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Merritt Crossing-LMS ArchitectsLow-income seniors in Oakland now have a new housing complex available to meet their needs. Merritt Crossing by <a href="http://www.lmsarch.com/project.php?id=MEC" target="_blank">LMS Architects</a> is a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/LEED">LEED Platinum</a> residential project in Oakland's Chinatown neighborhood with easy access to transit and other urban amenities. The project was built for nonprofit developer <a href="http://www.ahainc.org/" target="_blank">Affordable Housing Associates</a>, and it provides housing for 70 low-income seniors. Sustainably designed with rooftop solar panels, living mesh screens on the facade and a high performance exterior, the project is also GreenPoint and Energy Star rated and has a <a href="http://www.bayfriendlycoalition.org/" target="_blank">Bay-Friendly landscaping certification</a>.1
Merritt Crossing-LMS ArchitectsMerritt Crossing is located on the corner of 6th and Oak Street in Oakland.2
Merritt Crossing-LMS ArchitectsThe dense project worked to match the surrounding feel of the residential homes as well as address the visual and noise impact of the adjacent freeway.3
Merritt Crossing-LMS ArchitectsThe six story building designed by San Francisco-based <a href="http://www.lmsarch.com/project.php?id=MEC" target="_blank">LMS Architects</a> provides 70 affordable and accessible apartments for a diverse group of seniors with low incomes.4
Merritt Crossing-LMS ArchitectsAbout half of the building's residents are formerly homeless individuals and the building also provides supportive services, and community room and kitchen.5
Merritt Crossing-LMS ArchitectsLocated on a former brownfield site, Merritt Crossing is also sited near a BART stop. Modern design elements are incorporated to eliminate the institutionalized feel and compliment the surrounding eclectic pan-Asian community.6
Merritt Crossing-LMS ArchitectsPhotovoltaics and a solar thermal system on the roof provide energy for the building while a high performance envelope and energy efficient systems to reduce energy use.7
Merritt Crossing-LMS ArchitectsThe apartments are sunny and allow for natural ventilation and each has a private and protected balcony recessed behind the building's outer shell.8
Merritt Crossing-LMS ArchitectsA mesh installation will allow plants to grow on the building creating a living facade to protect it from the elements, improve air quality and reduce noise.9
Merritt Crossing-LMS ArchitectsSince it's competition in August of 2012, the project has been awarded LEED Platinum certification.10
Merritt Crossing-LMS ArchitectsIt has also been awarded GreenPoint Rating with over 130 points, an EnergyStar Rating and a Bay-Friendly Landscape Certification.11
Merritt Crossing-LMS ArchitectsExploded view of the building's assembly.12
