El Norte

The construction of El Norte apartments will transform 4 vacant single family homes into a vibrant residential community with 36 apartments, a community center, and a large organic garden open to the whole community.  El Norte is a new construction, transit oriented, infill development that offers close proximity to employment, schools, transit and neighborhood services.  The development will set aside 8 apartments as permanent supportive housing for disabled veterans with case management provided by Interfaith Community Services. Thirty percent of the apartments will consist of three-bedroom family housing.  Residents will have access to CHW’s award-winning classes and programs include after school learning program, Financial Fitness classes, employment training and skills, and case management for special needs population in the 1,527 sqaure foot community building.

In 2010, the City of Escondido utilized $250,000 in Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) funds to purchase a vacant blighted site at the corner of El Norte and Broadway.  CHW saw the opportunity and assembled 4 surrounding parcels and proposed to build a new residential community on this 2.2 acre site.  

Highlights:
• 36 one, two and three bedroom apartments
• 8 apartments set-aside for homeless disabled veterans
• Energy-efficient, sustainable development that exceeds CA Title 24 energy code by 25%
• Incorporates innovative features including on-site solar thermal domestic hot water, high-efficiency lighting and low-water use planting to save resident operating costs
• Certification from Build it Green’s Green Point Rated Program
• Affordable to resident earning 20% to 60% of Area Median Income
• Designed by PUBLIC Architects
• Construction Start: February 2012  Completion: April 2013

Amenities:
• Free high speed internet service and WIFI hotspots for residents
• 1,580 square foot community building
• Multipurpose room with kitchen, computer center, management office, laundry facility,  maintenance room and meeting rooms
• Play areas incorporating natural materials such as tree trunks and rocks
• A 9,000 square foot garden will be large enough to serve both the resident and the community

Financing Sources:
• Low Income Housing Tax Credits
• City of Escondido Redevelopment Agency
• HUD McKinney-Vento Supportive Housing Program
• HUD Neighborhood Stabilization Program
• Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, Affordable Housing Program

Location:  
Corner of North Broadway & E. El Norte Parkway
Escondido, California