National CORE can assure a quality building by directly managing construction and using durable materials that support the long term building ownership by National CORE.
Financing
National CORE has expertise to assemble financing using tax credits and state, county and local resources to accomplish the type of building the City desires.
Property Management
National CORE will provide on-site property management and maintenance with the purpose of assuring a quality building for the long term.
Resident Services
Union Station uses a Housing First program model, “Whatever It Takes” philosophy in providing services to residents including health and wellness, mental health services, substance use recovery, support network development, resource and case management coordination.
Homeless Housing
National CORE will provide 10% Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) for homeless individuals by selffunding these units from capitalized reserves and cross subsidies. The number of PSH units may be increased if project based rental subsidies can be secured.
Community Engagement
National CORE has been listening to many community comments over the past year which has shaped its proposal for the Civic Center, guided with the advice of Hawkey Consulting. Continuing outreach will occur and comments are solicited at civiccenterhousing@nationalcore.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How many apartment homes are available?
This affordable senior housing community will provide 112 beautiful apartment homes, with a mix of studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms.
Will there be parking for the residents?
Yes. The community is designed to accommodate up to 50 underground reserved parking spaces for residents.
Will any of the apartment homes be set-aside for homeless seniors?
Yes. National CORE will reserve 10% of the apartment homes for previously homeless seniors. If project-based rental vouchers become available, additional apartment homes may be set-aside.
How do you qualify for the apartment homes?
Individuals 62 or better must meet income requirements for low and very low housing assistance. Previously homeless seniors who wish to apply for permanent supportive housing may need to meet additional homeless requirements set by the City of Pasadena and/or other public agencies.
Will there be a preference for Pasadena residents?
The new community will comply with Pasadena Local Preference and Priority System Guidelines, adopted by the City in 2006. National CORE will provide specific information on how this will apply to Ramona Street Seniors when it is documented in the Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) with the City of Pasadena, prior to any lease-up activities for the community.
What are the rent ranges and income restrictions for the new community?
The rent ranges and income restrictions will be determined based on City and/or other public agency regulations. The average affordability for the community is expected to be at approximately 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
When will the application process begin?
The anticipated timeline projects that the new community will be completed and open for occupancy in 2024.
Will support services be available to the residents?
Resident services will be provided by Union Station Homeless Services. Union Station also will partner with other local agencies, such as the Pasadena Senior Center, to provide an array of programs and services that promote health and well-being. Previously homeless seniors will have access to individual case management services.
Will the community be safe?
Onsite security services will be provided at night.
Project Design
What is the building design of the new community?
The new community is five stories and is designed to complement the architecture of City Hall, the surrounding buildings, and the historic setting of the neighborhood.
What materials and details are proposed for the facade?
The new community will be constructed and finished in the spirit of the original vision as reflected in the Bennet Plan. The proposed material and details include the selective use of hand-troweled plaster, cast stone, metal windows with divisions, along with other details and materials to integrate the community into this historic neighborhood.
Will the apartment homes have private balconies or patios?
The new community will not have private balconies or patios, but the design creates interior recreation and outdoor gathering spaces to encourage community interactions.
Do the apartment homes have views of the historic neighborhood?
The apartment homes offer views of either the Civic Center streets or the verdant central courtyard. In addition, the community has open corridors, providing natural light and offering stunning views of the neighborhood.
What is the courtyard like?
The new community features a central courtyard, in the tradition of the great buildings of Pasadena. This space is designed to accommodate an array of resident activities and offers plenty of natural light. The central courtyard will be open to the public during onsite leasing hours. Residents will have private access to the upper tiers of the community.
Is there a coordinated effort between the renovation of the YWCA and the new affordable housing community?
National CORE is eager to work with the City selected developer and operators of the YWCA site to discuss partnerships and shared planning opportunities.
Street Activation
Will there be retail in the building?
Because of the anticipated café and coffee shop in the hotel planned for the YWCA building, National CORE is proposing to offer space for rolling retail that will complement and not compete with the hotel uses. Rather than brick and mortar retail, National CORE will emphasize pop-up retail operated as social enterprises.
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Building the Future of Community
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