Walnut Creek Condominium 25 Percent Sold; Occupancy Beginning this Fall
By Erika Schnitzer, Associate Editor
Walnut Creek, Calif.—555YVR, Downtown Walnut Creek’s first live-work-shop-play residences, are nearly completed.
Developed by Thompson | Dorfman Partners and designed by KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture + Planning, in conjunction with Kwan Henmi, 555YVR features 87 one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus den and two-bedroom residences, as well as townhomes and live-work units.
The four-story community is an environmentally friendly, transit-oriented development located within one block from the BART station.
“The live-work-shop-play environment minimizes commuting and lessens pollution, as it includes close proximity to public transit lines, neighborhood parks and shopping centers, business and medical services, churches and schools, “ says Stan Braden, AIA, NCARB, chairman and principal of KTGY. “Furthermore, 555YVR’s sustainable design and lower energy bills and pedestrian-friendly location increases affordability for residents, which is more important than ever in today’s challenging economic climate.”
Located on the former site of the JFK University, some of 555YVR’s additional sustainable features include energy-efficient lighting, passive solar heating, water-efficient landscaping; a roof deck intended to reduce the heat island effect and minimize the impact on the microclimate, bicycle storage and bike racks and low-flow fixtures.
The community employed the use of low-VOC construction adhesives and paints and environmentally friendly interior trim and shelving. The developer also diverted 50 percent of construction and demolition waste to promote recycling and reduce landfill waste.
Residences feature low-E, floor-to-ceiling windows; hardwood floors; European-styled kitchens with CaesarStone countertops and stainless steel appliances from Bosch and Thermador; and bathrooms with Kohler Ladena sinks, Italian tile floors and Toto dual-flush toilets. Most of the units also include private outdoor decks or patios, nine-ft. or 10-ft. ceilings and walk-in closets in the master suites.
Residences range in size from 763 to 1,308 square feet, with prices ranging from the low $300,000s to mid-$700,000s. While initial occupancy is slated for October 2009, more than 25 percent of the homes have either been reserved or sold.
The development features a Sky Lounge, a rooftop terrace with an outdoor kitchen, fireplace and 360-degree views of the San Ramon valley and Mt. Diablo; a state-of-the-art media room; private fitness center; landscaped courtyard with a water feature and bench seating; a protected dog run; and WiFi connectivity in common areas. In addition, 55YVR offers 170 parking spaces in a gated subterranean garage.
55YVR is within walking distance to restaurants, nightclubs, shops, a weekly Farmer’s Market, the public library, Civic Park, the Lesher Center for the Performing Arts and the Century Theaters. Also nearby is Broadway Plaza.