The second phase of the Frishman Hollow complex in the Town of Truckee broke ground on June 4, 2020 and according to developer TPC (The Pacific Companies) the project is on track to be ready for residents in Spring of 2021.
The project includes 68 deed-restricted affordable housing units, a mix of studios, one bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments distributed across four buildings, located adjacent to the existing Phase 1 of Frishman Hollow, on the corner of Rue Ivy and Highway 89 (near Alder Creek Middle School). The units will serve individuals and households earning between approximately $28,000/yr. (single person) to approximately $40,000 – $110,000/year (household of four). Rent will be income-based and range from $650 – $2,000 per month, depending on income, household size, and unit size.
According to Town staff, there are currently only 380 income qualifying affordable units in Truckee, with wait lists of up to two years to get in. “We are thrilled that this project is moving forward, despite all of the challenges of COVID-19, because the need for affordable housing is only growing,” said Town Manager Jeff Loux in a news release. “Though all affordable housing projects are complex, the Town is pleased with the relatively short time frame, just over a year from initial developer interest to ground breaking-when it can often take two to four years, including a re-zoning. A big reason behind this success was the high level of trust and collaboration between the affordable housing developer (The Pacific Companies) and town.”
Truckee Planning Commission approved the project at their February 27, 2020 and June 16, 2020 hearings. “The Frishman Hollow II project brings much needed housing to Truckee that is affordable high quality, and close to schools, bike paths and outlets like the Truckee Donner Rec and Park District center. We look forward to opening day, hopefully this Spring,” said Seana Doherty, Housing Program Manager for the Town of Truckee. Indeed, the Town has demonstrated commitment to assure that residents of all income levels can live in close proximity to jobs, goods, services, education, healthcare, and recreation which minimizes vehicle miles traveled and corresponding Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.
A fundamental aspect of the project is the use of prefabricated modular construction of the units. The units are framed, plumbed, wired, and provided interior finishes in the factory and then shipped to the site. Roofing and exterior finishes are applied at the site. In addition to the unit assembly and project construction time savings, the factory quality control benefits and the sustainability benefits of modular really add up. Optimized factory conditions can cut construction waste in half due to less material cut-off along with fewer errors, re-work, and accidental damage. These efficiencies off-set the increased material usage of modular units, which each unit having four walls, a roof, and a floor. What may at first seem redundant assemblies turns out to be a huge quality improvement in sound attenuation between units, solving the most basic and persistent problem of multi-family housing projects. The robust structure supports a longer life cycle. Construction related energy use is better controlled under factory conditions as well. Shorter construction periods and fewer workers traveling long distances to jobsites reduces transportation related impacts, like reduced need for site deliveries and storage of materials. This reduces noise, pollution, and construction duration at the jobsite, which will be appreciated by the neighboring residents.
Executive architect for the project is Architects Orange dba AO, based in Orange, CA. Pacific West Builders is general contractor.
