[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":154},["ShallowReactive",2],{"gql:data:EQRSml6GXUS-vxmPLcM8u2hEeb2EW_zzQJbJrEqzb1Q":3},{"newsAndMediaItem":4},{"body":5,"textBlockWithImages":6,"closingImage":13,"date":29,"derivedSeoDescription":30,"derivedSeoTitle":31,"derivedSocialMediaDescription":32,"derivedSocialMediaImage":33,"derivedSocialMediaTitle":43,"image":44,"newsAndMediaCategory":54,"newsAndMediaTags":57,"relatedNews":64,"slug":149,"title":150,"videoId":28,"videoThumbnail":151,"schema":153},"Modular construction gets pitched a lot these days as the fast, efficient future of affordable housing. EAH Housing's recent experience with two very different California developments suggests the real answer is more nuanced: modular works but only when the project itself is built for it.\r\n\r\nSince 1968, EAH Housing has developed or acquired more than 9,000 affordable homes across California and Hawai'i. Two of its most recent projects, Greenfield Commons I in the Salinas Valley and MiLa in Los Altos, both used factory-built modules and produced strikingly different results. David Egan,  Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development and Construction at EAH Housing walked through what each project revealed about when modular delivers, and when it doesn't.",[7,23],{"header":8,"body":9,"image":10},"Two Projects, Two Very Different Outcomes","Greenfield Commons I is a 100-unit garden-style community spread across multiple two-story buildings on a five-acre site in a rural part of the Salinas Valley. The draw of modular there was risk management: rural sites often mean limited subcontractor availability, and prefabricated units offered a way around that uncertainty.\r\n\r\nMiLa, by contrast, is a single five-story building on a compact parcel in Los Altos — the city's first fully affordable housing development, expected to open in 2027. EAH won the project through a competitive RFP with Santa Clara County that specifically called for creative building techniques, and in a market where subcontractors can command steep premiums, modular looked like a way to keep costs in check.\r\n\r\nThe results tell the story. Greenfield Commons finished about three months behind schedule and over budget. MiLa, still under construction, is currently tracking roughly four months ahead of schedule and within budget. The difference comes down to geometry as much as anything else: a single tall building lets cranes move modules into place in a repetitive, efficient rhythm, while multiple low-rise buildings spread across a larger site reset that efficiency with every additional building. \"Modular is not a one-size-fits-all answer,\" Egan said, and the two projects make the case better than any general rule could.\r\n\r\nEven on the project that went well, modular wasn't simply a matter of ordering units and waiting for a truck. Both developments required significantly longer design coordination up front — architects, modular factories, engineering consultants, and general contractors all had to align on a shared set of specifications long before construction began. Trucking and on-site storage of completed modules also proved to be a bigger logistical hurdle than expected on both projects.\r\n\r\nMiLa added another layer of complexity by pairing modular construction with a cross-laminated timber (CLT) podium on its ground floor — a renewable but still relatively new material in California multifamily housing, and a more expensive alternative to a standard concrete base. Getting the CLT and modular systems to work together took close coordination between the CLT manufacturer, structural engineers, and the modular factory itself.",{"id":11,"alt":12,"caption":13,"assetUrl":14,"assetUrlXs":15,"assetUrlSm":16,"assetUrlMd":17,"assetUrlLg":18,"assetUrlXl":19,"assetUrlXxl":20,"width":21,"height":22},"2378","Two modern buildings side by side, showcasing contemporary architecture and outdoor spaces, inviting community interaction and