Rainford Apartment Community
Written by Adam Crowell, ASLA
Associate, Project Manager
When I joined McCullough in 2021, my colleague Ben Arcia entrusted me with a new multi-family project that had just been awarded to our office. After introducing me to the project team, he ultimately stepped back, giving me the opportunity to lead the effort as Project Manager—my first experience in the role. Working on Rainford provided invaluable lessons and skills that I’ve since carried forward to other projects, contributing to my professional growth. It was my first opportunity to collaborate with many of the consultants I now maintain strong professional relationships with. Working alongside Murfey Company and Stephen Dalton Architects—both on this project and on several subsequent ones—has been a seamless experience. There is constant communication and mutual trust, qualities that can be hard to find sometimes within project teams.
Rainford is a nine-story multi-family development located in the historic Mission Hills neighborhood. The project includes studio, one, and two bedroom apartments for rent, along with amenities such as a fitness center and a ninth-level rooftop deck. While the amenity deck was a significant design focus, the ground-level site design and public right-of-way improvements proved equally complex. Situated on a corner where two slopes intersect, the site presented grading and accessibility challenges. In addition, because the project falls under the City’s Complete Communities program, it was important to carefully integrate key requirements for the public realm into the overall design.
At the ground level, PLSA played a key role in coordinating how the building would interact with and transition into the public right-of-way. Managing the site’s slopes and drainage presented challenges, but through collaboration, we developed a design that worked effectively within the given constraints. Because the project falls under the City’s Complete Communities program, a few specific requirements had to be addressed—something the team was already familiar with from working on Secoya, Rainford’s sister property and a key precedent. One particular challenge involved the street trees along Reynard Way. Normally, street trees are placed along the curb, but an existing gas line running the full length of the property made that impossible. As a result, the trees were relocated to the back side of the sidewalk, closer to the building. While not the most ideal placement, this solution allowed us to meet the City’s street tree requirements and maintain compliance. Over time, the trees will mature and will be pruned as needed, eventually providing additional privacy for residents with balconies facing the sidewalk.
The ninth-level amenity deck is where we really got to have some fun with the design. We made the most of every inch of space, creating a comfortable and social environment for residents to enjoy. The deck features lounge seating centered around a fire feature, an outdoor kitchen complete with a BBQ grill, pizza oven, and prep sink, and a dining area with a large table and chairs. A pergola with string lights defines the kitchen and dining space, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. The entire deck is framed by lush, raised planters and supported by space heaters, making it a vibrant gathering spot year-round.
Rainford was a defining project early in my time at McCullough. It challenged me to grow as a project manager, strengthened my ability to coordinate complex urban sites, and reinforced the value of clear communication within a strong project team. Seeing the project come to life from concept to completion was incredibly rewarding and continues to shape the way I approach design and collaboration today.
