Potiker City Heights Residence
(FKA City Heights Square)

Project Type: Senior, Infill

Project Cost: $34 million

Project Location: San Diego, CA

Client: Serving Seniors (FKA Senior Communities Centers of San Diego)

No. Units: 150

CIC Role: Developer

Project Description
City Heights Square is a high density urban infill project designed to serve the senior adult population living below the poverty level.  It is a five story structure with a central courtyard built over subterranean parking. 

Project Problem
The challenge presented by the City Heights Square opportunity was to develop a large high density and service rich affordable housing project to further the mission of Chelsea’s non profit client and partner, Senior Community Centers of San Diego. 

Chelsea’s Strategy
Chelsea supervised the design of 150 studio and one-bedroom apartment units and abundant service space in a central courtyard design that provides both a service rich and secure environment for the frail elderly clientele of Senior Community Centers. 

Chelsea’s Solution
To facilitate the development of the project Chelsea obtained a density bonus and commissioned the design which features small units but abundant space for the provision of life enhancing services for the tenants.  The design also encourages residents to make use of the indoor and outdoor community space where the tenants can socialize with one another.   The project is financed primarily with 9% tax credit equity and a substantial soft loan from the Housing Collaborative and the Redevelopment Agency of the City of San Diego. City Heights Square also includes a substantial solar power system which reduces the utility costs of operating the building and enhances the cash flow from the project which is used to enhance and defray the cost of providing services to the residents.