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On Monday night, non-profit developers, Sunflower Hill and Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA) were given unanimous approval to build a new four-story, 48 unit building for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD).

The site in downtown Lafayette is a City-owned parking lot at 949 Moraga Road, and the City is contributing the land as part of its commitment toward facilitating more affordable housing in Lafayette.

“The City Council welcomes Sunflower Hill to Lafayette and is very excited to see this much-needed development come to our community.  The project is perfectly located for residents to walk to grocery stores, restaurants, the Lafayette BART station, the library and all the other amenities that our vibrant downtown offers,” said Mayor Carl Anduri.

The development includes 27 one-bedroom and 20 two-bedroom below-market-rate (BMR) units and one (1) three-bedroom moderate-rate unit reserved for the on-site manager. It also includes a fitness area, teaching kitchen, bike storage, laundry room, resident lounges, and outdoor courtyards.

The project has been designed specifically for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and other chromosomal abnormalities. As part of their joint development agreement, SAHA will serve as the on-site property manager and Sunflower Hill will provide activities and resident services. The project team includes Pyatok, an architectural firm with extensive design experience for the I/DD population as well as Sunseri Construction, which specializes in affordable multi-family housing.

“I am thrilled that Sunflower Hill has chosen to build supportive housing in Lafayette and we look forward to working with them and the other project partners to build much needed affordable homes,” said City Manager Niroop Srivatsa.

“Sunflower Hill first approached the City in 2024 about a project to provide affordable, supportive housing for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I am proud of this partnership and that Lafayette can help to fill this urgent need,” said Anduri.

Sunflower Hill has received $19.5 million towards construction and support services through California’s Multifamily Finance Super NOFA program; and Congressman Mark DeSaulnier recently advanced a request for $2 million in federal appropriations funding. Additional funds have been requested through Contra Costa County’s Measure X program and Sunflower Hill and SAHA intend to apply for Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) in Summer 2026.  

“The City of Lafayette has made a strong commitment to embrace the needs of individuals with I/DD who need affordable housing and residential support. The contribution of the land was critical to the success of the project.  Sunflower Hill is thrilled to bring our vision to Contra Costa County,” said Rosemary Kirbach, Sunflower Hill Board Member.  

To stay informed on the project and hear about housing opportunities with Sunflower Hill in Lafayette, people are encouraged to sign up for Sunflower Hill’s newsletter at https://sunflowerhill.org/newsletters.

Rendering courtesy of Pyatok Architects. Click on image for a larger version.

More about Sunflower Hill:

Sunflower Hill’s mission is to provide affordable housing and life skills and enrichment programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Bay Area. Sunflower Hill developed and manages Irby Ranch, a residential community for people with I/IDD, and is also developing two housing projects in the city of Dublin (Grace Pointe and Francis Ranch).  949 Moraga will be Sunflower Hill’s first expansion into Contra Costa County.