A nonprofit affordable housing developer and a nonprofit arts organization have joined forces to create an innovative community in Berkeley, California.
The Grinnell features 63 affordable homes, including 12 units for households that have one or more members with an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD).
Instead of using the ground floor for retail space, developer Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA) approached Creative Growth, a renowned center for artists with disabilities, to open studio and gallery space in the building. At first, Creative Growth leaders were not ready to explore the idea amid the stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic, but they later embraced the idea with SAHA’s support.
The project, which was set to swing into full action in July, brings new opportunities to residents while amplifying the missions of both nonprofits.
“The Grinnell and Creative Growth’s new studio and gallery will celebrate the I/DD community and showcase its superpowers while bringing vibrance to the immediate neighborhood, a cluster of retail and restaurant uses seeing increased investment,” says Jonathan Astmann, associate director, real estate development, at SAHA.
The Grinnell features 18 studio, 11 one-, and 33 two-bedroom units in addition to a manager’s unit. The homes are reserved for households earning no more than 30%, 50%, and 60% of the area median income.
Replacing an auto repair shop, the six-story development is on track to receive LEED Platinum certification for its all-around sustainability features.
The $51.7 million development was supported by the state Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program, which funds projects that significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In partnership with Berkeley and Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), SAHA received a loan and grant funds to improve neighborhood sidewalks, crosswalks, and bus stops; build new bike lane connections to BART; buy three new BART train cars; and provide bus passes to residents of The Grinnell.
