Providing Creative Housing solutions to California Cities

The Olson Company
Providing Creative Housing
Solutions To California Cities
Serving over 80 California Cities for over 22 years
Urban Development Solutions
CLIENT LIST
Cities
City of Alhambra
City of Anaheim
County of Alameda
City of Benicia
City of Brea
City of Buellton
City of Buena Park
City of Burbank
City of Camarillo
City of Carlsbad
City of Cerritos
City of Carson
City of Chula Vista
City of Claremont
City of Compton
City of Concord
Community of Corona Del Mar
City of Costa Mesa
City of Covina
City of Cypress
City of East Palo Alto
City of Emeryville
City of El Monte
City of Fairfield
City of Fountain Valley
City of Fullerton
City of Garden Grove
City of Glendale
City of Hayward
City of Huntington Beach
City of La Habra
City of La Mesa
City of La Palma
City of Lakewood
City of Lomita
City of Long Beach
City of Los Alamitos
City of Los Angeles
City of Montebello
County of Los Angeles
City of National City
City of Newport Beach
City of Orange
City of Oxnard
City of Oakland
City of Pacifica
City of Pasadena
City of Paramount
Community of Playa Vista
City of Pleasant Hill
City of Pittsburg
City of Pomona
City of Port Hueneme
City of Rancho Mirage
City of Richmond
City of Riverside
City of San Diego
City of San Jose
City of San Juan Capistrano
Community of San Lorenzo
City of San Marcos
Community of San Pedro
City of Santa Ana
City of Santa Clarita
City of Santa Fe Springs
City of Simi Valley
Community of Sylmar
City of Torrance
City of Tustin
City of Upland
Community of Valencia
Community of Valinda
City of Ventura
City of Vista
Community of Walnut Park
City of Watsonville
City of West Covina
City of Westminster
Community of Whittier
Community of Van Nuys
City of Yorba Linda
School Districts
Ventura Unified School District
Fountain Valley School District
Pacifica School District
Centralia School District (La Palma)
Santa Ana Unified School District
Universities
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Pepperdine University
University of California, Santa Barbara
Water Districts
Suburban Water Company
Golden State Water District
Rancho Dominguez Water District

Transit-Oriented Developments

Affordable Workforce Housing

LEED/Green/Sustainable Designs

Mixed-Use/Live-Work/Downtown

University Housing/Design Build
Richmond
Fairfield
Benicia
Pittsburg
Concord
Pleasant Hill
Emeryville
Oakland
Alameda
San Lorenzo
Hayward
San Jose
East Palo Alto
Pacifica
Watsonville
Transit Authorities
Bay Area Rapid Transit System
MetroLink
Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Alameda Contra Costa Transit District
Burbank
Santa Sylmar
Walnut Park
Clarita
Van
Valencia
Glendale
Nuys
Simi Valley
Buellton
Pasadena
Paramount
Santa Barbara
AlhambraWest Covina
El Monte Covina
Claremont
Ventura
Upland
Oxnard
Pomona
Port Hueneme
Valinda
Camarillo
Whittier
Malibu
Los Angeles
La Habra
Playa Vista
Riverside
Montebello
Brea
Yorba Linda
Compton
Fullerton
Torrance
Carson
Rancho Mirage
Santa Fe Springs
Anaheim
Lomita
Buena Park
San Pedro
Long Beach
Garden Grove
Lakewood
Tustin
Los Alamitos
Orange
Cypress
Cerritos
Westminster
La Palma
Huntington Beach
Fountain Valley
Newport Beach
Santa Ana
Costa Mesa
San Marcos
Corona del Mar
San Juan Capistrano
La Mesa
Carlsbad
Chula Vista
Vista
San Diego
National City
redefining urban housing
‘‘
For The Olson Company, housing is more than a business; it’s our mission. The Company was founded
over 22 years ago to assist cities in solving the critical shortage of affordable housing in urban areas.
Today, an increasing number of professionals and families are returning to live in the city, taking advantage of the urban lifestyle, convenience and proximity to jobs and transportation.
