Introduction
Element WeHo Apartments is a residential complex located in the western portion of a major coastal city in the United States. The development occupies a six-acre site adjacent to a popular waterfront promenade and serves as a mixed-use building with residential units, retail spaces, and public amenities. Completed in 2017, the complex is known for its contemporary architectural style, emphasis on sustainability, and its role in revitalizing the surrounding neighborhood.
The building comprises 12 floors and houses a total of 256 apartment units, ranging from studio configurations to three-bedroom residences. The complex is managed by Element Properties, a subsidiary of a national real estate investment firm specializing in urban residential developments. Element WeHo Apartments has been cited in several urban planning studies as an example of successful transit-oriented development in a coastal metropolitan area.
In addition to its residential offerings, the complex features an array of shared facilities including a fitness center, rooftop garden, childcare center, and a community event space. The design incorporates a range of environmentally friendly technologies, such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and high-performance glazing. These features contribute to the complex’s achievement of the Building Environmental Sustainability Initiative certification at the Gold level.
The development has attracted a diverse demographic, including young professionals, families, and retirees, reflecting the broader demographic shifts within the city’s western district. Over the past years, the property has maintained an occupancy rate consistently above 92%, indicative of its appeal among residents seeking modern amenities in a walkable urban setting.
Element WeHo Apartments continues to play a role in shaping the urban fabric of its locale, serving as a case study for sustainable residential design and community integration within a rapidly evolving metropolitan context.
History and Development
Site Selection and Planning
The original site, designated as a vacant lot for municipal use, was identified in the early 2000s during a comprehensive citywide land use review. City planners sought to encourage densification along the waterfront corridor to support transit-oriented growth and reduce urban sprawl. The selected parcel measured approximately 6.2 acres and was bounded by a major arterial road to the south and a public park to the north.
In 2006, the municipal council approved a zoning amendment permitting mixed-use development with a maximum height of 18 stories. The amendment included incentives for projects that incorporated green space and public amenities. Element Properties, operating under a joint venture with a local investment group, secured the development rights following a competitive bidding process.
Design and Construction Phase
The architectural design, led by the firm Horizon Architecture, was chosen through a public competition that emphasized contemporary aesthetics and environmental performance. The design team prioritized open floor plans, natural light penetration, and integration with the adjacent promenade.
Construction commenced in late 2010 and spanned 26 months. The project employed a modular construction approach for the residential units, which accelerated on-site assembly and reduced waste. The majority of the building’s structural components were fabricated off-site and then transported for final erection.
Completion and Inauguration
Element WeHo Apartments was officially opened in March 2017. The inaugural ceremony was attended by city officials, local business leaders, and community representatives. At the time of opening, the complex had received preliminary environmental certification, a milestone highlighted in several urban development reports.
Following the inauguration, the property has undergone a series of upgrades, including the installation of a new photovoltaic system and the integration of a smart building management platform that monitors energy use and resident comfort levels in real time.
Architectural Design and Features
Exterior Architecture
The exterior of Element WeHo Apartments showcases a sleek façade composed of a combination of glass curtain walls and vertical louvers. The use of high-performance glazing reduces solar heat gain while allowing abundant daylight to penetrate interior spaces. The vertical louvers, arranged in a rhythmic pattern, also provide shading for ground-level retail storefronts.
Stone cladding on the first three levels creates a visual transition between the building and the pedestrian thoroughfare. The stone panels are sourced from a regional quarry, aligning with the project's sustainability goals by minimizing transportation emissions. The overall aesthetic aligns with the contemporary architectural trends observed across the city’s waterfront developments.
Interior Layout and Unit Design
The residential units are distributed across the upper floors, with each floor containing a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom configurations. Standard unit dimensions range from 400 to 850 square feet, accommodating varying resident needs. Common design elements include open-plan kitchens, hardwood flooring, and modular storage solutions.
Higher-end units feature floor-to-ceiling windows, premium appliances, and custom finishes. All units are equipped with high-speed internet infrastructure, smart thermostats, and integrated lighting controls. The building’s internal circulation includes a central elevator lobby and a series of service elevators dedicated to freight and maintenance operations.
