In March 2026, Piece by Piece completed a beautiful new mosaic installation at Rose Town Apartments in Pasadena, bringing art, nature, and community together in a 100% affordable housing development designed to support individuals and families building stable futures.
Located at 170 North Halstead Street, Rose Town Apartments is a six-story, 48-unit affordable housing community serving residents earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income. Developed through a partnership between CRP Affordable Housing & Community Development and the Central Valley Coalition for Affordable Housing, the project was thoughtfully designed to provide not only housing, but also a sense of belonging, dignity, and opportunity.
As part of that vision, Piece by Piece was commissioned to create two custom mosaic installations inspired by the natural beauty of the nearby San Gabriel Mountains.
The project was led by Artistic Director Dawn Mendelson, with fabrication overseen by Senior Instructor Luz Mack-Durini. Together, they guided a talented team of Piece by Piece certified artists through every stage of the design, fabrication, and installation process.
Artists contributing to the project included Jose Morales, Luz Mack-Durini, Dawn Mendelson, Hilda M., Victor J., Norma C., Andrea S., Rosa V., Hugo S., Ricardo S., Vicki M., and Abraham R.
The installation features two distinct mosaic works. A 90-square-foot mural near the building lobby depicts the majestic San Gabriel Mountains, creating a welcoming focal point for residents and visitors entering the community. A second 42.5-square-foot backsplash mural in the community room celebrates the region's native wildflowers, bringing warmth and color to a shared gathering space.
Drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscape, the murals feature a palette of muted greens, warm browns, soft yellows, cornflower blue, burgundy, and layered sky tones. Together, the pieces create a calming and cohesive visual experience that reflects the beauty of Southern California while fostering a sense of home and connection.
Each mosaic was fabricated in the Piece by Piece studio using a combination of new and repurposed glass and ceramic materials. Certified artists carefully translated the designs into thousands of individually placed pieces, transforming simple materials into richly detailed works of art before completing the final installation onsite.
For the artists involved, projects like Rose Town Apartments represent much more than a commission. They provide paid employment, opportunities to develop advanced technical skills, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to spaces that serve communities across Los Angeles County.
The Rose Town project reflects the full Piece by Piece model in action. Through our social enterprise, artists who have experienced homelessness or economic insecurity earn income while creating artwork that enhances public spaces and strengthens communities. Every commission supports economic opportunity, artistic growth, and personal empowerment.
At Rose Town Apartments, the mosaics do more than beautify the building. They create moments of reflection and connection for residents as they move through their daily lives. Whether entering the lobby, gathering with neighbors in the community room, or simply pausing to appreciate the artwork, residents are greeted by spaces that feel welcoming, peaceful, and thoughtfully designed.
As affordable housing continues to expand throughout Los Angeles County, partnerships like this demonstrate what is possible when community development, thoughtful design, and social enterprise come together. Art should not be an afterthought in the places where people live. It should be part of what makes a community feel like home.
We are grateful to CRP Affordable Housing & Community Development, the Central Valley Coalition for Affordable Housing, Shelter Architects, and Ironcore Construction for partnering with Piece by Piece on this meaningful project. Together, we have created a space where art, housing, and opportunity intersect, helping build communities where people can truly thrive.
