CivicSD News: Ouchi Courtyard Groundbreaking Advances Vision for Revitalized Imperial Ave. Corridor in Encanto
45-Unit Project Adds Affordable Family Housing in Mixed-Use, Pedestrian-Oriented Setting
SAN DIEGO – March 28, 2016 – Continuing its commitment to increasing access to affordable, quality housing in San Diego’s urban communities, Civic San Diego joined Chelsea Investment Corp., Councilmember Myrtle Cole, the Southern California Housing Collaborative, Ito Girard & Associates and Union Bank on Friday, March 25 for the groundbreaking of Ouchi Courtyards at 5003 Imperial Avenue in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Encanto.
With 44 affordable two- and three-bedroom resident units, seven of which will be set aside as supportive housing for persons with developmental disabilities, and one manager’s unit, the intention for Ouchi Courtyards aligns with and supports the community vision laid out by the Imperial Avenue Corridor Master Plan. Established in 2005, the plan aims to revitalize this major community thoroughfare. This would be accomplished in part by efforts like Ouchi Courtyard, designed by Hedenkamp Architecture & Planning, because it provides additional housing opportunities for families so they may live and work in their neighborhoods.
“Expanding access to quality, affordable housing is at the heart of Civic San Diego’s mission to grow our urban communities into great places to live and work. As a mixed-use project – combining housing, retail and community spaces – this location will expand the choices and amenities available for residents and encourage visitors to spend additional time getting to know this vibrant community,” said Reese A. Jarrett, president of Civic San Diego. “We look forward to seeing the difference this building will make in the lives of 44 working families and we will continue pursuing similar opportunities in San Diego’s urban neighborhoods in the future.”
In addition to providing quality affordable housing, Ouchi Courtyard will be conveniently located near local and regional transit facilities. The project will provide additional services, such as after-school tutoring; and nutrition, financial planning, homeownership, computer and wellness classes to all residents.
“The Fourth District needs the kind of inclusive, mixed-use development that this project will provide, and I look forward to the opening of Ouchi Courtyards as a catalyst to improve the Imperial Avenue Corridor,” said Councilmember Myrtle Cole.
Funding for the project was provided in part by a $5.4 million loan from Civic San Diego along with tax credit equity and developer-provided funding for a total project cost of $20.4 million. This includes site acquisition, predevelopment, architecture and engineering, construction, leasing, partial underground parking for residents and retail spaces, and all amenities for living units. Construction is scheduled to be completed in May 2017.
Last modified: March 28, 2022