Shared Amenities and Public Spaces
At street level, the building hosts a retail corridor consisting of a grocery store, a boutique coffee shop, and a small artisanal market space. The retail spaces occupy 12,000 square feet and are leased to local entrepreneurs. This configuration enhances pedestrian activity and provides convenient services for residents.
The communal fitness center spans 4,000 square feet and includes cardio equipment, weight training areas, and a yoga studio. A dedicated childcare center with 30 licensed spots is located on the fourth floor, offering a safe and supervised environment for children of residents. The complex’s rooftop garden occupies 3,000 square feet and includes native plantings, a small greenhouse, and seating areas.
Public spaces also incorporate a multipurpose event hall with a capacity of 200 persons, used for community gatherings, art exhibitions, and resident meetings. The event hall features modular seating and a retractable stage, providing flexibility for various functions.
Environmental Sustainability
Energy Efficiency Measures
Element WeHo Apartments incorporates a rooftop photovoltaic array covering 4,200 square feet. The system produces approximately 120 kWh of electricity per day, accounting for 25% of the building’s total energy consumption. The electricity generated is fed back into the grid, reducing the overall carbon footprint.
High-performance glazing and insulated walls reduce heating and cooling demands. The building also utilizes a geothermal heat pump system that leverages the earth’s stable temperatures to provide efficient climate control across all residential units.
Water Conservation
Rainwater harvesting is employed to collect up to 40,000 gallons annually. The captured water is used for irrigation of the rooftop garden, flushing toilets, and cleaning communal areas. The system reduces potable water demand by an estimated 18%.
Low-flow fixtures, dual-flush toilets, and smart water monitoring devices are installed throughout the complex. The monitoring system alerts residents and maintenance staff to leaks or unusual consumption patterns, facilitating prompt intervention and minimizing waste.
Materials and Construction Practices
The construction process prioritized the use of recycled and locally sourced materials. For instance, 35% of the concrete used in structural components was sourced from recycled aggregate. Additionally, the building’s interior finishes comprise low-VOC paints and sustainably harvested timber.
During construction, waste management protocols were implemented to divert 70% of material waste from landfills. Off-site fabrication further reduced on-site debris, streamlining site cleanup and minimizing disruption to surrounding traffic.
Community and Resident Profile
Demographic Composition
Analysis of rental and sales data indicates a balanced mix of demographic groups. Approximately 38% of residents are young professionals aged 25-35, 24% are families with children, 20% are retirees, and the remaining 18% are a blend of other age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Family units typically occupy units larger than 700 square feet, while studio and one-bedroom apartments are favored by individuals and couples. The building’s proximity to public transit and retail options supports a lifestyle that favors walkability and minimal reliance on private vehicles.
Resident Engagement Initiatives
The management office organizes quarterly resident meetings that address building maintenance, upcoming projects, and community concerns. A dedicated online portal allows residents to submit maintenance requests, view utility usage, and participate in voting on community matters.
Community events such as monthly farmers markets, yoga classes, and art workshops are hosted in the event hall or rooftop garden. These activities foster neighborly interaction and contribute to a sense of belonging among residents.
Security and Safety Measures
Security infrastructure includes 24/7 video surveillance across common areas, controlled access to residential floors, and a resident concierge service. The building also features smoke detectors, carbon monoxide sensors, and an automated fire suppression system installed in accordance with city fire codes.
Safety drills are conducted biannually, focusing on fire evacuation procedures and emergency response protocols. Residents are provided with emergency contact information and evacuation maps accessible both physically and through the resident portal.
Management and Operations
Property Management Structure
Element Properties oversees day-to-day operations, including leasing, maintenance, and financial management. The management team consists of a property manager, an operations director, and a financial analyst, all reporting to the regional office of Element Properties.
Maintenance services are outsourced to a third-party provider specializing in multifamily residential buildings. The provider handles routine maintenance, preventive inspections, and emergency repairs. The contractual agreement requires a response time of less than 48 hours for non-critical issues.
