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.
PROJECT DETAILS
Location: Huntington Beach, Calif.
Developer: UDR
Architect: MVE + Partners
Builder: Bernards
Opened: April 2017
Number of units: 516
Unit mix: One-, two-, and three-bedrooms
Rents: $3,200 to $15,000
The Residences at Pacific City, which comprises six residential neighborhoods over 17 acres, emphasizes indoor–outdoor living via a central community building, a large pool and deck, and its location fronting a public park. The common amenity building stands as the focal point of the community with its unique curvature mimicking the look of an ocean wave. The adjacent pool deck forms the shallows, while the landscape design for the public park includes varying heights of vegetation to replicate the swell. Inside, the building features a fitness center, lounge, recreation room, business center, and surfboard shop and storage.
The complex’s one-, two-, and three-bedroom flats, along with some penthouse units, face one of two ways: toward the central courtyards or the surrounding streets. A pedestrian “boardwalk,” made of composite decking, connects the courtyards and provides a walkway out to the public sidewalks.
Courtesy MVE + Partners
Continuing the coastal design to each of the units, local architecture firm MVE + Partners designed the apartments with a wider front to allow more natural light into the spaces. Large operable windows and semi-recessed balconies were also included to ensure tenants can welcome ocean breezes and enjoy a living space that continues from the interior to the exterior. The modern designs incorporate California coastal colors, textures, and forms.
Additionally, the residences include public and private rooftop terraces and decks, which are accessed via spiral staircases that lead to unobstructed views of the community and ocean.