The Rosecrans Mixed-Use Development is a groundbreaking affordable housing project that sets a new standard for sensitive urban density, gracefully blending into the single-family neighborhood at the bustling intersection of Rosecrans Avenue and Sloan Avenue in Compton. This visionary endeavor marries a 3-story affordable residential complex with a 5,000-square-foot commercial space on the ground floor. Perfectly positioned within half a mile of a major transit stop, the development effortlessly connects the commercial zone with the growing single-family neighborhood to the south.

At the heart of this innovative project are 42 studio units dedicated to providing affordable housing for individuals with limited incomes. Residents will enjoy terraced open decks on the second and third floors, overlooking Rosecrans Avenue, fostering a vibrant sense of community and outdoor interaction. A private paseo, accessible from Rosecrans Avenue, meanders between the commercial spaces, guiding residents to the central entrance lobby. Convenient access is ensured with adjacent staircases and an elevator, making daily life easier and safer.

This project emphasizes the creation of diverse public spaces that cater to varying levels of privacy and interaction. The street-facing façade features an “urban window,” a striking visual connection between the rooftop garden and the city, inviting passersby to engage with the building’s lively public activities. This urban window serves as a dynamic threshold, enhancing the project’s integration and engagement within its immediate urban context. Behind it, residents can participate in activities on the south-facing rooftop garden, designed as a vibrant communal space. The fourth-floor rooftop lounge, screened with lush landscaping, offers an intimate setting for studying, yoga, and small gatherings. At ground level, a secluded garden accessible from the community room provides a tranquil retreat for contemplation and quiet activities.

The architectural design of the Rosecrans Mixed-Use Development features a clear distinction between private residential units and public spaces, achieved through varied materials and colors. Public and semi-public areas are articulated with perforated screens and contrasting stucco colors, highlighting the building’s circulation and balcony spaces. These colored elements define the circulation and balconies, creating penetrations throughout the façade and establishing the “urban window.” The interplay of architectural elements at various scales mediates the transition between single-family homes and the 4-story development. The project seamlessly integrates into the urban fabric of Compton, responding to contextual dynamics while creating engaging and intriguing communal spaces for residents.