Juniper at the Preserve- A Groundbreaking Event

“This project is very important, and the city of Carlsbad has done a good job seeing to it that affordable housing gets built in their projects.” ~ Walter Heiberg 

On a crisp December morning, Chelsea Investment Corporation broke ground at Juniper at the Preserve, Cornerstone Communities’ newest master-planned community. Juniper at the Preserve, a 64 family unit garden apartment complex, is CIC’s fourth affordable housing project for the city of Carlsbad, for a total of 416 affordable homes. 

Walter Heiberg kicked off the groundbreaking event, and in his introductory remarks, mentioned a fundamental truth about the reason for affordable housing projects such as this. “The residents that we’re doing this project for, you and I see every day. They’re the clerk at the 7-11, they’re our landscapers and the substitute teacher we see every day at our school.” 

After recognizing all of the contributing partners, Walter Heiberg thanked the city of Carlsbad, “And lastly, the city of Carlsbad, who we consider a partner in this project as well, as they have been in all of our projects."

• Designed by San Diego architect McKinley & Associates, the project features twelve 1-bed, thirty-two 2-bed and twenty 3-bedroom units in five 2- and 3-story buildings, with a community room, landscaped courtyard and multiple outdoor areas for children to play.

• Rents are 50 to 60% of AMI, ranging from high $700 to low $1300.

• Leasing is expected to begin October 2017.

Developed by Carlsbad developer Chelsea Investment Corporation, and constructed by Carlsbad general contractor Emmerson Construction, Inc., Juniper at the Preserve is another project we are extremely proud to be involved with. To learn more about our history of building affordable housing in Carlsbad, visit our blog: The City of Carlsbad- Pioneering Affordable Housing Since 1993.

Making Beautiful Music - Changing Lives Through Affordable Housing

Terrence Patridge and his mother Thérèse Davis in the Community Room at The Landings in Chula Vista.

Last Friday we had the pleasure of meeting Terrence Patridge and his mother Thérèse Davis at The Landings in Chula Vista. The two, who along with Thérèse’s mother, share one of the apartment homes at The Landings, were kind enough to meet with us and discuss how their life has been enhanced since moving in. As a premier builder of affordable housing, we are grateful for the opportunity to share these stories of how peoples’ lives are profoundly changed simply by finding a safe and secure place to live.

The Landings was built as part of an inclusionary requirement and was developed by Chelsea Investment Corporation to provide affordable housing for people in need.

At a very young age, Thérèse’s son Terrence was diagnosed with autism, a diagnosis which can seem devastating to a parent. With the support of his mother and a stable home environment, Terrence is proving that kids with autism can lead productive, independent lives and achieve their dreams. Terrence has been playing trombone since he was a young boy and now plays with orchestras, in theater productions, jazz ensembles and in church. He is able to ride the bus and take the trolley to Mesa College where he is going to school to become a sound engineer. He is currently studying for a certificate in music theory to strengthen his musical foundation and also taking piano as a part of his studies.

During the course of our interview, Terrence and his mom expressed the joys and benefits of their life at The Landings. They explained how Terrence spends his time at home practicing his trombone and piano and also contributing to the care of his “Granny.”  He then treated us to his beautiful rendition of Misty by Erroll Garner

A picture is worth a thousand words...

Thérèse worked with the staff of the Southern California Housing Collaborative and with Chelsea’s property management company to secure an apartment that was served by a common elevator and was ADA-wheelchair accessible with a roll-in shower; a necessity for her mother who at times must depend on her wheelchair. The Landings was built as part of an inclusionary requirement and was developed by Chelsea Investment Corporation to provide affordable housing for people in need.

The Landings' ADA-wheelchair accessible leasing center.

The City of Carlsbad: Pioneering Affordable Housing Since 1993

Glen Ridge Apartments in Carlsbad, built by Chelsea Investment Corp.

Undoubtedly, it played to mixed reviews some 20 years ago when Carlsbad mandated an Inclusionary Housing Program to prospective developers. But surely the building industry agreed with the City that a plan was needed to satisfy the accelerating demand for affordable housing.

“When the need for affordable housing began to grow in the early 1990s, the City of Carlsbad got creative,” said Debbie Fountain, who has facilitated the creation of quality affordable housing in Carlsbad since 1993. “Coming out of the recession of the early ‘90s, the City partnered with the private sector and the inclusionary housing ordinance became part of the process in doing business with the City.”

Debbie Fountain has facilitated the creation of quality affordable housing in Carlsbad since 1993.

Fountain, who now serves as Carlsbad’s Housing and Neighborhood Services Director, points to the first project out of that pipeline, a 344-unit apartment community built for low income households in Aviara.

“It looks as good today as it did the day it was ready for occupancy in 1996,” says Fountain.

Carlsbad’s strong partnership with the private sector, both for-profit and non-profit housing developers, has been a model for other municipalities grappling with the need for affordable housing.

How do they do it?

“We have been successful because we work each project on a case-by-case basis,” said Fountain. “We don’t have simply one way to produce the housing or any one way to structure a deal. We work with developers to build the product type that best fits with the remainder of the market rate development.”

Here at Chelsea Investment Corporation, we’re proud of our history with the City of Carlsbad, starting with Mariposa Apartments in 2005. To date, our partnerships with market rate developers account for about 16% of Carlsbad’s total inventory of housing for lower income households.

