Adaptive Reuse Project Proposed Near Downtown Santa Ana

By: Chad Kim

The developer, Meta Housing, proposed an adaptive reuse project consisting of converting an existing office building to affordable rental housing near Downtown Santa Ana. 

Located at the south-west corner of Main and 17th Street, the project also known as the Santa Ana Arts Collective is proposed to consist of converting the existing 5 story office structure to residential use. The developer also proposes to construct three new townhome buildings which would replace an existing surface parking. The conversion along with the new construction would result in a total of 58 affordable residential dwelling units. In addition to residential, the developer also proposes commercial use at the ground floor along with community space. 

According to the City of Santa Ana, the project will necessitate obtaining a variance from parking standards. The developer proposes 114 parking spaces. 

Source: City of Santa Ana

The Site Plan indicates at the northeastern corner of the project will include an Art Garden along with sculpture. The new townhome buildings would wrap around a central community space. Towards the southern portion of the project would include an existing driveway that would provide access to the existing below ground parking garage. 

Renderings show the one story attachment facing the sidewalk along Main Street would be redone to include windows which would put more "eyes" on the streets. Overall, the existing architectural style would be maintained while the windows of the 5 story building would provide an alternating blue and green color. A blade-sign would also be installed at the northeastern corner of the 5 story building. 

​Aerial View:

Source: Google Maps

(Above): Proposed project site highlighted in yellow shows existing office building.

South of this proposed project, developer Caribou Industries proposed an adaptive reuse project at 888 Main Street. 

City of Santa Ana
Meta Housing