Viamonte at Walnut Creek

Viamonte at Walnut Creek is a LEED Gold community in the San Francisco Bay Area fostering an active, independent lifestyle for residents in the 62+ year age group. Replacing an existing suburban office building and large asphalt parking lot, the four-story, 191-unit residential community with parking located in an underground garage dramatically increased housing density and eliminated heat sink impacts with cool roofing and lush climate-appropriate landscaping.

The project’s non-profit owner and operator, Sequoia Living, envisioned Viamonte as a community that reinforces the organization’s mission that healthy aging is all about finding purpose, passion, and enjoyment. The project’s design embodies four primary goals: creating a healthy environment that supports active living and wellness; inspiring a strong sense of camaraderie among residents and staff; integrating into the larger surrounding mixed-used development; and maintaining a core value of environmental stewardship within the building design and long-term operations.

Fundamental to the belief that connections to nature are essential in promoting health and well-being, residents are encouraged to get outdoors through the design of two large central courtyards where they can enjoy fresh air, casually interact with their neighbors, observe a bird nesting, have a snack, or join group activities. Active lifestyle amenities include a lap pool, spa, fitness center, art room, library, resident gardens, bocce court, and top floor club room with expansive views. Universal Design principles improve both the ease of living and de-institutionalize the environment. The building was designed to maximize interior natural light and provides large windows in all units, double-height glass in common areas, and sunshades to control glare, minimize heat gain and soften natural light.

The site’s two large heritage trees are among its most striking features. The community views the large oak trees with their deep roots and connected branches as analogous to building a strong community. The larger eastern courtyard highlights a heritage oak tree framing views of the regional landmark Mount Diablo and provides centers for active living and outdoor group activities including dining, exercise, socialization, and outdoor art enjoyment. A robust program of resident-led committees and structured group activities builds a strong sense of community among residents and staff.

The project is part of The Orchards, a large mixed-use development that includes a grocery store, retail, fitness club, restaurants, and seven acres of open space with walking paths and designated areas for children’s play areas, outdoor public art, and music festivals. It is within walking distance of the City Arts Center, public library, and a beautiful animal rescue center providing many opportunities for residents to integrate with the greater community.

All HVAC equipment has smart monitoring systems that alert maintenance staff to malfunctions or servicing needs. The project uses a transportation management plan that promotes alternatives to private single-user gas combustion vehicles including neighborhood free shuttle vans, car share, bicycles, and electrical vehicle charging options in the parking garage.

The design and construction team includes HKIT Architects, StudioSIX5, KPFF Structural Engineers, Fard Engineers, Gates & Associates, and Cahill Contractors, and Owner’s Representative, Harris & Associates. Development Team Consultants included Greenbrier Development, Levlane Associates and Hanson Bridgett.