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By Lookout Staff

January 10 -- The American Institute of Architects selected an affordable housing project in Santa Monica for one of 13 Honor Awards nationwide calling it "a ray of hope."

The national award praised the Community Corporation building at 26th and Santa Monica Boulevard for the way Kanner Architects "used the light and breezes, which are free, wonderfully.

“The building is beautiful in a clean-scrubbed way while creating a safe haven," the AIA jurors wrote in conveying the honor.

The building housing 44 low- and moderate-income families features white walls, colorful panels and Hardie siding, a durable man-made compositite that has the appearance of wood, the jurors noted.

The site at a busy intersection uses private balconies and a large courtyard to bring light and space into the building, which offers a view of sunsets.

"The ground floor was a real challenge," acknowledged Stephen Kanner, president. "By setting back the ground-floor units and creating small courtyards in front, and strategically designing the glass with translucent glazing, you get privacy and light."

The building received the prestigious international award along with the renovated, renowned Griffith Park Observatory as well as 11 other noted architectural projects outside Los Angeles.

Community Corporation of Santa Monica owns and manages some 80 buildings of various sizes in Santa Monica.