Casa Azul Wins AIA California Citation Award
Workbench is thrilled to have recognized by the 2024 AIA California Design Award Judges. Casa Azul, our historic remodel/repurposing is at the heart of Workbench’s values, and vision for building community.
Casa Azul
Santa Cruz, CA – September 24, 2024 – Workbench is proud to announce that its Casa Azul project has received a Citation Award at the 2024 AIA California Design Awards. This prestigious recognition celebrates the Workbench’s commitment to design excellence and its innovative approach to addressing homelessness through architectural design and reuse.
Casa Azul, located in Santa Cruz, is a thoughtfully renovated historic Victorian house transformed into permanent housing for individuals experiencing long-term homelessness. Originally built as a single-story residence, the structure was meticulously lifted to increase its height and expand its living space, resulting in seven new units, including studios and one-bedroom apartments.
The project exemplifies Workbench’s dedication to sustainability and preservation, utilizing the existing structure with great care. Custom wood detailing, historically significant leaded windows, and carefully milled siding highlight the firm’s commitment to both architectural integrity and community impact.
“Casa Azul is a labor of love, and we are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the vital mission of Housing Matters.”
"Receiving this award reflects our team’s passion for creating spaces that not only provide housing but also foster a sense of belonging within the community," said Jamileh Cannon, Architect and Principal at Workbench. "Casa Azul is a labor of love, and we are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the vital mission of Housing Matters.”
The Casa Azul project was developed in collaboration with Envision Housing and Housing Matters, which purchased the site to support its vision of providing essential housing and services for the homeless population. Instead of seeking traditional state tax credits, the project utilized a creative funding approach, combining local funders such as Common Spirit, Kaiser Permanente, Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, and Santa Cruz County Bank with the State’s HomeKey grant program, and New Way Homes’ Impact Investment fund.
The AIA California Design Awards ceremony will take place on November 15, 2024, at Woodbury University’s Burbank Campus, where all recipients will be celebrated for their outstanding contributions to the field of architecture.
For more information about the award and the Casa Azul project, please visit:
Citation Recipient Page (AIA California)
AIA California Design Awards (AIA California)
Solving For Housing & Community
Workbench is proud to be a leader in creating high quality housing that help build sustainable communities. For questions about this press release reach out at hello@workbenchbuilt.com.