Zephyr Veterans Supportive Housing

san diego, CALIFORNIA

affirmed housing group

85 Units

- - NAHB 2020 BEST ADAPTIVE REUSE PROJECT WINNER - -

 
 

The Zephyr Apartments, located in San Diego’s Grantville neighborhood, is a notable example of adaptive reuse in affordable housing development. Originally a Motel 6, the property was transformed into a modern apartment community dedicated to serving 84 extremely low-income and homeless veterans. This initiative aligns with regional efforts such as the San Diego Housing Commission’s (SDHC) Housing First – San Diego Homelessness Action Plan and the Mayor’s Housing Our Heroes initiative, which aims to house 1,000 homeless veterans.

The renovation involved reconfiguring the existing motel structure to create functional living spaces tailored to the needs of veterans, adding additional studio apartments in the rear tuck-under parking spaces, and circulation towers with balconies for gathering. The former onsite Denny’s restaurant was similarly transformed into a vibrant community center with supportive services offices.

The project was funded with 9% low-income housing tax credits and Prop 41 funding. This high-profile project was recognized by the Mayor of San Diego as a landmark project. This project exemplifies a successful collaboration between public and private entities to address homelessness among veterans in San Diego, providing them with safe, affordable housing and essential support services.

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