Recognized as a leader in providing affordable urban
housing throughout California, The Olson Company is
dedicated to developing outstanding and long-lasting
partnerships with the cities with which we work. Our
approach to problem solving continues to be successful
because we listen to the suggestions of city planners and
officials and ultimately recognize that we are all committed to the same goal — serving the local community.
The individuals who live in our homes remain the
focal point of all Olson Company communities, which
we have named “Walks.” The design and configuration
of these pedestrian-oriented “Walks” not only address a
need to draw people out of their cars and onto community sidewalks and public transportation, but also
illustrates ways to meet the energy, air quality, and connectivity goals of the cities in which they live. By
making responsible land-use decisions, we improve the lives of our current residents while preserving the
land for their future families.
However, we never forget that it is the cities that ultimately make our work possible. We have spearheaded and funded housing studies for California’s cities and agencies and further dedicate ourselves
to remaining solution oriented. Our commitment continually earns us opportunities to provide innovative
in-town housing solutions in over 80 cities throughout California.
As transformation of the urban landscape continues, The Olson Company will continue to do our part
to help cities revitalize themselves with creativity and thoughtful solutions that redefine the concept
of homes in positive and increasingly progressive ways.
We are passionate about our pursuit of providing transit-oriented housing, mixed-use/live-work,
artists lofts, brownstones, and neighborhood small lot detached developments. Our commitment is to
improve the local neighborhood experience by capturing the best that exists in each neighborhood
socially and architecturally.”
Stephen E. Olson, Chairman/CEO
Scott Laurie, President/COO
Provi d i ng C reat ive Hous i ng So lutio n s To Ca l i forn i a Ci t ies // page 1
Transit-Oriented Developments
VILLAGE WALK – CLAREMONT
The City of Claremont and The Olson Company partnered to develop a vacant parcel of
land that formerly housed a collection of underutilized industrial buildings.
Inspired by the City’s commitment to upholding the neighborhood character, The Olson
Company utilized historic architectural elements in designing Village Walk. Adjacent to the
City’s charming downtown village and regional transit station, homebuyers at Village Walk
enjoy access to boutiques, restaurants, entertainment, and services of the Claremont Village.
No. of Homes: 103 homes Community Size: 11.34 acres Site Density: 9.08 du/acre
Metro Walk — Richmond
Developed in partnership with the City of Richmond Redevelopment Agency and BART
(Bay Area Rapid Transit), The Olson Company transformed a former blighted BART parking
lot into a dynamic, walkable, transit-oriented community with retail, parks and convenient
access to BART, Amtrak, AC Transit, and Greyhound service.
The 231-unit, two-phase project offered three different housing concepts including live-work,
single aspect townhomes and walk up townhomes. Metro Walk provided 50% of the homes to
moderate income buyers and incorporated 18,000 square feet of retail to serve the community.
Phase One No. of Homes: 132 homes Community Size: 8 acres Site Density: 16.5 du/acre
Phase Two No. of Homes: 99 Homes Community Size: 8 acres Site Density: 12.38 du/acre
Soco Walk — Fullerton
With the City of Fullerton looking to create a true transit village to compliment the fully
restored Santa Fe Depot Station, The Olson Company successfully designed a walkable transit
community that included townhomes, lofts and live-work units.
Located in the heart of the City’s historic downtown on a site that was previously blighted
residential, SOCO Walk’s name is derived from its location, SOuth of COmmonwealth, and
directly across the street from the Amtrak and Metrolink train station. SOCO Walk residents
have walkable access to transit, restaurants and entertainment in downtown Fullerton.
No. of Homes: 120 homes Community Size: 5.5 acres Site Density: 21.8 du/acre
‘‘
A prior partnership between the City of Fullerton and The Olson Company resulted in the development
of a pioneering transit-oriented, residential live-work community adjacent to our Transportation
Center in 2007. In 2010, in a new partnership with the Fullerton Redevelopment Agency, the company
will build a 34-home community, affordable to moderate income buyers on a nearby site in the Richman Park area, dramatically accelerating the ongoing transformation of that neighborhood.”
—Robert M. Zur Schmiede, Executive Director, Fullerton Redevelopment Agency, City of Fullerton
page 2 // t he olson com pANy
Affordable Workforce Housing
HERITAGE WALK — Pasadena
Heritage Walk was The Olson Company’s second partnership with the City of Pasadena’s
Community Development Commission to provide affordable workforce housing on a site that
was previously underutilized office and residential.
