Haven family makes San Diego apartment building their own

The vibrantly painted 1910 apartment is sandwiched in between a Thai food restaurant (left) and an auto mechanic shop (right) in Normal Heights.

Amy Haven reads a book in her studio apartment, one of six units in the Haven family compound.

Clayton Haven built the bookcase and ladder for his bibliophile daughter Amy.

Amy Haven’s compact kitchen suits her studio apartment.

Members of the Haven family enjoy an alfresco pizza party in the central patio located between the apartment complex and Sharon’s bungalow.

Amy’s bedroom.

The guest suite of the Haven family compound can be used for a caregiver in the future, if necessary.

The family gathers for meals in the outdoor patio once or twice a week.

A bougainvillea-lined walkway is used for bike storage.

The 350-square-foot guest room features a tiny industrial kitchen from Ikea.

Every room in the apartment is different. The guest room is modern and clean-lined.

The minimally furnished cottage is filled with artworks from the family’s travels.

Sharon Haven’s bedroom includes an office.

The rear apartment on the ground floor overlooks the coutryard and includes a kitchen, office, living area and bedroom.

A chess set in Clayton Haven’s apartment.

The couple sold and donated many of the things from their Mission Hills home, but brought their art with them.

The cottage includes a patio.

The cottage opens out to an outdoor patio where the family can visit in private. Sharon designed all of the apartments, as well as the courtyard and exteriors.

Clayton and Sharon Haven spend their evenings together in the cottage.