Downtown Danville Apartments

Danville, California

Architect: LCA Architects
Landscape Architect: Gates and Associates

The Town of Danville is one of the most prestigious East Bay communities in the San Francisco Bay Area with median household incomes exceeding $180,000 annually and average homes prices of over $1.2 million. The heart of the Town is nestled along San Ramon Creek and features high-end dining, shopping and entertainment venues. Since its incorporation in 1982, no multi-family project of this scale had been approved until Downtown Danville Apartments, and then only after an acrimonious decade-long process. The principals of Thompson | Dorfman Partners, while at Trammell Crow Residential, directed the acquisition of this entitled site and redesigned it to create a luxury rental community befitting of its high-income address.

Downtown Danville Apartments was reconfigured to upscale its program, architecture, and amenity package to be more appealing to the target market. The project consists of 144 units in three buildings situated on a subterranean and secured parking structure to respond to the Town’s strict zoning related to building height. Given the quality of the local schools, nearly 60% of the units are in larger two- and three-bedroom floorplans (which include 14 more generously sized townhomes) to appeal to young families and executives relocating to the area. All units feature upscale finishes including a high-end appliance package with a gas range, quartz countertops, tile backsplashes and plank flooring throughout. The site plan was reconfigured to accommodate a community building with a state-of-the-art fitness center, business lounge and clubroom that overlooks a lap pool and spa. Other courtyards include an outdoor kitchen and a large children’s play area. A wonderful feature for the community is a new pedestrian bridge over San Ramon Creek that will connect the project directly to the Danville Library and Downtown Danville.

The revised site plan and architecture, which highlights craftsman style design incorporating high-quality materials and details, was overwhelmingly supported by the Town. The development is under construction and the first units are scheduled to be delivered in summer 2020. Upon completion, it is expected to receive the highest rental rates in the area.