Situated in a true urban environment, the three and four-story community is located in
the Pasadena Playhouse District and within walking distance to theaters, restaurants, retail
shopping and the Civic Center. Heritage Walk set the benchmark for design in excellence
as it is a seven-time award winning community.
No. of Homes: 38 homes Community Size: .89 acres Site Density: 42.7 du/acre
HERITAGE WALK – FULLERTON
In response to the demand for affordable new homes in the desirable City of Fullerton and to
upgrade a local neighborhood’s housing stock, the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Fullerton
partnered with The Olson Company in 2009 to develop central Orange County’s newest single
family workforce housing community, Heritage Walk.
Heritage Walk is located in close proximity to schools, employment centers, the downtown’s
shopping, dining and entertainment district as well as the City’s highly utilized Metrolink station.
As a result of The Olson Company’s sustainable building practices, Heritage Walk is LEED for
Homes certified.
No. of Homes: 34 homes Community Size: 2.5 acres Site Density: 13 du/acre
FOUNTAIN WALK — CERRITOS
Developed in partnership with the City of Cerritos, The Olson Company transformed a former
gas station site into a thriving senior community. Fountain Walk featured 18 affordable new
homes for low and moderate income senior buyers.
With its convenient location close to performing arts centers, shopping, public transportation, multiple local freeways and the Cerritos Senior Center, Fountain Walk allows its residents
to take advantage of local area amenities and services.
No. of Homes: 18 homes
Community Size: 1.05 acres
Site Density: 17.14 du/acre
‘‘
The City of Cerritos and the Cerritos Redevelopment Agency developed and implemented a
successful partnership with The Olson Company to build 18 attractive and affordable homes
for Seniors in the Fountain Walk community. The design of the units along with the architecture
have been well-received by the community and greatly enjoyed by the new residents.”
—Torrey N. Contreras, ASLA, Director of Community Development, City of Cerritos
Provi d i ng C reat ive Hous i ng So lutio n s To Ca l i forn i a Ci t ies // page 3
LEED/Green/Sustainable Designs
While our mission is to extend desirable and affordable housing opportunities for all Californians,
we are equally mindful of our responsibilities to help protect and restore our environment, reduce
our dependence on fossil fuels and foster the highest quality of life possible in our communities. By
redeveloping neighborhoods near public transportation, employment centers, and existing infrastructure,
The Olson Company enables homebuyers to minimize their commute times, improving personal time
and protecting the environment, while lowering fossil fuel dependence.
The Olson Company believes that it’s commitment to LEED Certification for its projects differentiates
it from other builders. Mostly located near transit stops, incorporating energy efficient designs and
materials, and being walkable to local amenities; makes living in an Olson Home an important statement
of being green.
With an innovative approach to land planning, The Olson Company maximizes a city’s potential by
allowing families and municipalities to benefit from new residences. By drawing development back
into urban areas and away from natural land and open space, The Olson Company can positively
change the landscape of California while preserving it at the same time.
‘‘
The Olson Company is showing real leadership within the homebuilding community with their commitment to obtaining LEED Certification and their use of green building practices. Their choice of walkable
and transit-accessible sites, energy and water saving equipment, and durable environmentally-friendly
non-toxic materials sets the bar for excellence in providing sustainable homes for future generations.”
—Ted Bardacke, AICP, LEED Faculty, Senior Associate, Global Green USA
page 4 // the olson co m pANy
LEED/Green/Sustainable Designs
VILLAGE WALK – SAN LORENZO
Working with Alameda County, the community of San Lorenzo and the local
neighborhood homeowners association (one of the oldest and largest in the
country), The Olson Company successfully transformed a decaying 1950’sera shopping center into a thriving community of craftsman style townhomes along with a separate retail component.
Village Walk received a Silver LEED for Homes Certification and includes
features such as solar photovoltaic panels and energy efficient design
elements that reduce the energy needs of the homeowners.
