Alta Madrone

Alta Madrone is a vibrant community serving 48 very low and extremely low income Sonoma County households. Two years of community engagement informed the composition of eight residential buildings and a community building on two acres at a prominent intersection in the City of Sonoma.

Vernacular traditions of Sonoma and high-quality contemporary materials and detailing helped craft this two-story community to enrich the built environment for residents and neighbors alike. Consolidated parking, a verdant courtyard, and a variety of pathways encourage strolling and engender a sense of community while preserving open space and several Valley Oak trees. The community clubhouse includes a multipurpose room, computer stations, full kitchen, a variety of activity and meeting rooms, services offices, and laundry. The clubhouse opens to a covered terrace and the central courtyard with a play area, lawn, picnic tables, and raised garden beds.

Eleven units are reserved for formerly homeless families; ten additional units are set aside for disabled and unhoused veterans.

The project is all-electric. Roof-mounted solar panels and water heaters offset energy demands. Unit finishes were selected for durability and non-toxicity. The site incorporates stormwater management, virtual net-metering, and a greywater irrigation system.