Mesa Farm Tiny Homes

Ojai,
California

OWNER/CLIENT

Mesa Farm

ARCHITECT

DiCecco Architecture

COMPLETION

2024

SIZE

3,500 SQ FT

SERVICES

Preconstruction

General Contracting

Construction Management

Staples Construction proudly took the lead as general contractor for the Mesa Farm Tiny Homes project in Ojai, California.

Mesa Farm Tiny Home interior Dan Parziale

Spanning approximately 3,500sf on a former citrus orchard, the micro-community comprises ten 270-500sf manufactured units by Silvercrest, each equipped with a full kitchen, bathroom, lofted bedroom, living space, and integrated utilities, including plumbing, electrical, septic, and high‑speed internet.

Site work involved extensive utility coordination across the 10‑acre property, carefully blending infrastructure seamlessly into the agricultural landscape.

Mesa Farm Tiny Homes Delivery
Installation of the homes began in mid‑April, and the entire site, from groundwork to move‑in ready, was completed over a tightly managed 8‑month period, culminating in an official opening in July 2024. Total project cost was funded primarily through a $4M Homekey grant, supplemented by over $2M in local County contributions and philanthropic backing. The owner, Mesa Farm, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, commissioned the project to provide trauma‑informed, transitional housing for young adults aged 18-24 experiencing homelessness.

 Their goal: to offer safe, private, dignified shelter and supportive services that extend beyond mere shelter, addressing wellness, vocational skills, mental health, community, and sustainable agriculture.

Mesa Farm Tiny Homes Ojai Valley News photo by Perry Van Houten

Executives emphasized that tiny homes offer privacy and ownership of space – critical to fostering responsibility and stability, while remaining cost‑effective compared to conventional housing.

Landscaping is thoughtfully crafted to support therapeutic connection with nature and a sense of place. The site retains existing mature trees and integrates them into courtyards and shared pedestrian pathways that knit the community together. Native and drought-tolerant plantings line garden beds and informal gathering patios, reducing water usage while creating soft, calming outdoor rooms. A new vegetable garden and regenerative agriculture areas, co-designed with participants, anchor communal wellness and vocational programs .
Mesa Farm Tiny Homes Drone David Sinclair
Since opening, the ten-unit community has been fully occupied, with residents participating in agriculture, therapy, education, and employment programs. Early outcomes indicate increased stability, a stronger sense of community, and improved wellbeing. Moving forward, Mesa Farm aims to expand the model – potentially serving 70+ youth across future sites. Staples Construction remains committed to supporting this mission through future phases.

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