Inspired by the waves of the nearby Pacific Ocean, a new 516-unit mid-rise off the Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach, Calif., was purposefully designed for renters who share a passion for the beach and surfing.
The Residences at Pacific City, which comprises six residential neighborhoods over 17 acres, was recognized as the Multifamily Community of the Year at the 2019 Gold Nugget Awards. Jurors called the “beach-inspired” project outstanding, saying “every aspect of this project was thoughtfully planned and executed, including all the terrific circulation spaces between the beautifully designed buildings, the ‘boardwalk’ details, the abundant landscaping, and the shared outdoor living spaces.”
Although the complex sits in a prime location by the beach, pier, and Pacific City retail, developer UDR was presented with a large, awkwardly shaped site. The design team took the constraint as an opportunity to create a “horseshoe loop” road, known as the Pacific City Circle. From there, six central courtyards in each of the individualized neighborhoods were designed to integrate private and public spaces, take advantage of the sunlight, and encourage community interaction.
The project continues its emphasis on indoor–outdoor living via the central community building, a large pool and deck, and its location fronting a public park. The common amenity building stands as the project’s focal point with its unique curvature mimicking the look of an ocean wave. The adjacent pool deck forms the shallows of the shoreline, while the landscape design for the public park includes varying heights of vegetation to replicate the swell. Inside, the building features a fitness center, a lounge, a business center, and a surfboard shop and storage.
The complex’s one-, two-, and three-bedroom flats, along with some penthouse units, face one of two ways: toward either the central courtyards or the surrounding streets. A curving pedestrian “boardwalk” connects the courtyards and provides a walkway to the public sidewalks. Although this main paseo was designed to have the look and feel of a traditional boardwalk, the designers chose composite decking for its material.
Continuing the coastal design, local architecture firm MVE + Partners designed the apartments with a wider front to allow more natural light into the open floor plans. Large operable windows and semi-recessed balconies also were included to ensure tenants can welcome ocean breezes and enjoy a living space that continues from the interior to the exterior.
Modern finishes, such as quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, hardwood flooring, and frameless shower doors, were added throughout. Plus, the team incorporated smart apartment amenities in some unit offerings, including keyless entry, Nest thermostats, and Lutron smart home systems.
Additionally, the residences include public and private rooftop terraces and decks. The private spaces can be accessed via spiral staircases that lead from the terraces upward for unobstructed views of the community and ocean.
