Affirmed Housing Group has opened the doors of Magnolia Court, anticipated to be the only LEED-platinum, all-affordable senior housing community on the West Coast, in Manteca, San Joaquin County.

Located at 777 N. Grant Avenue, Magnolia Court consists of 52 units, including six studio, 35 one-bedroom, and nine two-bedroom homes on a 1.4 acre parcel.

Magnolia Court was designed by Studio E Architects and built by BOGC Inc. General Contractors.

Architecturally similar to a geode, the exterior of the development was designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing community and gracefully complement the surrounding properties. The courtyards provide community gathering areas with outdoor barbeques, quiet areas of respite, and an interactive gardening area for residents� enjoyment.

Additional onsite amenities include a recreation room and management office, laundry facilities, and owner-provided high-speed internet in each unit.

The two-story building also has an elevator for second floor access.

Magnolia Court will be rented to those 55 years of age and older who earn 30% to 60% of the mean area income. For a single person that would range from $13,350 to $26,700 a year and for two people $15,270 to $30,540 a year.

Magnolia Court is anticipated to receive LEED platinum certification by the U.S. Green Building Council as it exceeds California Title 24 energy code standards by more than 20%. Magnolia Court utilized material-efficient framing and environmentally-preferable products, such as low-lead paint and building components that were extracted, processed, or manufactured in the area. Additional products that contribute to energy efficiency include ENERGY STAR lighting and appliances, a solar PV system that enables the building to generate its own electricity, a tightly sealed building envelope, right-sized air conditioning and heating units, energy efficient windows, and deep eave overhangs.

To further ensure sustainable measures are met, Affirmed Housing says that every resident at Magnolia Court will be given a manual with information about the appliances installed in their homes, and how to use and maintain them with green products. They will also be given a one-hour walk through at move-in to explain each item, as well as an additional group training session to ensure the homes continue to operate at peak efficiency. The onsite building manager will also be educated about operations and maintenance of LEED features and equipment.

The site was previously an unimproved lot with an open detention basin for the surrounding properties. While it served an important purpose, the basin�s vacant state created blight in community. As a creative engineering solution, and an additional effort to lower environmental impact, Affirmed Housing says that Magnolia Court was built with an underground storm water retention system designed to retain and regulate the discharge of storm water runoff from surrounding properties. This allowed for the continuance of the necessary drainage, and also facilitated the development of a community jewel that will prompt other improvements in the neighborhood and nearby commercial district.

In partnership with the city of Manteca and the California Department of Housing and Community Development, Affirmed Housing Group obtained a $5.3-million loan for financing. Affirmed Housing Group also partnered with US Bank as the project�s lender.