After living in a ‘granny unit’ in a residential enclave in Palo Alto for seven years, Irvin was ready for a more convenient living situation. “I wanted more than just one bus route to get around and one coffee shop to walk to. I was ready to try living in a more urban environment.”

Irvin has lived in Alma Place, an affordable, mixed-use building in downtown Palo Alto since it opened in 1998. “My whole lifestyle is enabled by sidewalks and bike lanes. The best perk is that I’m around the block from Whole Foods and two and a half short blocks from the train. It’s perfect.” Irvin works as a volunteer for the Sierra Club, commuting daily to their headquarters in San Francisco using Caltrain and MUNI and occasionally taking his bike on the train. “I can walk out my door and be on the platform in less than five minutes. And thanks to the ‘baby bullet’ commute-hour service, I’m a quick, three stops and 40 minutes away from the City.”

What Irvin can’t find in his own neighborhood, he can find right outside his office door at work. “My living and working arrangement is the best combination. Transportation is easy, and at work, I walk out the door and everything I need, and more, is within one block!”

In addition to working with the Sierra Club’s headquarters and the Loma Prieta chapter, Irvin is also active within his community. “I like living here, and as it grows, I want to help preserve the best parts and guide development. With more homes that we can afford and stores next door, people can stay in the community. We want to put out a welcome-mat to new residents and show the Bay Area that we are living responsibly.”