New Redevelopment Project in North Park Provides Much-Needed Affordable Housing
Renaissance at North Park Mixed-Use Development Begins Construction

SAN DIEGO - The North Park community took another important step in the revitalization of one of San Diego's most historic communities with today's groundbreaking of the aptly named Renaissance at North Park mixed-use development. The ceremony, attended by Councilmember Toni Atkins, along with public, private and community representatives, officially marks the beginning of construction of the $32 million mixed-use development which is scheduled to open in 2006.

The Renaissance at North Park addresses San Diego's need for housing in all income categories and particularly for affordable senior housing. The project will include a four-story, mixed-use structure fronting on El Cajon Boulevard and 14 three-story townhomes on Kansas Street. The mixed-use component will provide 96 senior citizen apartments (affordable to households with incomes up to 50 percent of the Area Median Income), 6,000 square feet of commercial space, and a 6,000-square-foot space to be used as either a public community center or for retail establishments. The three-bedroom townhomes on Kansas Street will be affordable to households with incomes up to 100 percent of the Area Median Income. Additionally, a pedestrian plaza accessible to the public will provide a link between El Cajon Boulevard, shops, and 187 new parking spaces.

"Renaissance at North Park is an excellent example of the progress that can be made by encouraging developers to propose projects that meet the needs of a growing amount of San Diegans looking for an affordable home," said Councilmember Toni Atkins, whose third district includes North Park. "I was very pleased to see an affordable housing component for seniors whose housing options are dwindling in the current real estate market. Additionally, with the public improvements and careful attention to maintaining historic facades, the development is a benefit to the entire North Park community and honors the neighborhood's unique charm and character."

As a matter separate from the redevelopment transaction, Master Developer Carter Reese & Associates has proposed to construct a $6 million townhome project featuring 24 market-rate units immediately north of the project on the west side of 30th Street.

Implementation of both projects will revitalize a community formerly burdened by two large vacant buildings and add 134 new dwelling units varying in affordability and style, while incorporating architectural features and building materials from the original historic structures.

"The Renaissance at North Park is an excellent example of how in-fill development can drastically improve and increase housing options in historic neighborhoods," said Tom Carter, general partner of Carter Reese & Associates. "While the original site offered only 11 rental units, the new development provides 134 rental and homeowner units including affordably priced options. This project will be a benefit to the community and create a new landmark in keeping with North Park's unique history."

Public funding for the project includes $4 million from the City's Redevelopment Agency in the form of land acquisition, public improvements and technical assistance, $2 million in loan funding from the San Diego Housing Commission and $11 million in state and federal tax credits.

"Renaissance at North Park is a wonderful mix of housing and retail use that will brighten the lives of North Park seniors and families," said Mathew Jumper, president of San Diego Interfaith Housing Foundation. "The creativity of Renaissance is a shining example of the importance of public/private partnerships in revitalizing communities."

The project was made possible through a unique collaborative effort of the City of San Diego, its Redevelopment Agency, Carter Reese & Associates, San Diego Interfaith Housing Foundation, San Diego's Housing Commission, North Park Redevelopment Project Area Committee (PAC), Martinez + Cutri Architects, Sun Country Builders, Uptown Builders, Bank of America and Citibank. Redevelopment efforts in North Park have focused on affordable housing, new commercial and retail space, and improved community facilities and public.

For more information on the availability of rental and for-sale housing, as well as leasing information for commercial space for the Renaissance at North Park development, contact the following:

Senior Affordable Rental Units - San Diego Interfaith Housing Foundation at 619.231.0288 x201
Affordable Townhomes (for sale): Percy Williams, broker, 619-686-5959x15
Market-rate Townhomes (for sale): Percy Williams, broker, 619-686-5959x15
Retail Space: Reese Jarrett at 619-686-5959x13

For more information about available affordable housing units citywide, contact the San Diego Housing Commission at (619) 231-9400 or visit www.sdhc.net.

For more information about the North Park Redevelopment Project Area, contact Tom Romstad, Redevelopment Project Manager at (619) 533-5284 or tromstad@sandiego.gov, or contact the Redevelopment Agency at (619) 533-4233.

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