420 Mendocino Avenue

420 Mendocino is an 8-story multi-family housing development consisting of 168 “affordable by design” residential units and amenities, on-site parking, and ground-floor retail space. The project, which is located a few blocks from other Carlile Macy projects like Old Courthouse Square and 888 Fourth Street, is another important contribution to the revitalization of Santa Rosa’s Downtown Station Area.

Formerly home to various retail businesses and Gary Chu’s restaurant, this 0.64-acre in-fill site is bounded by three existing street frontages to the west, east, and south, with neighboring buildings to the north and south. Carlile Macy civil engineers were responsible for designing the site improvements, including site grading, site utilities, sidewalk, curb, and gutter within the public right of way. The site grading solutions were tailored to integrate with the surrounding buildings and streets while ensuring ADA accessibility. Despite limited open space and the absence of a nearby public storm drain system, Carlile Macy civil engineers developed innovative Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) solutions and coordinated closely with architectural, structural, and plumbing design consultants to ensure the project met Santa Rosa’s Stormwater Low Impact Development Requirements. Throughout the permitting phase, Carlile Macy civil engineers actively collaborated with city departments, including the fire department, to ensure compliance with fire department access requirements and regulatory standards.

The project, which weaves around existing buildings, has 3 landscaped street frontages and a central “paseo” courtyard. In coordination with the design team, Carlile Macy landscape architects designed paving layout and finishes, site furnishings, planting, and irrigation. LID-compliant and shade-tolerant plants provide a lush backdrop for a variety of tucked-away seating areas and architect-designed art sculptures. Flowering vines grow up vertical trellises, which screen views into the ground-level parking from within the paseo and along Riley Street. Clinging vines within the paseo help soften the façade of adjacent buildings. Where architectural overhangs prevent standard street trees, potted Japanese Maples provide a similar effect while enhancing the pedestrian experience and retail corner.

The project is expected to complete construction in mid-2025.