Mixed-Income Workforce Housing Project Breaks Ground in Southern Calif.

By Erika Schnitzer, Associate EditorRancho Cucamonga, Calif.—Workforce Homebuilders LLC and National Community Renaissance have broken ground on their Villaggio at Route 66, a 166-unit mixed-income workforce housing community. Approximately 80 percent of Villaggio’s units will be reserved for residents earning 35 to 60 percent of the area’s median income, which is approximately $67,750. The development is designed to respond to the existing neighborhood, explains Charles Addington, principal for Irvine, Calif.-based KTGY Group, the architect for Villaggio at Route 66.“Rancho Cucamonga has a historical vineyard mentality,” Addington tells MHN. Thus, Villaggio at Route 66 features an Italian Mediterranean theme and Tuscan architecture. “That’s kind of the new vernacular for multifamily within the city,” he adds.Located within close proximity to the popular shopping center Victoria Gardens and City Hall, the 10.5-acre development will comprise 12 one-, two- and three-story buildings and a 5,600-sq.-ft. community building with two tot lots, a pool, fitness center, business center, and an education center.Villaggio at Route 66 offers two- and three-bedroom units, ranging in size from 887 to 1,088 sq. ft., and are designed to be family-oriented. Monthly rents range from $452 to $911 for affordable housing. Market-rate rents range from $1,250 to $1,500. Residences feature Energy Star appliances, patios or balconies and private garages. Additionally, the development exceeds Title 24 energy efficiency standards by over 15 percent.The joint venture of Workforce Homebuilders and National Community Renaissance will provide on-site management, as well as educational, health and social programs for residents, through Hope through Housing, a Rancho Cucamonga-based nonprofit organization that provides social services to affordable housing communities.Grading is currently underway and foundations and slabs are expected to be poured next month. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2009.