especially the senior/handicapped option,” he said. “They still have questions regarding parking, but are willing to see what we actually do when we apply for the building permit. The only people from the public who spoke were all in favor of the project.” The City was recently awarded a CDBG grant from the State for CAH to conduct a study of the short- and long- range viability of Calistoga’s three senior parks. Recent studies have indicated that the number of seniors living in the Bay Area will more than double in the next 30 years. Calistoga needs to begin now to create feasible housing strategies that can accommodate this large senior influx. “Some of our community leadership mentioned that if This aerial image shows we built multigenerational units as well as multi-family the proposed project (circled) units that the age diversity might create more good neighbor activity, and stronger cross-age bonding that could benefit all age groups,” said Dr. Kromann. “Instead of building senior-only complexes and/or just for young families or young adults, it was suggested that we begin unit to limit street parking. Some of the environmentally friendly amenities to encourage a total family atmosphere. So we are going to test out that include electricity-saving appliances, energy-saving materials, emphasis on scenario by making the four ground floor units of the non-tuck-under units newer insulation technology including windows, walls, etc., use of solar “senior/handicap” only. The new plans should also assist the complex in technology, investigating practicality of geothermal heat exchangers from lessening the need for two parking spaces per unit. This is a new concept shallow hot geothermal potential on site, buildings situated in reference for the city.” to solar efficiency and passive sustainable concepts. The project is oriented close to downtown for residential easy access to homeowner needs. Kromann added that CAH is still committed to providing onsite This rendering shows the proposed parking that meets the city’s regulations. They are proposing adding “The Oaks” project looking northeast design-enhancing garage doors to the tuck-under units that can assist in adding aesthetic value. Four ground level units will be designated and restricted as “Senior, 55 plus,” which allows up to eighty percent of the remaining units for those below age fifty-five. CAH has redesigned the project to address Washington St. visual and parking needs, and the site plan has been reorganized to provide more green space in the center. Rooflines and massing are rearranged to highlight the majestic oaks located at the diagonally opposite ends of the property. Gable roofs, shed roofs and porches speak directly to the vernacular Calistoga character. In addition, the south sides of the gable roofs are ideal for solar arrays. The balconies have been enlarged to a six-feet usable living area that also provides a more pleasing presentation. The new design also utilizes the 35-foot setback from the Napa River for family recreational activities, with emphasis on the younger children by placing recreational and picnic type equipment Like many towns in the Napa Valley, Calistoga has an imbalance between in that setting. the number of jobs in the city and the number of employed residents. Data Dr. Kromann said the Calistoga community must continue to be creative from ABAG (Association of Bay Area Governments) and the 2010 Census in the development of workforce housing and utilize concepts that provide suggests that Calistoga will remain a job center in the northern Napa Valley. the biggest bang for the buck. At the same time, each development project Commuting from outside areas may indicate that there is an insufficient must contribute to the existing overriding character of this historic town. supply of affordable housing in the City, with a ratio of 1.13 jobs per “Combined with modular and environmentally friendly construction, it employed resident. is our hope that The Oaks Project can become a model for future infill The Oaks 18-unit project still needs tweaking and refinement, but the projects in Calistoga,” said Dr. Kromann. CAH’s plan is to produce a project that is sustainable in nature and is affordable by using a modular concept to build the two-story complex. A For more information on this project or to be a part of the solution, contact tandem tuck-under parking arrangement would be positioned below each Dr. Larry Kromann at CAH at 707.942.5920. AdVeRToRIAL FeATURe N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 2 57
NVLife_NovDec_2012
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