Sisters of the Holy Family: Palmdale
Overview
The Sisters of the Holy Family (“SHF”) is a community of Roman Catholic women. Originally based in San Francisco, SHF moved their headquarters to Fremont, California (“Motherhouse”). The Motherhouse was built in 1959 on a lot roughly 14.8 acres, and is the place of residence for many of the SHF. SHF networks and collaborates with other congregations for the poor and needy to impact policy by promoting humane and societal values based upon Roman Catholic scripture and Gospel values. SHF ministries offer several support programs, including but not limited to, grief counseling, hospital chaplaincy, religious education programs, childcare, social work, personal growth, spiritual direction. SHF is comprised of associates ministries in roughly eight states.
Vision
SHF wanted to repair the Motherhouse and repurpose some of the land, while simultaneously preserving some of the land’s environmental and historical value. SHF wanted a plan that incorporated their committed to leaving a legacy with the property.
Challenge
SHF needed a development solution that would allow them to renovate their housing structure, preserve the land, and identify under-utilized or unused real estate assets that could be used to further develop their organizational agenda and community impact.
Solution
Cerro Vista Land & Development (“CVL&D”) utilized its deep network of local, city and state relationships and focused on a detailed, bottom-up analysis of any underlying assets and unrecognized opportunity. CVL&D developed a future Master Plan for the property that encompassed the Motherhouse renovation strategy and the land preservations strategy. The Motherhouse renovation strategy included the development of three one-story cottage-style buildings, totaling to 45 units, on a 2.6-acre parcel on the northwest area of the property. The Land perseveration development strategy consisted of state of the art landscaping and maintenance on 5.5 acres of the Palmdale, known as the (“Core Area”).
CVL&D identified the catalysts for increased value of the land, and capitalized on unused and complex assets to generate and secure income streams to augment project funding. The plan encompassed the sale of the historical and original Motherhouse and the sale of an additional 5.6 acres of land. CVL&D facilitated the sales, and the original Motherhouse was sold as private residences while the 5.6 acres of land were sold as 77 single-family market rate detached homes, now known as The Abbey at Palmdale Estates and targeted to young families. CVL&D continued to improve the property through hands-on management and targeted value-add initiatives.
Outcome
The new Motherhouse cottages were construction by Robson and completed November 2017. The Core Area underwent sophisticated landscaping with the inclusion of lushly planted streetscapes, gardens, historic trees, shrines, and grottos, and is now classified as Private Open Space. The Core Area will be preserved in perpetuity through an endowment.
Property Address
159 Washington Blvd, Fremont, CA
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