Greenfield Commons Housing
Affordable Multi-Family Housing Project located
Greenfield Commons is a new ground-up affordable housing development in Greenfield, CA, specifically designed to serve the region’s local low-income farm workers and their families. The project sets a new benchmark for sustainability and community integration, reflecting a deep commitment to addressing the housing needs of those who sustain the area’s agricultural economy.
Organized as three clusters of low-rise buildings around generously landscaped courtyards, Greenfield Commons provides 222 affordable apartment homes. The mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units thoughtfully responds to the diverse needs of agricultural workers and local families, maintaining a neighborhood scale that harmonizes with the rural character and development patterns of the surrounding community.
Sustainability is central to Greenfield Commons’ vision. The project targets LEED Gold certification and is designed for net-zero energy performance through high efficiency building systems, on-site renewable energy generation, and advanced construction methods. Modular, prefabricated building techniques further enhance quality, reduce waste, and accelerate project delivery. In partnership with local agencies, a new public bus route was extended to directly serve residents, expanding access to work opportunities, schools, and essential services.
Community life centers around a prominent community building at Third Street and Walnut Avenue, which serves as a welcoming entry and hub for neighborhood activities. Additional amenity buildings onsite include flexible multi-purpose rooms, a fitness area, secure bicycle storage, laundry facilities, and dedicated leasing offices. The large courtyard spaces offer playgrounds, recreation areas, community gardens, and quiet places to gather, facilitating both social connection and restorative retreat for residents.
Architecturally, Greenfield Commons blends contemporary design with references to the region’s agricultural heritage, adopting a modern farmhouse style with familiar forms and materials presented in a fresh, inviting way. This approach honors the identity of Greenfield’s farm-working community while expressing a vision for sustainable, inclusive growth and a vibrant, supportive residential environment.
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Location
Greenfield, CA
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Year
2018
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Status
Phase 1 Complete, Phase 2 Construction
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Previous Work
with HED
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Contributions
Project Manager and Architect for Schematic Design through Permitting
100% Affordable Housing
The Greenfield Commons development is envisioned as a positive step in the planned growth of the community offering a fresh architectural style that draws from the agricultural heritage of the region.
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This project showcases how modular construction can be applied to larger-scale developments, offering significant savings in both cost and time while achieving a contemporary, modern aesthetic. Our approach is to design modular buildings that seamlessly blend into their surroundings, delivering a level of style and sophistication that challenges the typical expectations of modular design
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LEED Gold Certification:
Designed to meet LEED Gold standards with energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and drought-tolerant landscaping to reduce environmental impact.Net-Zero Energy:
Generates as much renewable energy onsite as it consumes, offering residents lower utility costs and a healthier environment.Enhanced Public Transit:
Features a new bus stop along the project’s frontage, providing convenient access to public transportation, jobs, schools, and essential local services.
Greenfield Commons sets a new benchmark for sustainable, affordable, and connected living in California.
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At the heart of this project is the vision to cultivate a vibrant community by delivering high-quality, affordable housing tailored for Monterey County’s essential farm workers.
Community-Focused Design:
The architectural approach fosters neighborhood connections and shared spaces, supporting a sense of belonging and well-being among residents.Agrarian-Inspired Aesthetics:
The design draws inspiration from the region’s agricultural heritage utilizing forms, materials, and color palettes reflective of Monterey County’s pastoral landscapes and traditional farm structures.Harmony with Place:
The architecture respects and enhances the rural character of the area, seamlessly blending new homes with the surrounding fields and open spaces.
By honoring the agrarian identity of Monterey County through thoughtful architecture and aesthetics, this project not only provides vital housing but also strengthens the social and cultural fabric of the community.
Building Community: The Story of Greenfield Commons
Discover how EAH, HED, and Swinerton, in collaboration with the City of Greenfield, delivered Greenfield Commons, a benchmark achievement in affordable housing for local farm workers. This video highlights the collaboration and shared vision that brought much-needed, high-quality homes to the heart of the Greenfield community.