greenery.",null,"https://assets.eahhousing.org/system/uploads/fae/image/asset/2378/NEWS___MEDIA_HERO__3_.jpg","https://assets.eahhousing.org/system/uploads/fae/image/asset/2378/xs_NEWS___MEDIA_HERO__3_.jpg","https://assets.eahhousing.org/system/uploads/fae/image/asset/2378/sm_NEWS___MEDIA_HERO__3_.jpg","https://assets.eahhousing.org/system/uploads/fae/image/asset/2378/md_NEWS___MEDIA_HERO__3_.jpg","https://assets.eahhousing.org/system/uploads/fae/image/asset/2378/lg_NEWS___MEDIA_HERO__3_.jpg","https://assets.eahhousing.org/system/uploads/fae/image/asset/2378/xl_NEWS___MEDIA_HERO__3_.jpg","https://assets.eahhousing.org/system/uploads/fae/image/asset/2378/xxl_NEWS___MEDIA_HERO__3_.jpg",2000,1125,{"header":24,"body":25,"image":26},"What EAH Housing Learned","A few lessons stood out. Modular factories operate on their own production timelines and standards, and typically warranty their units for only about a year, meaning a project's overall schedule needs to be locked in early, before that warranty clock starts running out. Financing adds its own wrinkle, since factories often require deposits and firm commitments before construction financing has even closed, so cash flow planning has to happen earlier than it would on a conventional build. Local permitting, by contrast, went smoother than expected, mainly because EAH treated it as a partnership from the start: neither jurisdiction involved had deep experience with modular construction, so early educational sessions clarifying which inspections fall under state authority versus local review ended up serving everyone well.\r\n\r\nLooking back, Egan said he'd make one clear change on any future multi-building site: identical, linear building layouts across the board, with no L-shaped structures, to keep the modular process as consistent and efficient as possible. His broader advice for developers considering modular for the first time comes down to honesty about whether a project's physical layout actually supports it — efficiently stacked, repeatable floor plans are where modular earns its reputation for speed, and working with an architect who has real modular experience is often what separates a project that runs smoothly from one that runs into surprises along the way.",{"id":27,"alt":28,"caption":13,"assetUrl":13,"assetUrlXs":13,"assetUrlSm":13,"assetUrlMd":13,"assetUrlLg":13,"assetUrlXl":13,"assetUrlXxl":13,"width":13,"height":13},"2379","","2026-07-01","Two California affordable housing projects, two different outcomes. See what EAH Housing learned about when modular construction actually saves time and money.","When Does Modular Construction Pay Off? | EAH Housing","One project finished months ahead of schedule. Another ran late and over budget. Both used modular construction. EAH Housing's David Egan breaks down what made the difference.",{"id":34,"alt":35,"caption":13,"assetUrl":36,"assetUrlXs":37,"assetUrlSm":38,"assetUrlMd":39,"assetUrlLg":40,"assetUrlXl":41,"assetUrlXxl":42,"width":21,"height":22},"2380","A modern residential complex is shown, featuring landscaped greenery, with a professional's portrait overlaying the scene and a logo in the 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Home","heartbeat-of-home-aging-in-place-resident-services","2026-09-01",{"name":55,"slug":56},{"id":71,"alt":72,"caption":13,"assetUrl":73,"assetUrlXs":74,"assetUrlSm":75,"assetUrlMd":76,"assetUrlLg":77,"assetUrlXl":78,"assetUrlXxl":79,"width":21,"height":22},"2096","Two smiling women pose together, one dressed in a colorful outfit with a floral design and the other wearing glasses and a chic 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Aloha","introducing-aloha-core-value-eah-housing",{"name":55,"slug":56},{"id":87,"alt":88,"caption":13,"assetUrl":89,"assetUrlXs":90,"assetUrlSm":91,"assetUrlMd":92,"assetUrlLg":93,"assetUrlXl":94,"assetUrlXxl":95,"width":21,"height":22},"2093","Hands exchange a wooden bowl and green leaves, symbolizing unity and tradition during a ceremonial 