Just west of the Costa Mesa Freeway in Santa Ana, construction is complete for one of Southern California's largest affordable housing developments in recent memory, architecture firm AO announced this week.

View looking west from across the Costa Mesa FreewayGreg Hayes

The Metro East Senior Park Apartments - a nearly $150-million joint venture between AMG, The Pacific Companies, and Jamboree Housing - consists of a six-story, 461,000-square-foot building located at 2222 E. 1st Street in Santa Ana's Metro East mixed use zone.  The podium-type complex includes 419 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, ranging from 402 to 821 square feet in size.

“We’re breathing new life into Santa Ana’s Metro East mixed-use zone with a senior affordable housing community that’s absolutely first class,” said AO partner Ed Cadavona. “Our vision for Metro East Senior Park Apartments was to create a living environment that promotes well-being and longevity through social, mental and physical engagement.”

In addition to housing, the L-shaped structure includes parking for more than 200 vehicles and over 20,000 square feet of open space for residents.  Five courtyards are located on the property to encourage socialization among the residents of the property - all of whom will be seniors.  Other features include a rooftop deck, a fitness center, a recreation room, and a community garden.

View from top corner unitGreg Hayes

The building's features a contemporary exterior, similar to other recent ground-up projects in Santa Ana, with a color palette that consists of grays, whites, and tans.  Additionally, a large mural on the building's east facade depicts seniors in Santa Ana, and is intended as a gateway point to the city.

Other members of the project team include Sinanian Construction, C&V Consulting, and Thomas H. Phelps Landscape Architecture.

The apartments at the Metro East development are reserved for adults aged 62 and older.  Rents for the property start at $999 per month.

Location of the Metro East Senior Park Apartments and the neighboring First Point development to the westGoogle Maps

The project is not the only large-scale affordable housing development now taking shape in Santa Ana's Metro East mixed use zone.  A short walk west, the same development team is wrapping up work on an even larger 552-unit apartment complex which will cater to families.