Groundbreaking for Columba, a $102 million project featuring 200 rent-restricted apartments within Chula Vista’s Millenia master plan occurred on Nov.3, which became the third affordable apartment community by Chelsea in Millenia.
Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas and Councilwoman Jill Galvez joined Chelsea Investment Corporation, Meridian Development, financing partners and development team members at the northeast corner of Optima Street and Solstice Ave. According to project developer and CEO of Chelsea Investment Corporation, Jim Schmid, the apartments are projected to open by year-end 2023.
“One of the most basic human needs is a place to call home. Over the past months the pandemic has exemplified the need for affordable homes as the price of housing in California continues to rise,” Salas said.
Chelsea in Millenia is a 210-acre urban village being developed by Meridian Development for Stratford Land. These apartments are intended for low-income families whose incomes fall between 30 and 60 percent of the San Diego County median income.
Designed by Joseph Wong Design Associates of San Diego, Columba is set to feature two residential buildings of four and five stories, and two-story parking structure. Each apartment will range from 585 to 1,027 square feet with one to three bedrooms. Amenities include two community rooms, computer lab/lounge and laundry facilities.
“We are not only proud to be a part of the affordable housing solution, but we are also proud to be a part of changing lives,” said Jim Schmid, Chelsea’s CEO.
On-site services free of charge to residents, include adult education, skill-building classes, computer literacy, English as a second language, art, job counseling, financial literacy, and health and wellness will be provided by Pacific Southwest Community Development Corporation (PSCDC). Additionally, an after-school program for children is expected and will provide tutoring, mentoring, arts and crafts and other educational enrichment activities.
Residents will have access to over 35,000 square feet of two courtyards featuring two tot lots, a bocce ball court, eight barbecues with shaded picnic areas, open grass areas, and a community garden. The modern design aesthetic of Columba includes building facades, varied roof line and street scapes to contribute to a pedestrian friendly atmosphere.
“Affordable housing is a critical component of master plans like Millenia. What we see, particularly in San Diego County, is an extreme shortage of affordable housing, especially in the rental market,” said Jim Schmid. “Affordable housing is the strongest foothold toward economic stability,” Schmid said.
