Bringing the Beauty of the San Gabriel Mountains Inside

Project Summary

In March 2026, Piece by Piece completed a new large-scale mosaic installation at Rose Town Apartments in Pasadena, a 100% affordable housing community designed by Shelter Architects and built by Ironcore Construction. The project was developed through a partnership between CRP Affordable Housing & Community Development, serving as the administrative general partner, and the Central Valley Coalition for Affordable Housing, serving as the managing general partner, bringing deep expertise in creating and sustaining affordable housing communities.

This six-story, 48-unit development supports individuals and families earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income, offering not only housing, but a foundation for stability, connection, and opportunity.

At the heart of the community, Piece by Piece brought art to life through two custom mosaic installations inspired by the nearby San Gabriel Mountains, designed to evoke a sense of calm, belonging, and renewal. The project was led by Artistic Director Dawn Mendelson, with fabrication overseen by Senior Instructor Luz Mack-Durini.

Certified artists who contributed to the project include Jose M., Andrea S., Victor J., Abraham R., Hilda M., Norma C., Vicki M., Hugo S., Ricardo S., and Rosa C.

The installation includes a 90-square-foot wall mural near the lobby depicting the San Gabriel Mountains, and a 42.5-square-foot backsplash mural in the community room that highlights native wildflowers. Both pieces draw from the surrounding landscape, using a palette of muted greens, warm browns, soft yellows, cornflower blue, burgundy, and layered sky tones in soft blues and grays. The result is a cohesive visual experience that feels grounded, peaceful, and welcoming.

Each mosaic was fabricated in the Piece by Piece studio by certified artists, many of whom have experienced homelessness or economic insecurity. Using a combination of new and repurposed glass and ceramic materials, artists translated the designs into detailed, hand-crafted works, then installed them onsite as part of the final phase of construction.

This project reflects the full Piece by Piece model in action. Artists gain income and hands-on experience through paid commissions, while contributing to spaces that directly serve communities navigating housing instability. The work is not only decorative, it is deeply tied to the mission of creating pathways to wellness, confidence, and economic opportunity through art.

At Rose Town Apartments, the mosaics do more than enhance shared spaces. They create moments of pause, beauty, and connection for residents as they move through their daily lives, whether entering the building, gathering in the community room, or simply taking in the details of their surroundings.

As affordable housing continues to expand across Los Angeles County, partnerships like this show what is possible when thoughtful design, community development, and social enterprise come together. Through projects like Rose Town, Piece by Piece ensures that art is not an afterthought, but an integral part of building communities where people can thrive.