“Chelsea has been an extremely good partner for those developers, and has been very responsive to the City in creating housing that best meets the needs of the low income households of Carlsbad,” said Fountain. “The housing produced by Chelsea is very well-managed and well-maintained. The City has always been pleased with the developments they own and manage.”

In addition to Mariposa Apartments in the Calavera Hills neighborhood, our work in Carlsbad includes Hunter’s Pointe Apartments in La Costa and Glen Ridge Apartments in Robertson Ranch. Currently, we are developing a 64-unit Quarry Creek apartment community, where construction is expected to begin in September.

The 168 unit Hunter's Pointe project was developed to satisfy the affordable housing requirement of the La Costa Master Planned Community in Carlsbad, California.

Carlsbad has set a high standard for the implementation of desirable communities that meet the needs of all residents, and advocates like Debbie Fountain help make it a positive experience for everyone involved. Even after 23 years in the business, she retains her passion for this impactful work.

“Providing affordable housing not only meets the needs of low income families but it helps the overall community to be healthier, too,” says Fountain. “Helping to provide permanent affordable shelter for our low income families brings me great joy.”

Click HERE for more information on the City of Carlsbad’s Inclusionary Housing Program.

Leading By Example - Teaming Up With Juli Veee

Juli Veee and a group of young residents at the Rancho Del Norte Apartments in 4S Ranch.

Born in Budapest, Hungary, Juli Veee grew up in a world where the communist government controlled every aspect of a Hungarian’s life. At 15, Juli (born Gyula Visnyei) was given a choice between pursuing a career in soccer or table tennis. He chose soccer. Frustrated by the restrictions of his totalitarian homeland, Juli defected at 18 while on a tour with the Hungarian U-21 national team. He then parlayed the profession he chose into an inspiring career here in the United States. Between the years of 1975 and 1988, Juli Veee played professional soccer for everyone from the Los Angeles Aztecs to the New York Arrows, but most notably for his adopted hometown team of the San Diego Sockers.

Since retiring from professional soccer, Juli is free to pursue his other passions. Veee, now a successful artist, also works for the nonprofit Pacific Southwest Community Development Corporation (PCSDC), which has partnered with Chelsea Investment Corporation (CIC) on the development of many affordable communities throughout California. CIC, a leading developer of affordable housing in San Diego County, inspired Juli Veee to form a symbiotic relationship by which he would have an opportunity to give back to kids being raised in a situation not unlike his own as a child. “I grew up in a similar circumstance in Hungary,” he confided, “and I enjoy working with the kids to show them they have an opportunity to make more of their lives.” 

It’s not just soccer on the agenda when legendary Hall of Famer Juli Veee visits local communities developed by CIC. Since 1996, Veee, has led an after-school enrichment curriculum that includes both outdoor soccer and indoor arts. 

To his list of credits, Juli adds being designated by WORLD CUP USA 1994, the Official Artist for SOCCERFEST (the ultimate, interactive soccer exposition).  This colorful, multi-talented soccer phenomenon-turned-professional artist was inspired to create a dazzling collection of “Sports Art” spotlighting full-color, action-packed soccer images designed especially for this spectacular event.  Having represented both the United States and his native Hungary as a National Team player, Juli possesses unprecedented artistic insight into the arena of international soccer competition, making his a truly meaningful and appropriate contribution.

In addition, Juli does charitable work with the Alpha Project, North County Health Services, Palomar College, TERI, Inc. and the Boys and Girls Club.

Duetta and Volta at Millenia- A Groundbreaking Event

Left to right: Jim Schmid, Chula Vista Deputy Mayor Steve Miesen, Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors President Kevin Marshall, Chula Vista Mayor Mary Salas, Todd Galarneau, Guy Asaro

On a gorgeous spring morning in early May, Chelsea Investment celebrated a very proud moment with the official ground breaking of Duetta and Volta. With two separate towers, a senior tower and family tower, Chelsea Investment will deliver a 210 unit affordable rental community in Chula Vista's Millenia project.

"Jim Schmid, you really build communities for families to thrive." ~Mayor Mary Salas

Millenia is envisioned as a future city center for South San Diego, with up to 3,000 multi-family residences, 2 million square feet of office space, 1.5 million square feet of retail space, six themed urban parks and a variety of tree-lined promenades, casual gathering places and plazas. Population at build out will be approximately 7,500. 

Duetta Apartment Homes
Discover your destination at Duetta Apartment Homes.  Featuring spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom units for qualified households, Duetta’s location within the brand new Millenia master-planned community provides convenient access to a multitude of recreation, entertainment and dining options.  Whether you’re staying close to home or experiencing everything San Diego has to offer, make the most of your time at Duetta.

Volta Apartment Homes

At Volta, enjoy the best Otay Ranch has to offer without compromising comfort or convenience.  Situated within the innovative Millenia village, Volta puts dining, shopping, and transportation at your doorstep. Designed with energy-efficient features and stylish interiors, Volta offers one- and two-bedroom apartment homes for qualified senior households.   Live at the center of it all at Volta.

It’s always great to be part of a new community and we’re honored to be building just down the street from our friends at Shea Homes San Diego. Shea is now building two innovative urban neighborhoods, including Element at Millenia (70 single family homes) and Z at Millenia (106 attached residential condominiums). Follow Millenia's progress by clicking here.

A big thanks to Meridian and their partners at Stratford who allocated this valuable piece of land and are committed to creating the critical infrastructure necessary for the feasibility of this project.