Berrellesa Palms in Martinez Opens for Seniors with Health Challenges

Housing developer Resources for Community Development (RCD) is celebrating the completion of Berrellesa Palms, 310 Berrellesa Street, Martinez, on Tuesday, September 30 from noon to 1:30 pm.

Berrellesa Palms is fully leased to seniors age 62 and older who have chronic health conditions and were at risk of homelessness. The new development provides 48 units that feature universal design elements that can accommodate a variety of physical needs and be adapted as residents “age-in-place.”

An innovative supportive services program, led by staff from Jewish Family and Children’s Services, is helping residents ensure that their health care needs are met as they make the transition to living at Berrellesa Palms.

A grand opening ceremony at 1:00pm moderated by RCD Director of Housing Development Carolyn Bookhart includes these speakers:

Mayor Rob Schroder, Martinez;

Supervisor Federal Glover, Contra Costa County;

Evan Gerberding, Director of External Affairs, California Department of Housing and Community Development;

City Council Member AnaMarie Avila Farias, Martinez;

Jonathan Klein, Senior Vice President, Community Development Finance, Union Bank;

Nick Griffin, Relationship Manager, Community Development Finance, Bank of the West; and

Dan Sawislak, Executive Director, RCD.

The design for Berrellesa Palms responds to the historic neighborhood location and was described by Lisa White in the Contra Costa Times as a “building that looks as if it could have been plucked from the Marina District in San Francisco.“

The two-story entry lobby leads to a parlor and curved staircase to the second floor as well as an inner courtyard. In addition to a large multi-purpose room with a full kitchen, the shared spaces also include the Joe DiMaggio health and fitness room, the John Muir computer resource room, outdoor balconies, three open lounge areas, and a small library.

The architect for the property was KTGY Group, Inc.; the general contractor was Segue Construction.

Berrellesa Palms includes public and private investments of $22 million. Sources of funding include the Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development, Contra Costa County Housing Authority, Corporation for Supportive Housing, Center for Creative Land Recycling, California Department of Housing and Community Development, Bank of the West, Union Bank, and the Federal Home Loan Bank.

Berrellesa Palms was selected by CVHCare for a pilot program that provides nursing staff to make rounds of the apartments and help evaluate any concerns or needs residents have regarding their health. Residents who qualify for the new Department of Health Care Services Assisted Living Waiver program will be served by Rehabilitation Services of Northern California through a pilot program designed to support independent living.

“The people at Berrellesa Palms are pioneers in this new approach that California is taking to ensure appropriate housing and health care choices for seniors. We’re pleased that these programs recognize that most of us prefer to live in our own homes for a long as possible,” says Dan Sawislak, RCD’s executive director.

The public is invited to attend the grand opening ceremony and open house onTuesday, September 30, 2014, from noon to 1:30pm.

About Resources for Community Development:

RCD, which submitted this press release, develops housing that creates community assets, enhances surrounding neighborhoods, and provides housing and amenities that also improve the quality of living for residents. RCD has developed more than 2,200 affordable housing units that serve over 4,000 residents across Alameda, Contra Costa, and Solano counties. In 2014, RCD will complete development of 232 units of new and rehabilitated housing and break ground on 168 units. RCD’s mission is to create and preserve affordable housing for those with the fewest options, to build community and enrich lives. For more information, visit www.rcdhousing.org.