No. of Homes: 28 homes
Community Size: 1.81 acres
Site Density: 15.5 du/acre
DEPOT WALK — ORANGE
Working with the Old Towne Preservation Association, The Olson Company
designed an innovative and award-winning community that incorporated
very specific historic design criteria. Depot Walk ultimately achieved a
Silver LEED for Homes and LEED for Neighborhood Development Pilot
Program Certification by the USGBC.
Located adjacent to the Orange County Metrolink Station and historic
Old Towne Orange, Depot Walk homeowners enjoy the walkability of a
downtown urban neighborhood community.
No. of Homes: 32 homes
Community Size: 1.82 acres
Site Density: 17.58 du/acre
‘‘
The Depot Walk project was only possible because of the time that The Olson Company devoted to
listening and responding to the City Council, Planning Commission, Design Review Committee, Staff and
involved historic community members. The Olson Company paid great attention to detail in designing and
building a project that upheld the historical character of its surroundings. Depot Walk is a transit-oriented
development in a key location adjacent to the Orange Depot that incorporated green and environmentally
responsible design principles and construction methods. Depot Walk was LEED certified in both the LEED
for Homes and LEED for Neighborhood Development pilot programs.”
—Alice Angus, Community Development Director, The City of Orange
Provi d i ng C reat ive Hous i ng So lutio n s To Ca l i forn i a Ci t ies // page 5
Mixed-Use/Live-Work/Downtown
HARBOR WALK — BENICIA
Working with the City of Benicia to redevelop an underserved prime downtown location
adjacent to the City’s Marina District, The Olson Company sought to create a unique
vertically integrated mixed-use project providing 7,200 square feet of retail space elevated
in a turn of the century architectural style.
Harbor Walk, in the heart of downtown Benicia, offers homeowners sweeping views of
the Carquinez Strait while offering a mixed-use solution that fits seamlessly into the historic
downtown architecture of Benicia.
No. of Homes: 36 homes Community Size: 1.72 acres Site Density: 20.9 du/acre
Promenade Walk — Long Beach
Promenade Walk was a partnership between the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency
and The Olson Company to develop a City-owned surface parking lot. Promenade Walk
is located along Long Beach’s public Promenade in close proximity to shops, restaurants,
regional light rail and many local community events.
A combination of townhomes and flats are located above traditional retail space and
dedicated shopkeeper lofts as well as a below grade structure featuring both residential
and public parking.
No. of Homes: 97 homes
Community Size: 1.01 acres
Site Density: 96 du/acre
SANTA ANA ARTIST VILLAGE – SANTA ANA
The Olson Company partnered with the City of Santa Ana to transform three blighted city
blocks into an urban live-work community that aesthetically complemented the adjacent
and historic former City Hall building and the dynamic Santa Ana Artists Village.
Home to boutiques and artisans, Santa Ana Artists Walk retains the unique character
of each block, both in its design and by offering select homes to artists at affordable levels.
No. of Homes: 86 homes
Community Size: 3.15 acres
‘‘
Site Density: 27 du/acre
The Olson Company was a pioneering innovator in Downtown Santa Ana with the successful
design and delivery of an architecturally-sensitive community that met the City’s vision for
the Artist Village area.”
—Cynthia Nelson, Deputy City Manager for Development Services, City of Santa Ana
page 6 // t he olson co m pANy
University Housing/Design Build
FAIR OAKS WALK – POMONA
California Polytechnic University, Pomona
A partnership between Cal Poly Pomona University and The Olson Company, Fair Oaks Walk
provided a rare new homeownership opportunity to faculty and staff seeking to live in close
proximity to the University.
Formerly the site of an aging neighborhood retail center, The Olson Company designed Fair
Oaks Walk as a mixed-use community comprised of two-story, at-grade townhomes and a 2,700
square foot retail building, all of which were designed in the Craftsman style to compliment the
adjacent neighborhood.
No. of Homes: 34 homes Community Size: 2.7 Acres Site Density: 14.78 du/acre
PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY — MALIBU
Pepperdine University successfully collaborated with The Olson Company to design and build a
housing masterplan for the University’s upper campus. This unique location, with panoramic views
of the Pacific Ocean, required careful land planning and consideration of the existing landscape.
