Inclusive Design Standards in Use: Mitchell Park Place

December 20, 2024

The Inclusive Design Standards consist of over 300 elements that support cross-disability access while advancing affordability, sustainability, racial equity, and safety. These partner profiles are examples of these elements in use.

Location: Palo Alto, California

Architect: Architects FORA

Developer: Eden Housing

Located at 525 East Charleston Road near Mitchell Park in Palo Alto, Mitchell Park Place (MPP) is a new mixed-use development that will contribute to the vibrant neighborhood around Mitchell Park with a new office space for public social services as well as high-quality affordable housing for lower-income households and housing for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Once completed, this development will include a 2,773 square-foot office space and 50 rental apartments for individuals and households earning at or below 60% of the area median income.

Learn more about the Inclusive Design Standards at thekelsey.org/design.

Example Elements

3.8 – Wayfinding – Directional Signage. Each floor of the building has its own unique color, and outside the elevators is an accent wall that features the floor’s color, number, and wood trim pieces indicating the floor number. There are also spaces dedicated to resident artwork, adding to the visual uniqueness of each floor. All of these features assist with visual wayfinding, which is especially helpful for people with cognitive or visual disabilities.

A rendering of an apartment hallway with two labels. One points to a wall with the number 2 on it and reads, “Corridor wayfinding: Each floor-level has unique pop-color; number of wood trim pieces corresponds with floor level (tactile). The other points to an empty frame and reads, “Resident art (placemaking).”

2.8 – Green Space. Nestled in the back of the building is a large, beautiful courtyard that features a maze, luscious planting, various seating options, including a pergola-covered seating area, and planter beds for residents. This outdoor space provides access to nature, facilitates interaction, and allows people to find areas of respite.

A rendering of a green space in front of an apartment building. There are large trees, and one has a small maze under it. People with and without disabilities walk through the greenspace.

5.4 – Induction Range. An induction cooktop is included in the units as an added safety measure. Induction cooktops automatically turn off when pots and pans are removed from the surface and tend to be more energy efficient. These cooktops are especially important for people who have cognitive disabilities and help to avoid kitchen fires.