The renovation, designed by Killefer Flammang Architects, has created highly functional light housekeeping units of 175 square feet—with kitchenette and full bathroom. “Built in 1925 as a hotel with 295 units, the badly deteriorated structure had to be totally gutted and even required replacement of its rotted columns,” explains architect Wade Killefer, whose firm has designed more than 4,000 units of low-income and special needs housing in addition to numerous market-rate projects.

A LEED equivalent project, the board-formed, reinforced concrete building was refurbished with new concrete shear walls, steel stud interior framing and aluminum frame windows with energy efficient glass. The original light court was extended from the second floor to ground level, enabling sunlight to reach a landscaped courtyard surrounded by the units and common areas.

There is no question that projects such as the Ford are going to find tough sledding in California in the future as a result of the recent court decision, says Killefer. “Redevelopment funds were always the first layer of financing for affordable housing; thus the demise of redevelopment is going to stop the construction of most affordable housing.”

Killefer continues that “This is well known by the Sacramento legislators, and various vehicles are being discussed as replacement agencies,” he says. “Timing will become critical as deadlines for Federal Tax Credits come and go.”