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GlobeSt.com: What new amenities are being incorporated into low-income affordable-housing communities that might not have been seen in the past?

Davidson: Anton Portola has more open space than most apartment projects, including a large heated pool, spa, barbeque areas, a dog park and a community clubroom. Adjacent to the clubroom, there is a large outdoor seating area with a fireplace and arches that open into the pool area. We also really focused on amenities that encourage healthy living, with the large outdoor space and grassy areas, and its very own park with two playgrounds larger than most public parks. There's also a brand-new fitness center with state-of-the-art machines. For residents, we wanted to create something that goes above and beyond just traditional housing.

GlobeSt.com: What are some new ways developers are getting these much-needed projects approved and built?

Davidson: It is more difficult than ever to build affordable-housing projects with overall development and construction costs being as high as they are. It's critical for the success of the project to work with jurisdiction and master land developers to work out strategic methods of execution. Jurisdictions must be aware that rising impact fees directly prevent the execution of affordable housing, and therefore it is critical that jurisdictions work with developers to ensure the supply of housing is not stifled. Land owners and master developers must also work closely with the affordable-housing developer to make sure the economics of the project allows for a proper execution.

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about this project?

Davidson: Our approach to affordable housing is evident in the Anton Portola project. We believe that there should not be a difference in the quality of living between market-rate and affordable housing, and therefore take every measure possible to provide the best possible community for the residents.

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IRVINE, CA—From more open space to features that encourage healthy living, today's affordable-housing projects are striving to go above and beyond just traditional housing, Anton Development Co.'s VP of construction Andy Davidson tells GlobeSt.com. The firm recently held a grand opening for Anton Portola, a new affordable-housing community in Portola Springs here with 256 Mission-style apartment homes. The project provides “very-low-income” housing for those earning less than half the area median income and includes a resort-style pool, clubhouse and three community parks.

We spoke with Davidson about the project and how the line between affordable and market-rate-housing amenities is blurring.

GlobeSt.com: What's unique about Anton Portola?

Davidson: It is important to provide housing at all levels of affordability, and Anton Portola is an affordable-housing community with resort-like amenities that rival market-rate projects. Affordable housing is a big need in Orange County. The development is located in Portola Springs in Irvine, which further separates it from traditional affordable housing. We want people like teachers, police officers and firefighters to be able to live in the community in which they work.