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.

Richard C. Gentry On Affordable Housing For The Next Generation

Richard C. Gentry, a 44-year veteran of the affordable housing industry.

Last month, San Diego Housing Commission President/CEO  Richard C. Gentry was invited to testify before the U.S. House of Representatives’ Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance as it considered this question: In the U.S., what will the housing market look like for the next generation?

As a 44-year veteran of the affordable housing industry, Mr. Gentry is an expert on the topic. His answer to the committee boiled down to this:

 “For affordable housing, it should look much like San Diego, where we at the San Diego Housing Commission, in recent years, have implemented innovative approaches that bring together government and the private sector in partnerships to create and preserve affordable housing, provide federal rental assistance, and address homelessness.”

In highlighting the innovation that is essential to create and preserve affordable housing in San Diego, Mr. Gentry specifically described Chelsea Investment Corporation (CIC), as a model partner:

“Chelsea Investment Corporation is one of the top 20 developers of affordable multifamily housing across the nation, according to the Affordable Housing Financing magazine’s website, www.housingfinance.com. More affordable developers like Chelsea Investment Corporation, under the leadership of Jim Schmid, are needed.”

Citing the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program as the financing vehicle for nearly 14,000 units of affordable rental housing in San Diego, Mr. Gentry showcased Independence Point Apartment Homes, a project that CIC developed in partnership with the Southern California Housing Collaborative*.  Completed in March 2016, Independence Point received financing from the Housing Commission and is the first residential complex in Southern California to provide affordable housing specifically for families with at least one member who has a developmental disability.  

CIC is honored to work with the San Diego Housing Commission on a variety of real estate developments that add to or maintain the affordable housing supply in San Diego.

*Southern California Housing Collaborative is a nonprofit organization established to locate and secure affordable housing opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.

Independence Point Wins the 2016 Ruby Award!

Chelsea Investment Corporation was honored to accept the Supportive Housing award on behalf of Independence Point at the San Diego Housing Federation’s 2016 Ruby Awards on June 2nd.  Independence Point was developed by a partnership between Chelsea Investment Corporation and Southern California Housing Collaborative, a nonprofit organization established to locate and secure affordable housing opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.  The community consists of 32 affordable townhomes, 27 of which are for households with a developmentally disabled member. 

Affordable housing for families with a developmentally disabled member. 

This is the project’s second Ruby award; last year, while under construction, Independence Point received the Housing Hero award. The Supportive Housing award recognizes an outstanding supportive housing project, organization, or individual leader. Nominations are invited for housing developments completed in San Diego County that have a focus on supportive services to enable people to end their homelessness, especially special needs populations, including people with disabilities.

This award is a tremendous milestone for the Independence Point team, and it was even more special to have it presented by District 4 City Councilmember Myrtle Cole, who supported the project from the beginning.

This is but one of the awards that Chelsea Investment Corporation is profoundly grateful to have been honored with throughout the years.

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT- Serving Seniors and Westminster Manor

A view of the San Diego Bay from one of the Westminster Manor rooms.

Last year, we temporarily displaced nearly 150 seniors while we renovated and modernized their 1970’s-era apartments at Westminster Manor in downtown San Diego. (We purchased the building with Westminster Manor of San Diego, Inc., and between the two of us launched a $12.5 million facelift.)

The newly renovated building is home to 150 seniors in San Diego.

Many of the folks living at 1730 Third Avenue had occupied that 16-story building for decades; some of them are in their 80s and 90s. Safe to say, most of them were pretty anxious about moving out and being relocated for up to six months.

To assist us in this complex process, we partnered with Serving Seniors, whom we consider the Gold Standard in health and wellness services for seniors 60+ in San Diego. 

We were lucky enough to work with Joe Gavin - Senior Care Navigator at Serving Seniors - who moved his office to Westminster Manor months in advance of the move. Joe is affable and professional, and he quickly became immersed in the lives and needs of our residents. We can’t thank Joe – and Serving Seniors – enough for successfully assisting in the relocation and return of our residents. 

A business center and library is just one of the new additions in the many common areas at Westminster Manor.

We’re happy to say that everyone is back – houseplants, pets and all – and enjoying their newly renovated units including kitchens and bathrooms, energy-efficient appliances, new flooring and windows, paint and window coverings, plus expanded and improved common areas. 

A bright and comfortable entry lounge provides residents and their guests with a place to relax when coming or going. 

Our collaboration with Serving Seniors continues at Westminster Manor, where 152 “new and improved” apartments welcome low-income San Diegans 62+.  Social workers from Serving Seniors are providing ongoing support services for issues involving social security, transportation, medical and health, legal and finance. Serving Seniors provides a collection of resources for individuals whose circumstances require an expanded safety net.

Involvement with Serving Seniors doesn’t stop at the building’s front door. Many of our residents make the short, two-block trip to Serving Seniors’ Gary & Mary West Senior Wellness Center on Fourth Avenue, where free services are available in an open and cheerful environment. It’s almost hard to believe that so much is accessible to anyone in need, including breakfast and lunch, classes and games, a meditation room, physical and mental health care, and soon, a 4-chair dental clinic.

The relationship between Chelsea and Serving Seniors began 13 years ago when we developed their first affordable housing complex, Market Square Manor in San Diego’s East Village (since renamed the Potiker Family Senior Residence). In 2007, we collaborated again to develop City Heights Square in City Heights (later renamed Potiker City Heights Residence). Both buildings are located only walking distance to public transportation, pharmacies, churches, supermarkets, shopping centers and restaurants. These two projects were a rewarding collaboration for our company and we look forward to developing more affordable housing with Serving Seniors.

To get involved with Serving Seniors – or for a tour of the Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center in downtown San Diego  -- please contact Michelle Matter at 619-487-0701 or by email at michelle.matter@servingseniors.org.

ABOUT SERVING SENIORS

Serving Seniors is a nonprofit agency dedicated to helping seniors in poverty live healthy and fulfilling lives. Founded more than 45 years ago, the organization meets its mission by offering a coordinated wellness model that addresses many senior issues under one roof. This safety net of services encourages seniors to live healthier lives by addressing successful aging. As a result, it keeps seniors out of emergency rooms, reduces hospital stays and delays and/or eliminates the need for long-term care.

In addition to this wonderful partnership, Westminster Manor is just one of the properties by Chelsea Investment Corp which offers a range of resident services. 

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.