This development provides 100 affordable family townhomes on a nearly 7.2 acre site. The site is located within a two block walk of the CalTrans Station, a day care center and major shopping. A transit stop is located at the development’s entry and all residents are provided free “Eco passes”. The design is based upon the City of Morgan Hill’s desire for a high quality, rural appearance.
The townhouses are arranged in 4-plexes and 5-plexes around a central spine that includes: two play structures, a solar heated swimming pool and solar heated shower and a recreation building. The recreation building includes: a large lobby, a kitchen room, a computer lounge, an interview room and the manager’s office. The manager’s office is furnished with “Baltix” wheatboard furniture.
Photovoltaic panels on the carports and recreation building supplies 95% of the common area/recreation building’s electricity. The development exceeds California’s Title 24 Energy Requirements by 25%.
Each townhouse unit has a private, fenced back yard. Heating and air-conditioning is provided by a gas-fueled, hydronic system. All carpeting is 78% or greater recycled content and all appliances are gas, “energy-star” appliances.
Resident services include: free “Eco passes” for transit to all residents; an after-school homework club facilitated by MACSA and a savings club sponsored by CitiBank.
Development Details
Name:
Murphy Ranch Family Townhomes
Units: 100
Year Completed: 2003/2004
Architect: Fisher Friedman Associates, AIA
Contractor: L&D Construction
Telephone: 408-782-2084
Location
310 East Dunne
Morgan Hill, California 95037
Development Highlights
- Solar-heated swimming pool
- Two children's play areas with play structures
- Community building with computer lab
- On-site manager and maintenance staff
- Energy-efficient building and units
- Free annual transit pass for all residents
Awards & Honors
- Award of Excellence for Affordable Housing Built Responsibly 2005, National runner-up, Rental Housing, The Home Depot Foundation
- Featured by Global Green USA The Making of a Green Developer, December 2003
- Featured by San Jose Mercury News for providing eco-friendly, affordable housing, October 2003
- Featured State of California Housing and Community Development webpage, Fall 2003
- Excellence in Design Honorable Mention 2004, Environmental Design + Construction Magazine