Sterling, a 127-unit multi-residential complex in the suburban Inland Empire, looks to create a sense of place inspired by the homesteading spirit and backdrop of the San Bernardino mountains. A series of courtyards breaks the large complex into intimate neighborhoods interconnected by pathways. Each neighborhood is specific, with character emphasizing play, family, and retreat. The buildings, a series of row houses, line the communal shared spaces with balconies and rear yards, strengthening the connection for each tenant with the larger community. While providing inward visibility and protection from the gang activity of the adjacent neighborhood, Sterling creates an individual identity and a sense of community and safety for all of its tenants.