A downtown San Diego affordable housing high-rise, Celadon at 9th & Broadway, has been awarded the prestigious Urban Land Institute (ULI) 2016 Global Award for Excellence. 

Selected from over 200 submissions around the world, the Urban Land Institute Global Awards for Excellence, "...showcases efforts that have both succeeded in pushing ingenuity and exemplifying best practices in land use across the globe," said Patrick L. Phillips, Global CEO of ULI. "This year's winners have demonstrated a committed contribution to responsible real estate development, and a dedication to building thriving, livable communities." 

The award recognizes Celadon as a world-wide example for its high standard in the full development process. BRIDGE Housing developed the 17-story multi-family affordable housing project, along with Adroit Energy Inc., Turner Construction, Studio E Architects, and SVA Architects. 

The criteria for the the land-use industry's most prestigious honor, includes leadership, contribution to the community, public/private partnerships, response to societal needs, financial viability, environmental protection and enhancement, sustainability, and overall innovation.

When it comes to financial viability and sustainability, Celadon at 9th and Broadway sets the modern standard for innovative urban design. The 17-story multi-family affordable housing building has gained wide-spread recognition for featuring the tallest architecturally integrated vertical Solar Electric facade in the US.

San Diego based firm, Adroit Energy Inc., designed and installed the building's Solar PV and Solar Hot Water systems. William Chen, Adroit's COO, explains, "Celadon was designed the right way for a full 'Architectural Energy' effect. The solar electrical, and solar thermal power energy generation were incorporated into the initial design. This enabled us to design an optimum combination of solar technologies that seamlessly incorporate into the architectural design of the building."

Out of the 125 solar panels, 85 have black frames, and 40 are translucent panels with silver frames, forming a stepladder design on the top floors. The translucent panels, allow for some sunlight to pass through. Adroit's Director of Marketing, Luciana Da Silva, says the building, "...is a great example that modern solar design can be aesthetically beautiful and functional at the same time. It serves the dual-function of generating power for the common areas, and a shaded patio area for residents enjoying the view."

A LEED Gold certified development, Celadon offers affordable apartments to residents earning 30-60% of the AMI. The building also houses seniors under the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), adults under the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), youth aging out of foster care.

Aruna Doddapaneni, Director of Southern California Real Estate Development for BRIDGE Housing, states, "We are so pleased that Celadon, our first high-rise, has become one of downtown San Diego's signature towers and an international model of a community that helps improve people's quality of life."

Ernesto M. Vasquez, CEO of SVA Architects, states, "Celadon at 9th & Broadway offers much-needed, inter-generational, affordable housing in one of the most expensive rental markets in our country.  It is a critical development for the healthy growth of downtown San Diego."

The Urban Land Institute | www.uli.org

Adroit Energy, Inc. | www.adroitenergy.com