The City of Cypress and The Square, an innovative mixed-use development, have been honored with a prestigious Housing Innovation Award from the American Planning Association California-Orange Section, the city has announced in a press release.
This accolade highlights the project’s pioneering approach to providing housing and delivering dynamic new amenities to the community, it said.
“This award is confirmation of the City’s efforts to provide housing to support our businesses and the next generation of residents while enhancing the quality of life for those fortunate to already call Cypress home,” said Mayor Scott Minikus. “We are proud to have partnered with Shea Properties to create a vibrant community where anyone can live, work, and thrive.”
The Square transformed a long-vacant parking lot into a thriving mixed-use center. Anchored by Trader Joe’s, Cypress’ first specialty grocer, The Square offers restaurants and retail stores, a Hilton hotel, and Acadia, a resort-style apartment community by Shea Properties, for residents and visitors to enjoy. Thanks to its proximity to Cypress’ expansive business park employment center, The Square promotes a walkable environment that fosters community engagement and sustainable living.
The landmark project is the result of a strategic public-private partnership between the City of Cypress and Shea Properties which made major investments for stormwater management, traffic and street improvements, parking, and public amenities, including a dog park and open space plazas.
“We are honored to receive this industry recognition and are grateful to the City for the partnership. Most of all, we look forward to The Square serving Cypress residents, visitors, and the broader community for generations to come.” Sean McEachern, Shea Properties, Vice President, Development – Multi Family Acquisitions.
The Housing Innovation Award recognizes exceptional projects in housing development that address community needs through innovative approaches. This award specifically highlights developments that combine affordability with effective designs and partnerships between public and private sectors.