Financial Performance
Since its opening, Element WeHo Apartments has demonstrated a steady increase in net operating income. Average rent per square foot increased from $20.50 in 2017 to $24.10 in 2022, reflecting both market growth and strategic rent escalations aligned with lease agreements.
The property’s operating expenses are managed through a detailed budgeting process that incorporates seasonal variations in utility costs and maintenance schedules. Capital improvement projects are funded through a combination of retained earnings and debt financing with favorable interest rates.
Technology Integration
The building employs a Building Management System (BMS) that integrates HVAC controls, lighting, security, and water monitoring. Residents can interact with the BMS through a mobile application that offers control over thermostats, lighting, and reporting of maintenance issues.
Data analytics derived from the BMS inform operational decisions, such as predictive maintenance scheduling and energy optimization strategies. The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors allows for real-time monitoring of occupancy levels, enhancing security and utility management.
Economic Impact and Urban Development
Role in Neighborhood Revitalization
Prior to development, the area surrounding the site was characterized by underutilized industrial facilities and low-density residential housing. Element WeHo Apartments contributed to the transformation of the district into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood.
Property values within a one-mile radius increased by an average of 15% over the five years following the building’s completion. The introduction of high-quality retail spaces attracted complementary businesses, further stimulating local economic activity.
Transit-Oriented Development
The complex is situated within 500 meters of a major transit hub that serves bus lines and a rapid transit line. The proximity to public transportation supports reduced vehicle ownership among residents and aligns with citywide sustainability goals.
Urban planning studies highlight the building as a benchmark for successful transit-oriented projects, noting its integration of pedestrian-friendly design, shared amenities, and proximity to essential services.
Job Creation and Services
Construction of Element WeHo Apartments generated approximately 800 direct jobs, ranging from skilled labor to project management. Post-construction, the property supports ongoing employment for approximately 120 residents in roles such as maintenance, security, and retail operations.
The presence of the retail corridor provides employment opportunities for local entrepreneurs and supports a local supply chain for food and beverage services.
Future Developments and Planned Upgrades
Planned Energy Enhancements
In 2024, Element Properties announced a planned retrofit of the existing photovoltaic system to increase efficiency by 10%. The upgrade involves the installation of newer, higher-capacity solar panels and an updated inverters system.
Additionally, the building is slated for the installation of an advanced battery storage unit capable of storing up to 200 kWh of electricity. This system will allow the building to store excess solar generation for use during peak demand periods.
Residential Space Reconfiguration
As part of a strategic plan to respond to changing market demands, management is evaluating the feasibility of converting certain larger units into accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The reconfiguration aims to increase overall housing supply while maintaining a balance between unit sizes.
Renovation proposals include the addition of shared kitchenettes and flexible living spaces to accommodate multi-generational households and shared ownership models.
Community Engagement Initiatives
Future community programs include a resident-led sustainability task force, which will focus on waste reduction, local food production, and educational outreach. This initiative aligns with broader municipal efforts to promote environmental stewardship among residents.
In partnership with local non-profits, the complex plans to host regular workshops on financial literacy, home maintenance, and digital literacy, offering residents additional resources for personal development.
Recognition and Awards
Architectural and Design Honors
In 2018, Horizon Architecture received the City Award for Sustainable Design for the Element WeHo Apartments project. The award recognized the building’s innovative use of renewable energy and green building materials.
The complex also earned a Certificate of Excellence from the Coastal Urban Development Council in 2019 for its contributions to enhancing walkability and mixed-use integration along the waterfront.
Environmental Certifications
Element WeHo Apartments holds the Building Environmental Sustainability Initiative Gold certification, awarded in 2020. The certification evaluates factors such as energy use, water conservation, and indoor environmental quality.
In 2021, the property received an Energy Efficiency Rating of 4.7 out of 5, placing it in the top percentile among comparable developments within the city.
See Also
- Transit-Oriented Development
- Coastal Urban Planning
- Green Building Certifications
- Urban Residential Architecture
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