Community Corp 2802 Pico Housing

The 2802 Pico Housing project brings affordable housing to a mixed commercial and residential zone near the Santa Monica College campus, just 2.5 miles from the beach. The residences are situated above active retail and community space, with all components organized around an engaging courtyard. Striving to contribute to the life of its residents, neighbors and the City, by providing a pedestrian-friendly urban façade, the building also enlivens the high profile corner of Pico and 28th Street.

The building is configured as an ensemble of stepped volumes ranging from two to four floors. A break in the urban façade on the north provides pedestrian access and engages the interior courtyard with the street life along Pico Boulevard. On the 28th Street façade, a two-story volume accommodating a community room helps to break down the mass of the building and allows the ocean breeze to create naturally ventilated spaces. The courtyard optimizes social interaction and incorporates a playful array of bridges, walkways and stairs. Aligned with the entrance from Pico Boulevard, a social hub is created at the heart of the courtyard surrounded by the community room, laundry, main stairs and elevator that surround a children’s play area.