Vista Verde Community Housing site rests upon 1.38 acres upon a sloped knoll nestled into the hillside below the Watchwood Road neighborhood of Orindawoods. Currently, an existing cottage and parking lot are on the property. Both structures will be replaced in order to accommodate the approved project consisting of a senior housing facility and associated parking, hardscapes, utilities and landscaping. The senior housing center will be three stories high at the top of the hillside and five stories high in the front, or downhill, portion of the structure. Careful study by arborists of the mature trees on site has led to the adoption of careful measures to manage site conditions in order preserve those trees and provide a leafy arbor that will surround the facility.

The architectural character complements the classic charm of Orinda. The exterior of the building will be clad in a mix of stucco and fiber cement board siding with modern detailing. The color scheme is inspired by the oak trees found on-site. The palette is designed to blend harmoniously with the neighborhood.

The approved development includes amenities such as an on-site Community Room, a Community Garden, Roof Decks, two Workplace Offices, a Crafts & Computer Room, Bike Storage, a gated resident Parking Garage, a Maintenance Shop and several landscaped open areas.

The building has been designed to incorporate a number of courtyards, patios and paths around the building. A courtyard will be located at the building entry along an accessible path of travel connecting the guest parking, sidewalk on Irwin Way and the lobby.

On the second level, residents will enjoy fresh produce, vegetables, herbs and fruit grown and picked right outside in the Community Garden. Here, residents will take part in learning to grow their favorite greens, fruit and even flowers.

The development will be Green Point rated. The green / sustainable features will include a variety of strategies. Some of these enhancements include: recycling of demolition and construction waste; on-going recycling program for residents; and interior material selections which include recyclable materials and some fabrics / textiles which improve indoor air quality.

The exterior envelope will focus on providing shading for windows to minimize heat gain, as well as providing a well-insulated building with thicker walls and roof insulation.