Introduction to the Project
Built on a long-vacant lot in Pomona, Chris Hartmire Plaza is redefining what affordable housing can look like. Developed by the Cesar Chavez Foundation, this new affordable housing community will provide 90 units for low-income families and homeless veterans. In addition to housing, it includes a community health clinic, mental health services through East Valley Community Health Center, and a small public park. The goal is to create more than just a place to live by supporting the overall well-being of residents.
Overview Facts
- Location: Pomona, CA
- Construction type: New Construction
- Project type: Multifamily – Affordable Housing
Project Team
- Owner: Cesar Chavez Foundation
- Architect: Onyx Architects
- Engineer: Southwest Group Engineering Consultants
- Contractor: Greenfield Construction
Estimated Energy Savings & Incentives
- 82,300 kg Annual CO2e Savings
- $47,970 Total Incentive
Project Goals
To support their LEED Gold certification goals and commitment to long-term affordability, the Cesar Chavez Foundation team joined the California Energy Design Assistance (CEDA) program
early in the design phase. This project is a 100% electric subsidized housing development and is also one of the first projects to implement CEDA High Performance Measures (HPM). The Willdan team worked closely with the client to explain the value of HPMs and guide them through the process, resulting in the successful adoption of the central heat pump water heater HPM in the final design.
Through CEDA, the team focused on designing a fully electric building to eliminate fossil fuel use, reduce operating costs, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. By selecting high-efficiency systems and leveraging performance-based energy modeling, they were able to strengthen their LEED pathway while enhancing operational performance. CEDA incentives helped improve the payback period for key energy upgrades, enabling the team to invest in durable, low-maintenance systems to minimize utility and upkeep costs for residents. A focus on efficient space planning ensured the building would be both comfortable for residents and financially sustainable for the long term.
Energy Efficiency Strategies
By engaging with the design team early, the program helped identify strategies that reduce energy use while supporting affordability, including the following measures:
- Central heat pump water heating (HPWH) system: Serves the building’s service water heating needs, expected to avoid approximately 8,333 therms of natural gas annually, saving an estimated $16,200 in gas utility costs each year.
- Ultra-low GWP refrigerant: The HPWH uses a refrigerant with a global warming potential of 1, significantly reducing environmental impact and qualifying the project for 64% more CEDA incentive funding.
- Split heat pump HVAC systems: Provide heating and cooling for all residential units and shared spaces.
- All-electric appliances: Dishwashers and refrigerators equip each apartment, while washers and dryers are located in a centralized common laundry room.
Together, these energy efficiency strategies significantly reduce the building’s environmental footprint, lower operating costs, and contribute to a more sustainable, affordable housing community.
Client Testimonial
“The project went really well! It turned out beautifully, and we’re excited that about 25% of the units are already occupied. Working with Willdan and CEDA was very smooth—they handled everything for us, mostly over email. It was straightforward and efficient, and we didn’t have to get into the weeds, which was a big help. The impact will be significant, with Chris Hartmire Plaza providing 90 units of affordable, safe housing. We’ll also have services on-site for veterans, individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, and low-income residents. The benefits extend beyond this property to the broader community.”
– Sofia Mier
Project Manager, Cesar E. Chavez Foundation
