Spanish-style Affordable Housing Units to Open in 2009

By Anuradha Kher, Online News EditorSan Diego–AMCAL Multi-Housing Inc., builder of workforce and low-income housing, recently broke ground on the 89-unit Los Vientos, its first affordable housing development in San Diego, located at 1629 and 1688 National Ave. between South 16th and Sigsbee streets. The project is scheduled to open in fall 2009.Designed by Austin Veum Robbins Partners, Los Vientos will consist of two Spanish-style residential buildings showcasing 50 two-bedroom apartments, 35 three-bedroom apartments and four four-bedroom apartments. Based on today’s AMI, the rent would range between $480-$1,200, depending on the unit.Los Vientos is a 100 percent affordable development featuring 26 units dedicated to 60 percent Area Median Income (AMI), 44 units reserved for 50 percent AMI, nine units each for 40 and 30 percent AMI, and one unit for on-site staff.The community will feature amenities including a children’s play area, community clubhouse and computer lab. Los Vientos will also offer residents complimentary social services, including English as a Second Language classes and tutoring.Located in the Barrio Logan neighborhood of San Diego, Los Vientos is less than a quarter-mile from an elementary school, grocery stores, and Metro Bus and San Diego Trolley stations.“It is very fulfilling for me to see a project like Los Vientos being built in this neighborhood,” says Ben Hueso, San Diego councilmember for District 8, which represents Barrio Logan. “This project will bring much-needed workforce housing and beauty to the area.”AMCAL plans to build Los Vientos using several green building products, including Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) HVAC equipment, low volatile organic compounds (VOC) paint, as well as Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label carpet, pad and adhesives, all of which can help reduce VOCs and emissions while also contributing to the growing use of recycled content for building materials. Kitchens and bathrooms will feature ceramic tile, eliminating the use of linoleum and VOC-containing adhesives.Financed with more than $18.6 million in nine percent Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, Los Vientos will be built through more than $43.7 million in investments by U.S. Bank, Hudson Housing Capital, California Community Reinvestment Corporation and the city of San Diego Redevelopment Agency.