Pacific Palisades

Project

Year

2024-2025

Location

Los Angeles, California

Client

J. Nass Real Estate Development Group LLC

The Challenge

Rebuilding with Purpose: A Resilience Framework for the Palisades

In the aftermath of the recent fire, the Pacific Palisades has a unique opportunity to not just rebuild, but to reimagine a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future. This moment calls for thoughtful design that reflects community character, enhances walkability, expands housing options, and strengthens the connection between people and place. Guided by collaboration and respect for the area's history, the effort aims to transform loss into a model for vibrant, community-driven redevelopment.

We were approached by a client with over 130 acres of fire-damaged land in the Pacific Palisades to develop a recovery plan. The vision includes rebuilding 30 acres into diverse new housing while conserving and restoring the remaining 100 acres to repair ecological damage and support long-term resilience.

The new community is planned as a resilient redevelopment centered on fire safety, sustainability, and housing needs. Drawing inspiration from military fire station design standards, the plan features non-combustible Type 1 and 2 steel modular construction. Key infrastructure includes water towers and wildfire lookout posts to support emergency response.

Habitat Restoration

Pacific Palisades' redevelopment focuses on restoring native habitats and building fire resilience. Efforts include reintroducing fire-resistant plants like coastal sage scrub, managing stormwater with bioswales and riparian buffers, and supporting biodiversity through habitat corridors and pollinator gardens. Fire strategies such as controlled burns and defensible space zones will reduce risk. Community partnerships and education are key to creating a sustainable, nature-supportive future.

Addressing Housing Needs

This plan tackles Pacific Palisades’ housing shortage by introducing a mix of multi-family, senior, and single-family homes. It includes three to six-story residences, senior care facilities, and age-friendly housing options. Using non-combustible modular steel construction, the plan enables rapid, high-quality development with minimal disruption. Modeled after successful projects in San Jose, the approach is scalable, efficient, and supports a resilient, inclusive community.

Building placement in Pacific Palisades is guided by both ecological sensitivity and fire resilience. Structures are sited to respect natural topography, preserve existing vegetation, and maintain buffers along riparian corridors and habitat areas

Development is clustered to minimize environmental impact and to create defensible zones between structures and surrounding wildlands. Strategic siting also supports walkability and access to community resources, with senior and multi-family housing located near shared amenities, open space, and transit connections.

Sustainability & Energy Efficiency

Through precision-engineered steel modular construction, this project prioritizes sustainability, energy efficiency, and waste reduction. Manufactured in controlled environments, the modular units minimize material waste, reduce emissions, and support circular economy principles. The result is high-quality, non-combustible housing built faster and at lower cost—offering resilient, LEED-certified, and ESG-compliant homes that promote an eco-conscious, accessible lifestyle for all residents.

Multi-Modal Lifestyle

The redevelopment plan emphasizes a multi-modal lifestyle that prioritizes walkability, biking, and accessible transit to reduce car dependency and support environmental sustainability. Safe, shaded pedestrian routes, dedicated bike lanes, and inclusive transit features will promote active living for all ages, especially seniors. By reducing emissions and enhancing access to nature, the plan fosters a healthier, more connected, and environmentally responsible community.

The Impact

Reviving Pacific Palisades for a Resilient, Inclusive Future

The redevelopment of Pacific Palisades will have a transformative impact on the community—restoring vibrancy to a fire-impacted area while addressing long-standing housing and infrastructure needs. By introducing a mix of senior living, multi-family, and single-family housing, the project will expand access to safe, resilient, and inclusive homes for people of all ages and incomes. A focus on sustainable steel modular construction and multi-modal transportation will reduce environmental impact, lower long-term costs, and enhance overall quality of life. Walkable streets, accessible public spaces, and transit-oriented design will foster social connection, outdoor activity, and a renewed sense of place. Ultimately, this project will set a new standard for sustainable, equitable neighborhood redevelopment in Pacific Palisades—one that reflects both community needs and the realities of a changing climate.

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