Shepherds Gate Case Study

Shepherd’s Gate Case Study

Shepherds Gate is another non profit organization that worked with Cerro Vista, as a result of a desire to expand their footprint in the East Bay region. Having both campuses in Livermore and Brentwood, Shepherd’s gate offers long term shelter for women and children suffering with homelessness, addiction and domestic abuse. In order to expand, they needed someone to assess their existing facilities and the influences surrounding the region. Cerro Vista worked with them to create a vision and actionable plan that answered these questions. 

How did Cerro Vista Do This?

Cerro Vista went through the process of conducting a summary land use analysis on both of their campuses with in depth analysis of the current zoning, land uses and residential densities, site constraints such as easements. Cerro Vista  then created a comprehensive report that addressed current conditions and opportunities for expansion on and around the properties. 

What was the Result?

As a result, The existing development envelope at the Livermore campus is pretty much built out.  There is the potential for second story additions and reconfigurations of transitional housing “cottages” on site.  Aside from this, any expansion would involve the 1.3 acre vacant property located across the street located at the rear of the subject property.  The zoning of this property and the surrounding context of the neighborhood are potentially conducive to an expansion effort.  Cerro Vista is currently in discussions with the owner of this property to determine if there is a creative way to acquire and develop this site to enhance the footprint of the Livermore campus. 

The Shepherd’s Gate campus in Brentwood consists of a 7500 sf residential facility situated on 1.5 acres.  On two sides, it is immediately adjacent to a park and orchard farmland which makes it highly conducive to expansion without acquiring additional property.  The recommendation made by Cerro Vista was a two phase expansion effort within the development envelope of the current Brentwood property.

Cerro Vista was able to reconnect Shepherd’s Gate with HomeAid who had helped build the Livermore campus in the mid-1990’s.  HomeAid is an amazing non-profit that mobilizes their extensive membership of homebuilders who give back to their communities by taking on need-based projects where they build at their own cost and encourage their subcontractors and material suppliers to make cost saving donations of time and materials.