Security vs. Privacy:
Being situated on the border, Casa Familiar deals with issues of immigration and opposing (building) cultures. Cruz's take on the subject attempts to make the most of the situation, with a Mexican style street inserted into an American suburb.

Gentrification:

It is safe to say that this project is the opposite of Gentrification. It provides residential and commercial space for local residents, at prices suitable to local incomes, and doesn't attempt to change the population or import a new and foreign urban design.