CASE STUDY
COMPASS ROSE
Quality, attainable housing in the heart of downtown Fullerton
PROJECT OVERVIEW CHALLENGE
LOCATION
Compass Rose is a 46-unit attainable infill development in Fullerton, CA’s
Fullerton, California Richman Park neighborhood. Our non-profit client Jamboree, tasked us
with creating aesthetic and functional cohesiveness and a true sense
COMPLETED of community. These qualities are typically hard to achieve at scattered
April 2019
sites, but we connected five lots with accessible pathways that lead to an
TYPE expansive and popular community center. This gathering place is the heart
Breezeway of the 1.76-acre development and as such it establishes the fabric of a
transitioning neighborhood. The City of Fullerton and the former Fullerton
SIZE
3 Stories
Redevelopment Agency have invested more than $22.7 million to buy
46 Units properties and then replace blight with much needed attainable housing.
1.76 Acres Compass Rose provides the rental component of this master plan with
high-quality apartments for families earning between 30 and 60 percent of
DENSITY
26.2 du/ac
the area median income.
CERTIFICATION SOLUTION
LEED Gold Each block underwent multiple iterations during the zoning and enti-
tlements phase of development. “I can’t remember another project in
which we worked so closely with the City to interpret and explore the
code to its maximum possibility in order to get the desired yield,” recalls
I can’t remember another project in which we
worked so closely with the City to interpret
and explore the code to its maximum
Daniel Gehman, Principal in Charge of Architecture at Humphreys &
Partners Architects. Later, when an unexpected stormwater manage-
ment issue arose, our landscape architect resolved it brilliantly with
possibility in order to get the desired yield
raised planters that ultimately enhance the aesthetic experience of the
Daniel Gehman, Principal in Charge,
Humphreys & Partners Architects community by defining the zones within the landscape. Careful attention
was also given to styling the structures and common areas with a level
WWW.HUMPHREYS.COM HUMPHREYS & PARTNERS ARCHITECTS 972.701.9636
of detail not usually seen in attainable housing that instills
pride among residents and encourages positive communi-
ty engagement. At the development’s over 3,500-square
foot mixed-use community center we programmed flexible
indoor/outdoor recreational space, management offices,
kitchen facilities and room for free services for residents
and the surrounding community.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Compass Rose offers 14 one-bedroom, 20 two-bedroom
and 12 three-bedroom apartment homes in five two- and
1. three-story modified breezeway buildings. State-of-the-
art materials, systems, finishes, fixtures and equipment
not only meet LEED for Homes Gold certification but also
CalGreen Title 24 building standards. As Gehman notes,
Compass Rose blends seamlessly into the neighborhood.
We gave special consideration to the neighboring Califor-
nia Craftsman-style architecture when designing the com-
munity. Exterior materials include a combination of stucco,
metal panels and stone accents with classic Craftsman de-
tails such as exposed beams and rafters and low-pitched
rooflines. The stacked-flats feature tuck-under garages to
maximize outdoor space and community areas as well as
additional parking for guests. Compass Rose provides a
2.
comfortable and dignified place to live while raising the bar
for attainable housing development.
ABOUT HUMPHREYS & PARTNERS
For over 25 years, Humphreys & Partners Architects (HPA) has been
providing high quality, innovative planning and design services. As an
award-winning firm specializing in multifamily, mixed-use and hospitality/
resort design, HPA has extensive experience in high-rise, mid-rise,
3.
student, senior, tax credit, attainable, moderate and luxury communities
with offices across the nation and abroad.
4.
1. The community center and outdoor amenity areas encourage an environment
of engagement, socialization and healthy play.
2. Featuring over 3,500 square feet of common space, the community center
houses flexible indoor/outdoor recreational space, management offices, kitchen
facilities, and room for free services.
3. The California craftsman-style is contextual in design as special consideration
was given to the neighboring architecture.
4. The community is comprised of five scattered lots with accessible pathways
connecting each block.
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