COLONIA PAZ

Connecting Culture and Community

Lebanon is an agricultural community with nearly 20,000 residents. FHDC asked Pinnacle to help plan a multi-phase affordable housing development to support the community’s needs. The 140-home community is comprised of five buildings and is designed around a wetland. The surrounding area is a mix of commercial and residential and is situated near schools and social service providers. The design reflects Lebanon’s culture and 2040 vision, “optimism for a bright future.”

A vital part of the project’s success involved a design that connects with the Hispanic population. A Hispanic artist was retained to create three murals throughout the community that pay tribute to the resilient agricultural workers who made it possible for us to have food on our tables during the pandemic. The flowers symbolize the well-being and gift of life that workers’ labor brings into our everyday lives, and the butterflies symbolize the lives fallen during the pandemic. The working standing in PPE is a symbol of resiliency and strength (Mural by Hector Hernandez.)

In addition to the murals, the property is adorned with tile mosaics that add vitality and color to the surroundings, and wayfinding throughout the entire community is offered in both Spanish and English. It took no time at all for residents to dig into the raised garden beds, flourishing them with fresh fruits and vegetables. Two separate playgrounds within the community are almost always occupied by residents, and when weather does not permit outdoor play, children are likely enjoying an indoor activity planned by the community events manager in one of the three community rooms (each of which include a full community kitchen).