The Olson Company constructed a 56-home contemporary faculty housing community, a 318-unit
student housing complex as well as a multi-purpose conference facility for the University. This
partnership resulted in all homes completed on time while exceeding the University’s expectations.
No. of Homes: 374 homes Community Size: 23.4 acres Site Density: 16 du/acre
San Jacinto Villas — City of Rancho Mirage
The City of Rancho Mirage Housing Authority selected The Olson Company to design, entitle
and construct their newest affordable housing community on a site that was formerly comprised
of dilapidated commercial buildings and vacant homes. The San Jacinto Villas was the largest
publicly funded affordable, senior, LEED Certified community under construction in the State
of California in the 2010 Fiscal Year.
The San Jacinto Villas is a hallmark community providing connectivity from the existing
Whitewater Park to the Public Library as well as multiple community amenities including a
recreation building with salt water pool and spa, putting green, bark-park, and a continuous
walking trail within the community.
No. of Homes: 82 homes Community Size: 8.7 acres Site Density: 9.42 du/acre
‘‘
The Olson Company was a great partner in designing, entitling and constructing our newest affordable,
senior, LEED certified rental community for the City of Rancho Mirage’s Housing Authority. Their expertise,
professionalism and integrity enabled us to bring our City’s vision into a reality.”
—Patrick M. Pratt, City Manager, City of Rancho Mirage
Provi d i ng C reat ive Hous i ng So lutio n s To Ca l i forn i a Ci t ies // page 7
Recognition and acknowledgements
‘‘
The Olson Company has long been regarded as an industry leader, consistently delivering high quality homes at
price points making the dream of homeownership in California more attainable. Their expertise and dedication
to sustainable building practices is also clearly evident in their new communities. La Jolla Pacific is proud to be
a part of the Olson Company’s winning team.’’
—Don Neff, CEO/President, LEED-AP, La Jolla Pacific, Ltd., Leading National Quality Assurance Firm
‘‘
‘‘
We are proud to call The Olson Company our business partner. The Olson Company has shown great leadership,
integrity and innovation during this tumultuous time in our industry.’’
—Peter Arkley, Chairman and CEO, AON Construction Services Group
The Olson Company has been a valued partner in the City of Long Beach – they have proven to be an innovative
solution provider to both the City and its Redevelopment Agency and have consistently demonstrated a strong
commitment to achieving the community’s vision for development.’’
—Patrick H. West, City Manager, City of Long Beach
‘‘
We are proud of our partnership with The Olson Company who shares our commitment to providing successful
homeownership opportunities to the residents of California. For over 22 years, Olson has been a leader in creating
unique in-town neighborhoods throughout the state.’’
—Michael W. Brown, Senior Vice President, National Builder Division Executive, Bank of America
‘‘
Since the beginning we have witnessed The Olson Company’s commitment to providing homebuyers with the best
value and highest level of customer service. First American Title is proud to be a partner of the Olson Company.’’
—Joseph S. Tavarez, Jr., President, Homebuilder Services, Senior Vice President, First American Title Insurance Company
‘‘
The Olson Company is clearly committed to quality construction and providing the best possible experience
for their customers. The Olson Company consistently ranks in the top 10% nationally on the basis of customer
satisfaction ratings. Their unusual level of dedication to their customers makes The Olson Company one of the
nation’s top home builders.’’
—Bob Mirman, CEO, Eliant, Inc.
‘‘
We congratulate The Olson Company on creating an exemplary green project with Depot Walk and achieving
the first LEED for Homes Silver Rating in Orange County. Depot Walk sets the bar high for environmentally
sustainable multi-family developments and is sure to be a landmark addition to the local community.’’
—Gregory Shank, Chair, U.S. Green Building Council, Orange County
page 8 // the olson co m pANy
People and partners
The Olson Company Board of Directors
Murray Hutchison
Former Chairman
Texas Eastern Product Pipeline
Stephen E. Olson
Chairman/CEO
The Olson Company
Geoff Le Plastrier
President
Le Plastrier Development Consulting
Donald Clark
CEO & President
Clark and Trevithick
Louis Kwiker
President
PsomasFMG, LLC
oseph Fillips
J
Senior VP and General Counsel
AGL Life Assurance Company
James O’Brien
Managing Director
Michigan Global Investors N.A.
