Lifescapes International, an internationally recognized landscape architecture firm, designed the landscape environment for Circa 37, a three-story, 306-unit apartment community that is situated on a 10.6-acre parcel within the sustainable neighborhood of Civita, a master planned community in the heart of Mission Valley, California.

The apartment community was developed by Sudberry Properties, a San Diego-based real estate development and asset management company that strives to develop and manage properties as sustainable enterprises.

Civita, one of San Diego's newest neighborhoods, blends equal parts urban vibe and village charm. The master-planned community prides itself on being inherently green, with parks, open spaces, nearby transit and car sharing, buildings that exceed energy standards and smart technology. Circa 37 offers residents a lifestyle that is stylish, playful, fresh and fun.

Sudberry Properties asked Lifescapes to create a community out of the Circa 37 landscape that matches the urban vibe, village charm and sustainability that both they, and the Civita neighborhood, would find valuable.

Circa 37 takes apartment living in San Diego to new heights. Lifescapes' vision was to create a landscape that appealed to all generations by creating destinations within destinations and developing an ultra-plush sustainable landscape that contributes to an ultra-modern "green" lifestyle. The apartment complex introduces a new level of sophistication to the central Mission
Valley scene.

Circa 37 offers sustainable features, contemporary finishes, modern appliances and resort-inspired amenities that add definition to the residents' luxe lifestyles. Contributing to the property's resort-style flair, residents at Circa 37 also enjoy full access to the community amenities. These include a saltwater junior Olympic-size pool, group cabanas with built-in HD TVs, spacious patios with outdoor firepits, a sunny pool deck with stylish lounge furniture, a 10,000 square-foot recreation facility, high-speed Wi-Fi, a 2,200 square-foot fitness facility and a full state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen, among many other amenities.

To create the destinations within destinations, Lifescapes enveloped specific amenities with materials that resulted in focused micro areas. For example, in the firepit area, the firm utilized birds of paradise, sago palms, Kentia palms, tree aloes and bougainvillea; and then in the cabana area, they planted Carolina laurel cherry for privacy, and Majestic Beauty Indian Hawthorn and African Tulip tee for visual points of interest. Near the recreation facility, they selected King palms, date palms, coral trees, Texas privet and bromeliads, and by the demonstration kitchen, they created an entrance using citrus, crape myrtle and strawberry trees, lavender plants, rosemary, Mondo grass, stonecrop and daylilies.

Marco Sessa, senior vice president of Sudberry Properties had this to say, "We were excited to collaborate with Lifescapes International on the landscape design of Circa 37. Their approach really raised the bar on landscape design in San Diego. They created an outdoor environment that transports residents to a lush, vacation destination that they can enjoy every day. There's no doubt the landscaping has contributed to our high tenant retention rates."

The Lifescapes International design team was tasked with the responsibility of providing residents with a lushly landscaped and sustainably sensitive garden setting. The team strategically implemented plants that adapted to the Southern California region and that required lower water usage. The design team chose a variety of shrubs and signature plant materials that provide a canopy of shade, colorful flora and drought-sensitive plant materials throughout the property. In addition to this, the design team worked closely with Schmidt Design Group to implement a water efficient irrigation system that maintains a lush, bountiful and environmentally sustainable contemporary garden environment. With ample open space, trails, parks and public space dedicated to over one-third of the overall Civita community, Circa 37 has become the ideal place for an active lifestyle that also supports sustainable, "green" living.

The design also incorporated a rose courtyard "stroll garden," complete with vine arbors over the walkways that add shade along with a touch of greenery. The palm trees that are sprinkled throughout the property provide shaded areas for guests to relax and socialize.

The pool and recreation area provides residents with a resort-like atmosphere where they live, bringing a touch of vacation to everyday activities. The landscape offers intimate gathering spaces with outdoor fireplaces and a multi-level pool deck with private cabanas. The pool deck is surrounded by tropical plant materials, which will make any resident feel as if they are on a tropical trip in their own backyards. To make this area more visually impactful to the residents, Lifescapes International lowered the gates around the pool area so that residents would not have to look through a fence to see the beauty and activity going on inside. Additionally, an outdoor fireplace, event lawn and poolside BBQ complete the recreational area of Circa 37.

In all, the amenities and corresponding landscape design instantly allow residents to feel like they have been transported to a destination where they can play, relax and feel at home in luxurious and environmentally-sensitive surroundings.