Mutual Housing California Is Betting Big on Modular — and Playing the Long Game
Rendering Credit: Mogavero Architects/Mutual Housing
Mutual Housing California is shifting away from traditional construction methods and committing to modular building for its next several affordable housing projects. Their goal isn’t just to move faster — it’s to build smarter over time.
Starting with a 76-unit project in Stockton, Mutual Housing has partnered with Guerdon to manufacture modules off-site and assemble them on location. This approach is expected to cut project schedules significantly and yield cost savings — but what stands out is their strategic mindset.
The organization recognizes that adopting modular construction involves a learning curve. Their leadership acknowledges that the first project may require extra effort, coordination, and adaptation. But they’re playing the long game: by gaining experience now, they expect to see greater efficiencies, smoother workflows, and better returns on subsequent projects.
“Over time, the construction industry has not produced the way other sectors have, and efficiency has gone down despite technology,” said a company executive. https://t.co/NF0ZEHUzZd
— Sacramento Business Journal (@Sacbiz) June 26, 2025
The article notes that Guerdon was previously involved in two early Sacramento-area modular projects: the Fairfield Inn in Folsom and Eviva Midtown. Both of those builds by Guerdon were milestones in the modular space. The Folsom Fairfield Inn marked Marriott’s first foray into modular construction — a move that helped ignite the hospitality industry’s broader adoption of prefab methods. Guerdon has since built 16 branded hotels for Marriott and Hilton. And Eviva Midtown remains an award-winning example of what’s possible with modular — a project still referenced today for its architectural ambition and execution.
Mutual Housing’s shift underscores a broader industry trend: modular isn’t just an alternative — it’s becoming a preferred path for those thinking long-term about cost, quality, and scalability in housing.
Mutual Housing is currently completing its last two traditionally built developments. From this point forward, they’ve drawn a line in the sand — committing fully to modular construction.
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