Articles

California Sophistication meets Brownstone Charm
The Vintage Apartments in Ontario Blend Contemporary and Classic Designs

Here in Southern California, where apartment communities too often resemble peach-colored cookie boxes, it’s rare to find architects enthused by the mystique of rich earth tones and welcoming, home-style designs. But, Danielian Associates, in tandem with Sares-Regis and the City of Ontario, have broken ground on the innovative Vintage Apartments project, a unique union of West Coast flair and East Coast charm.

Rooms with a View

“This project,” says Michael J. Boyd, AIA, Project Director and Designer, “began with the need to address the high growth pattern in the City of Ontario. We recognized that, as the Inland Empire continued to burgeon into new commercial developments and a 24-hour downtown, the need for an urbanized ‘residential’ presence would also increase.”

But, the obstacles facing Danielian Associates included more than just crafting fresh designs for high quality rental living space. Maximizing residential densification and creating an urban feel was their goal. “Our challenge,” Director of Business Development, Norman Soto, AIA says, “was to densify the area, through traditional construction, while increasing a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Our target was to create transit-oriented housing near new city offerings that encouraged a pedestrian oriented lifestyle. And, we struck gold!”

In designing this lavish 300-unit urban development, Danielian exchanged ordinary exteriors for custom roof designs, and asphalt deserts for smaller, more appealing streets with slower traffic patterns. In the process, they captured the allure of the old world downtown, where brownstone communities are still landmarks of charm and friendliness.

The Vintage Lifestyle

Upon completion, Vintage Apartments will embody the best elements of design and craftsmanship. From spacious rooms to appealing color palette selections, Danielian professionals have used wonderful latitude to combine prestige and hometown living with central location. Custom home touches make interior living space a cornucopia of fine finishes and welcoming colors. Warm, natural hues ensure that exterior tones are lush and attractive.

Old Mission, as well as Santa Barbara style, roofs and buildings convey the relaxed, welcoming California atmosphere ideal for families or young professionals. And, with slate-style floors so realistic that people reach down to touch the surface, as well as plush carpeting, bright windows and attractive views, the Vintage Apartments will add an upscale touch-of-home to the heart of the new Ontario City Center.

Amazing Amenities

Indulging a passion for perfection, Danielian Associates planned this neighborhood with abundant amenities. The varied roof and housing patterns compliment portals to personal and shared open courtyards. And, communal facilities include an outdoor pool, a fitness area, clubhouse, spa, barbecue/kitchen area and combined basketball/volleyball activity arena.

A creative approach to provide tandem parking ensures that two enclosed parking spaces can be offered for each resident. Custom designed smaller courtyards for each building create a homey, ambiance, with a noticeable hierarchy of open space. But, the most enviable aspect of the Vintage Apartments are the Carriage Units, choice stand-alone flats, separate from the main buildings, and complete with roomy living areas and gracious lofts.

Team Visions

The creative visions behind the Vintage Apartments were born from inspired collaboration. Developed hand-in-glove with Sares-Regis and the City of Ontario planning staff, this project is designed to meet aesthetic, as well as community, needs. The variety of building massing, architectural character and scale, along with color blocking creates exciting, timeless design.

“These dwellings create a traditional, friendly, downtown neighborhood, improved with outdoor patios and landscaping buffers implemented by front door thresholds with a carefully orchestrated relationship to the public street,” Mike J. Boyd, AIA, Project Director and Designer, says. “ The City of Ontario was a partner in concept and design – and, of course, working with Sares-Regis is always a privilege. They were both very open, with a great team atmosphere. I was energized by their cooperation!”

“Working with the architect was wonderful,” says Jerry Blum, Planning Director for the City of Ontario. “Danielian Associates was both creative and flexible. They practically redesigned the site plan and elevations from scratch. Designers, architects and staff were willing to sit down with city employees on a weekly basis, for six to nine months. It was incredible! And, we completed a project we were proud of in a timely fashion.”

“I’ve worked with Danielian Associates for several years, now,” says Mike Winter, Vice President & Director of Multi-Family Development for Sares-Regis. “They are very creative, efficient hard-workers, that bring a touch of genius to challenging projects. That’s a rare find in the field of architectural design. I deal with a lot of architects, who are often unimaginative or inflexible. Danielian employees stand head and shoulders above such mundane thinking, with innovative, creative solutions to any obstacles encountered.”

The Vintage Apartments, a home in the heart of the city, will stand as a benchmark for contemporary developments of traditional neighborhoods, that allow apartment dwellers to live in an urban setting, yet shop, work, entertain and recreate themselves in the same area. Cresting the wave of the future in California housing, such multi-family and mid-high-rise housing near transit centers, combines walkability with view and convenience.

“Enhancing Lifestyles Through Design” ®

Recognized for its versatility and innovative designs, Danielian Associates is an award winning architectural and land-planning firm located in Irvine, California. The recipient multiple design awards over the 38 years since it was founded, Danielian Associates expertise includes residential design, ranging from luxury homes to single family dwellings to high-density housing and master planned communities. Danielian Associates diverse services also offer Commercial, Retail, Mixed Use and Senior Housing design. With regional, national and international experience, Danielian Associates has earned its award-winning reputation for innovation, quality and excellence.