Designing a Welcoming and Sustainable Community at Vista Terrace
Vista Terrace, developed in partnership with Thomas Safran & Associates, embodies Los Angeles’s ongoing commitment to inclusive, sustainable housing. This thoughtfully designed, four-story community offers 102 studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments reserved for individuals and families earning no more than 50 percent of the area median income. More than a housing complex, Vista Terrace stands as a symbol of dignity, belonging, and opportunity within a dense urban context.
Los Angeles continues to face a severe shortage of affordable housing, particularly for households seeking both stability and community connection. For Thomas Safran & Associates, the challenge extended beyond building affordability—it was about designing a place where residents could thrive. The 1.06-acre site required a compact, efficient footprint that could still foster openness, natural light, and shared experience, balancing high density with human scale.
HED approached Vista Terrace through an integrated lens, balancing architectural efficiency with social purpose. The design organizes residential units around a generous central courtyard, establishing a communal heart that anchors the building both visually and socially. Layered balconies, varied fenestration, and a warm material palette create a welcoming exterior presence that blends into the neighborhood while conveying care and permanence.
The building’s ground level supports a range of shared amenities, including a community room and a flexible recreation space designed for resident gatherings, classes, and support services. These spaces foster connection and encourage daily interaction, reinforcing the sense of home and belonging that defines Vista Terrace. Beneath the residential floors, 66 parking spaces are concealed within a 23,000-square-foot structured podium—maximizing site efficiency while maintaining an active, pedestrian-friendly frontage at street level.
Sustainability was central to the project’s mission. Passive design strategies, efficient building systems, and durable materials contribute to long-term performance and comfort. By integrating shaded outdoor areas, energy-conscious mechanical systems, and water-wise landscaping, the community supports both environmental responsibility and operational affordability. Each of the 91,600 square feet of residential space was designed to promote natural ventilation and daylighting, reducing dependence on mechanical systems and creating healthier living environments.
The result is a model for equitable urban living—one that proves density and design excellence can coexist with affordability and dignity. Vista Terrace offers a setting where residents can establish roots, build relationships, and participate fully in the life of the surrounding neighborhood. Through collaboration and thoughtful design, HED and Thomas Safran & Associates have created more than housing; they have created a community.
In realizing Vista Terrace, HED advances its mission of designing impactful solutions for complex challenges—fusing human-centered design with sustainable innovation to strengthen the social fabric of Los Angeles.