James Hankla
Principle
JCH Fulcrum, LLC
FINANCIAL AFFILIATIONS
LEGAL COUNSEL
AUDITORS
State of Michigan Retirement Funds
CalPers
Bank of America
Moelis & Company
Henderson Global Investors
Key Bank
Wells Fargo Bank
O’Melveny & Meyers
Gallagher & Moore
Cox, Castle & Nicholson
McKenna, Long & Aldridge
Clark & Trevithick
Payne & Fears
Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Marmaro
Ernst & Young, LLP
AWARDS AND DISTINCTIONS
AMERICA’S BUILDER OF THE YEAR
Awarded by Professional Builder Magazine
Corporate Award
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Awarded by The California Redevelopment
Association
Community: Renaissance Walk,
City of Long Beach
BEST IN AMERICAN LIVING AWARD
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) Awarded by HUD, Professional Builder Magazine & National Association of Home Builders
Community: Marbrisa Walk, Community of
Walnut Park
“BUILDER’S CHOICE GRAND AWARD”
GREEN/ SUSTAINABLE PROJECT
Awarded by Builder Magazine
Community: Depot Walk, City of Orange
GOLDEN NUGGET AWARD –
BEST LIVE/ WORK
Awarded by Builder Magazine
Community: Artists Lofts, City of Santa Ana
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR
IN-FILL HOUSING
Awarded by Professional Builder Magazine
Corporate Award
BEST IN AMERICAN LIVING AWARD
Awarded by The National Association
of Home Builders
Community: The Promenade,
City of Huntington Beach
AFFORDABLE COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR
Awarded by The National Association of
Home Builders
Community: Villas at Montecito,
City of La Palma
GOLD NUGGET AWARD –
GRAND AWARD/ RESIDENTIAL PROJECT
OF THE YEAR – ATTACHED
Awarded by Builder Magazine
Community: Heritage Walk, City of Pasadena
PLANNING AWARD
Awarded by The American Planning Association
Community: Renaissance Walk,
City of Long Beach
GOLD NUGGET AWARD – BEST AFFORDABLE
PROJECT/ DETACHED
Awarded by Builder Magazine
Community: Renaissance Walk,
City of Long Beach
GOLD NUGGET AWARD – BEST IN THE WEST
In Recognition of Excellence and Value Awarded by Builder Magazine
Community: The Bungalows, City of Long
Beach & City of Los Alamitos
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Awarded by The California Redevelopment
Association
Community: Rose Walk, City of Pasadena
BEST IN AMERICAN LIVING AWARD –
SILVER AWARD/ BEST ATTACHED HOME
Awarded by Professional Builder Magazine &
The National Association of Home Builders
Community: City Walk, Hayward
BEST IN AMERICAN LIVING AWARD –
GRAND AWARD
Awarded by Professional Builder Magazine &
The National Association of Home Builders
Community: Ocean Walk, City of Port Hueneme
BUILDING OF AMERICA’S TOP
PROJECT AWARD
Awarded by Real Estate & Construction
Review Magazine
Community: Village Walk, City of Burbank
For a complete listing of awards visit www.olsonhomes.com
PLANNING AWARD
Awarded by The American Planning Association
Community: Rose Walk, City of Pasadena
NATIONAL SILVER AWARD – DETACHED
COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR
Awarded by The National Home Builders
Association
Community: Laurel Walk, City of Brea
PASADENA BEAUTIFUL AWARD
Awarded by The Pasadena Historical Committee
Community: Rose Walk, City of Pasadena
FASTEST GROWING BUILDER IN AMERICA
Awarded by Builder Magazine
FAIR HOUSING AWARD
Awarded by HUD, The Los Angeles Times and
The Sales & Marketing Council
Corporate Award
CRYSTAL EAGLE ACHIEVMENT AWARD –
MERIT AWARD Awarded by The California Downtown Association
Community: Artists Walk Lofts, City of Santa Ana
The Olson Company
3010 Old Ranch Parkway, Suite 100
Seal Beach, CA 90740-2751
phone: 562.596.4770
www.olsonhomes.com
For City Partner Inquiries, Land Acquisition Opportunities or Specific Project Details please contact [email protected]