Joining with collaborators Overaa and Studio T-Square Architecture, BASE is pleased to share our progress on a 1.84 acre supportive housing adaptive reuse project in San Pablo, CA. The 25,000 sq. ft. former office building was originally built in 1971 for Pacific Bell Telephone Company, and was later occupied by Contra Costa County Corrections. Now vacant, the building is slated for redevelopment as a Supportive Housing development of 54 micro-units including accessible and adaptable units for seniors experiencing homelessness.

 

In collaboration with Contra Costa County’s Health and Human Services Department, BASE has developed a landscape program that includes residential recreation areas, low-water plantings, bio-retention stormwater swales, electric vehicle charging stations, and bicycle lockers. Our design focuses on simple materials that provide dignity, ergonomic comfort, and the healing potential of landscapes for some of the most vulnerable people in our community. A future phase on the County-owned adjacent lot furthers this commitment to equity by preserving land that may eventually serve as a bountiful community garden for residents.

 

 

Team Background

The design process has been highly collaborative among the team:

 

Overaa, Design-Build Developer and Contractor

Contra Costa County, Health and Human Services Department

Contra Costa County, Public Works Department

Contra Costa County, Real Estate Department

Studio T-SQ., Inc.

RMW Architecture

BASE Landscape Architects

KPW Structural Engineers

Engeo Geotechnical Engineers

Eden Housing, Supportive Housing Consultants

 

The development team has also consulted with the San Pablo Police Department, Contra Costa Fire Protection District, and various utility providers. The development team is also engaging in community stakeholder meetings in a process led by the Contra Costa County Health and Human Services Department.