Paradise Creek I and II

Removing contamination and revitalizing a community

@ 2120 Hoover Avenue, National City (San Diego County)

Competed: Phase I: 2016, Phase II: 2018

Old Town National City is one of San Diego County’s oldest neighborhoods, but over the years small industrial infill sites changed the neighborhood’s residential character. In 2005, community leaders brought their concerns of health and safety to National City elected officials, when they jointly embarked on developing a new plan for the neighborhood and the pivotal Paradise Creek site. Neighborhood leaders stayed involved over many years as National City adopted a new neighborhood plan, completed site assembly, moved the City’s Public Works Yard, and selected CHW and Related California as co-developers. This transit-oriented community development project remediated old underground contamination, and built 201 affordable rental homes and a new 3.9 acre public park adjacent to a Paradise Creek.

Highlights:

  • Transit-oriented development a short walk away to the San Diego Trolley, high frequency transit lines, and major employment centers 
  • Sustainability features include high energy efficiency and healthy indoor air quality
  • Public park helps to transform the urban Paradise Creek into a community amenity
  • Registered as LEED-Neighborhood Development and LEED for Homes
  • Winner of the 2012 USGBC Affordable Green Neighborhoods Grant
  • Resident success supported by CHW’s on-site Achieve resident services

Awards:

  • California Sustainable Strategies Pilot Program, Silver Catalyst Award
  • Sustainable Communities Partnership Pilot (selected by the Environmental Protection Agency, with HUD and the Department of Transportation) (national)