The project received a notable LEED Platinum Certification. Sustainable features include ENERGY STAR Rated appliances and fixtures, high-efficiency variable refrigerant flow system for heating and cooling, the addition of a cool roof including a 50 kW solar array on roof deck, exterior green screens, daylighting strategies, use of a grey water/irrigation system and new efficient electrical and mechanical systems. The rehabilitation improved the building’s existing energy efficiency by at least 20%.

The facility is owned and operated by Step Up on Vine, LP and HCHC, both 501(c)3 organizations. With initial funding from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and a private contribution by Aileen Getty, Shangri-La Construction facilitated Step Up on Second’s initiative, “Step Up in Hollywood: Sustainably Ending Homelessness”. This commitment is to create 200 units of permanent housing with supportive services in Hollywood using multiple green technologies by 2014.

Founded in 1984 and based in Santa Monica, Step Up on Second provides the help, hope and home that lead to recovery for individuals and communities affected by serious mental illness and chronic homelessness in the Los Angeles area. Step Up on Second is dedicated to long-term support of people in recovery and their families, offering quality housing, educational, social and work experience. Step Up is committed to increasing public understanding of mental illness. HCHC is a nonprofit developer of over 700 units of affordable housing in Hollywood, serving low-income individuals and families, people with disabilities and the chronically homeless.