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Building on the success of its recent residential community in Pleasanton, Tri-Valley nonprofit Sunflower Hill this week announced that its second affordable housing complex for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities has been approved for construction in downtown Lafayette.
Following the model established with Sunflower Hill at Irby Ranch near downtown Pleasanton, the new, 38-unit Sunflower Hill at Lafayette Lane is being built as part of a larger residential development that also includes 128 market-rate, for-sale homes.
“We’ve seen with the number of applications received for Sunflower Hill at Irby Ranch, that the need for affordable, independent living housing options for people with developmental disabilities is great,” Edie Nehls, executive director at Sunflower Hill, told the Weekly on Tuesday.
“Unfortunately, there are just not enough affordable housing options available. That’s why we’re very excited to be co-developing Sunflower Hill at Lafayette Lane to be able to offer a new, affordable independent living community for people with developmental disabilities,” she said.
Sunflower Hill at Irby Ranch, a first-of-its-kind affordable housing community for adults with developmental disabilities, opened last year and received nearly 300 applications for its 30 available housing units, demonstrating the need for such residential options throughout the region, Nehls said.
For its next project, Sunflower Hill is partnering with Pacific West Communities, Inc., Miramar Capital, and Novin Development Corporation as part of the redevelopment of the Corporate Terraces mixed-use property at Mt. Diablo Boulevard and First Street in Lafayette.
Sunflower Hill at Lafayette Lane, which earned approval from the Lafayette City Council late last month, will include 38 affordable rental units along with person-centered programs and activities for its residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as the greater community, according to Nehls.
The property is situated near the library and grocery stores, as well as a half mile from the BART station and walking distance to Plaza Park and the entire downtown area.
“I really appreciate the thought and consideration that’s gone into making this a very usable space for the community,” Councilmember Gina Dawson said in a statement.
“I am thrilled that Sunflower Hill has chosen Lafayette as the site for its next community,” added City Manager Niroop Srivatsa. “We welcome you and look forward to working together to build homes for our neighbors, family members and friends with developmental disabilities.”
Construction is expected to begin in 2023, with a tentative completion date of 2026. Details on the application process and resident eligibility are not yet available. To track the status, visit sunflowerhill.org.
“We know that residential communities for individuals with developmental disabilities are critical for so many Californians, and are excited to move forward on this project,” Nehls said.