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Castilleja","employee-spotlight","2026-04-23",{"name":55,"slug":56},{"id":104,"alt":105,"caption":13,"assetUrl":106,"assetUrlXs":107,"assetUrlSm":108,"assetUrlMd":109,"assetUrlLg":110,"assetUrlXl":111,"assetUrlXxl":112,"width":21,"height":22},"2099","A collage featuring diverse individuals engaged in community efforts, smiling, and interacting, showcasing teamwork and support for housing initiatives.","https://assets.eahhousing.org/system/uploads/fae/image/asset/2099/NEWS___MEDIA_HERO__23_.jpg","https://assets.eahhousing.org/system/uploads/fae/image/asset/2099/xs_NEWS___MEDIA_HERO__23_.jpg","https://assets.eahhousing.org/system/uploads/fae/image/asset/2099/sm_NEWS___MEDIA_HERO__23_.jpg","https://assets.eahhousing.org/system/uploads/fae/image/asset/2099/md_NEWS___MEDIA_HERO__23_.jpg","https://assets.eahhousing.org/system/uploads/fae/image/asset/2099/lg_NEWS___MEDIA_HERO__23_.jpg","https://assets.eahhousing.org/system/uploads/fae/image/asset/2099/xl_NEWS___MEDIA_HERO__23_.jpg","https://assets.eahhousing.org/system/uploads/fae/image/asset/2099/xxl_NEWS___MEDIA_HERO__23_.jpg",{"id":114,"alt":28,"caption":13,"assetUrl":13,"assetUrlXs":13,"assetUrlSm":13,"assetUrlMd":13,"assetUrlLg":13,"assetUrlXl":13,"assetUrlXxl":13,"width":13,"height":13},"2098",{"title":116,"slug":117,"date":118,"newsAndMediaCategory":119,"image":120,"videoThumbnail":130,"videoId":28},"How Permanent Supportive Housing Impacts the Homelessness Crisis","permanent-supportive-housing-impact-homelessness","2026-04-01",{"name":55,"slug":56},{"id":121,"alt":122,"caption":13,"assetUrl":123,"assetUrlXs":124,"assetUrlSm":125,"assetUrlMd":126,"assetUrlLg":127,"assetUrlXl":128,"assetUrlXxl":129,"width":21,"height":22},"2090","A man smiles while leaning on a balcony railing, enjoying a sunny day with a vibrant green wall and a view of a bustling street 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Historic Santa Monica Nikkei Hall","honoring-historic-santa-monica-nikkei-hall","2025-09-10",{"name":55,"slug":56},{"id":138,"alt":139,"caption":13,"assetUrl":140,"assetUrlXs":141,"assetUrlSm":142,"assetUrlMd":143,"assetUrlLg":144,"assetUrlXl":145,"assetUrlXxl":146,"width":21,"height":22},"1092","A modern, multi-story building features a mix of white and beige exteriors, large windows, and landscaping with trees and greenery.","https://assets.eahhousing.org/system/uploads/fae/image/asset/1092/TheLaurel_PreservationAward_News.jpg","https://assets.eahhousing.org/system/uploads/fae/image/asset/1092/xs_TheLaurel_PreservationAward_News.jpg","https://assets.eahhousing.org/system/uploads/fae/image/asset/1092/sm_TheLaurel_PreservationAward_News.jpg","https://assets.eahhousing.org/system/uploads/fae/image/asset/1092/md_TheLaurel_PreservationAward_News.jpg","https://assets.eahhousing.org/system/uploads/fae/image/asset/1092/lg_TheLaurel_PreservationAward_News.jpg","https://assets.eahhousing.org/system/uploads/fae/image/asset/1092/xl_TheLaurel_PreservationAward_News.jpg","https://assets.eahhousing.org/system/uploads/fae/image/asset/1092/xxl_TheLaurel_PreservationAward_News.jpg",{"id":148,"alt":28,"caption":13,"assetUrl":13,"assetUrlXs":13,"assetUrlSm":13,"assetUrlMd":13,"assetUrlLg":13,"assetUrlXl":13,"assetUrlXxl":13,"width":13,"height":13},"1091","hen-modular-construction-pays-off-eah-housing","When Does Modular Construction Actually Pay Off? Two EAH Housing Projects Offer an Answer",{"id":152,"alt":28,"caption":13,"assetUrl":13,"assetUrlXs":13,"assetUrlSm":13,"assetUrlMd":13,"assetUrlLg":13,"assetUrlXl":13,"assetUrlXxl":13,"width":13,"height":13},"2381","{\"@context\":\"http://schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https://www.eahhousing.org//news-and-media/hen-modular-construction-pays-off-eah-housing/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https://www.eahhousing.org//news-and-media/hen-modular-construction-pays-off-eah-housing/\"},\"headline\":\"When Does Modular Construction Actually Pay Off? Two EAH Housing Projects Offer an Answer\",\"description\":\"Two California affordable housing projects, two different outcomes. 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