Central Commons is an affordable, mixed-income, infill development that transformed a vacant lot into 30 flats and townhomes distributed among five buildings connected by a network of well-lit pedestrian walkways, auto courts and a shared outdoor gathering space. The buildings draw their character from the surrounding community, matching its color palette, style and scale while the outdoor spaces contain attractive landscaping, trellises, mature trees and planter boxes. The development is centrally located with access to BART, Amtrak ACE, I-880 and I-680. A private street connects the community to Central Avenue.

Green features include solar panels, drought-tolerant and native plants, bioswales and permeable paving, energy efficient appliances and building features such as windows with low-E glazing, whole house fans, high R-value insulation, overhangs, and radiant barrier roof sheathing to save energy and reduce utility bills. These homes will be certified as sustainable through Build it Green’s GreenPoint Rated program.

With Habitat’s assistance, 30 families earning limited incomes (50-80% AMI) now have the opportunity to purchase a home, with an affordable, unchanging mortgage helping them gain a stable foothold in an otherwise challenging economic environment.