Design Rooted in Community
Set against the scenic charm of Fremont’s Niles District, the Towns at Hartford are more than a new residential neighborhood—it’s a thoughtful response to community input, historical context, and changing generational needs. Designed by WHA for Lennar Homes, this 75-unit enclave features 13 two-story townhouse buildings and six stacked-flat buildings across a site once home to the Henkel Chemical manufacturing facility.
The project’s journey began after a previously approved, three-story high-density concept faced legal challenges under CEQA, prompting a full redesign. WHA was brought in to lead a sensitive and inclusive planning process, engaging directly with two Niles Canyon homeowner associations. Their priorities were clear: architecture that felt rooted in the neighborhood’s early 20th-century heritage, more human-scaled massing, and homes that catered to both younger families and older generations.
WHA responded with two multifamily product types—townhomes and flats—designed in a palette of familiar architectural styles including Farmhouse, Craftsman, and Prairie. Each building was carefully scaled and detailed to enhance the pedestrian experience, using historically inspired forms and contextually correct colors and materials. A curated set of eight exterior schemes ensures both visual variety and neighborhood cohesion.
The Towns range from approximately 1,407 to 1,690 square feet, offering three- and four-bedroom plans ideal for growing households. Thoughtful interior layouts provide open-concept living spaces on the ground floor and well-separated bedrooms above.
The site connects to a public walking trail that links with the greater San Francisco Bay Trail system, with quick access to nearby shopping, dining, and recreation. Residents are also close to Lake Elizabeth, Mission Peak, and commuter routes like the Warm Springs BART station. By combining community collaboration with design expertise, WHA and Lennar Homes have created a project that balances timeless character with the realities of today’s housing market.
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