Ancora Apartments is a LEED® Gold-certified, 22-story residential tower in downtown San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood. The 183,808-square-foot development delivers 220 market-rate and affordable micro-units averaging 556 square feet, creating a vibrant, transit-oriented residential community within a compact urban footprint.

The project's primary challenge was its constrained 10,000-square-foot (100-by-100-foot) site. To maximize the potential of the property, the design utilizes the City of San Diego's Micro-Unit Density Bonus Program, which allows developments providing affordable housing within Transit Priority Areas to increase density by providing micro-units. This approach enabled the project to deliver significantly more housing while supporting the City's affordability and smart-growth objectives.

The ground floor and streetscape were designed with the pedestrian experience in mind. Large expanses of storefront glazing activate the streetscape, visually connecting the lobby and adjacent lounge and co-working spaces to the sidewalk and neighborhood beyond.

Residents enjoy a rooftop sky lounge, pool, spa, outdoor kitchen and dining areas, fitness studio, pet spa, bicycle parking, and a semi-automated parking system. Achieving LEED Gold Certification, the project advances sustainability across economic, environmental, social, and cultural spectrums, contributing to a more resilient and connected urban community.