Lincoln Oaks: An accessible community in Fremont, Calif., soars past fair housing codes to accommodate the developmentally disabled.

WHEELCHAIR-BOUND architect Erick Mikiten of Berkeley, Calif.-based Mikiten Architecture understands firsthand the importance of designing comfortable living spaces that meet a variety of needs. As a result, no detail was spared in the development of Lincoln Oaks Apartments, an 11-unit affordable rental community in Fremont, Calif., for adults with developmental disabilities—many of whom are living on their own for the first time.

Independence is encouraged particularly through the innovative design of the common spaces. For example, an interior ramp leading to the second floor is both attractive and incredibly useful to residents, especially for egress in case of an earthquake or other emergency.

Tremendous upfront planning helped the developers, Oakland, Calif.-based Housing Consortium of the East Bay and Berkeley, Calif.-based Satellite Housing, achieve their goal despite operating on a tight budget. The property, which offers one- and two-bedroom units to individuals earning between 30 percent and 50 percent of the area median income, was fully occupied in March 2007.

Not shown in the photos below are additional accessible features:

Adjustable-height countertops and removable base cabinets in the kitchen allow for those in wheelchairs to easily navigate the space; bathrooms offer wall-mounted sinks for roll-under access.

Photo: Erick Mikiten 1. The building’s simple L-shaped design can be navigated easily by residents who suffer memory loss. 2. Landscape lighting along the edges of the planting areas facilitates wayfinding, which is especially beneficial to elderly residents and those with vision impairments. 3. The accessible parking spaces have flush curbs connecting to the sidewalk and building entry. This design not only allows for a slope-free transition to the pedestrian area but also allows disabled residents and their guests to exit the front of their vehicles without having to pass behind additional parked cars to access the sidewalk.

Photo: Erick Mikiten 6. A seat-height retaining wall allows wheelchair riders to transfer seamlessly from chair to wall to lawn.

Photo: Erick Mikiten 4. “The ramp is the strongest feature of the building from both an accessibility standpoint and as an architectural feature,” architect Jarmel says. Plus, an elevator is available to aid residents with ambulatory issues or limited stamina. The ramp cost roughly $30,000 more than a carpeted staircase. 5. “Dancing windows,” as dubbed by the architect, are positioned at a variety of heights to provide views for everyone, including wheelchair riders, unlike a series of windows with standard 6” to 8” head heights.