COACHELLA – The grand opening of Pueblo Viejo Villas, a $47.9 million, 105-unit affordable housing community in Coachella is set for 10 a.m. today, Monday, May 9.
Pueblo Viejo Villas is in the downtown area of the City of Coachella near the city hall and public library. The area is the focus of redevelopment activity for the city through a planning effort that resulted in the Pueblo Viejo Master Plan. The detailed plan includes a strong vision for future redevelopment of the civic, commercial, residential, and mixed-use components of this historic part of the city. The project includes one, two, and three-bedroom units targeted toward families. Of the 105 units, at least ten units were set aside for individuals and families with at least one member who has a developmental disability.
Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez, and Coachella City Councilmembers are all expected to attend the Grand Opening of Pueblo Viejo Villas located at 1279 6th Street in the City of Coachella. Pueblo Viejo Villas is a 105-unit, large-family development located on a 2.6-acre parcel of land expected to be fully occupied by June 1, 2022.
The project was awarded funding from the California Strategic Growth Council’s Affordability Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) program, the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s Infill Infrastructure Grant (IIG) program, the Housing Authority of the County of Riverside’s project-based vouchers and HOME programs, and the California Department of Developmental Services’ Community Placement Plan (CPP) program through the Inland Regional Center. Portions of the AHSC award included grants to the City of Coachella, Sunline Transit Agency, and Chelsea Investment Corporation.
Sonia Rahm, Director of Citi Community Capital, one of the project lenders, said, “Chelsea Investment Corporation is an industry leader providing much-needed affordable housing for persons with developmental disabilities. We at Citi are proud and honored to be the construction and permanent lender on this impactful project.”
Chelsea’s non-profit partner is Pacific Southwest Community Development Corporation (PSCDC) and will offer residents adult educational and skill building classes to include computer literacy, ESL and art classes, job counseling, financial literacy health and wellness workshops, and a food distribution program. The classes and workshops will provide a minimum of 84 hours of instruction each year on-site at no charge to the residents.
Emmerson Construction was in charge of construction. The architect was The McKinley Associates.
Vince Toms, Director, Community Services at Inland Regional Center, one of the project lenders, said: “We at Inland Regional Center are so thankful for the opportunity to collaborate on this project with the City of Coachella and the development team. We appreciate the ability to offer people with intellectual and developmental disabilities a residential option that is within the thriving community of Coachella and look forward to replicating it with the Tripoli project.”
“The wait for Coachella’s first cap and trade project is finally over. Pueblo Viejo Villas will provide needed affordable housing, transit options while greatly enhancing our downtown, which is a great place to be. Assemblyman Garcia, the Strategic Growth Council, the County, Sunline, Chelsea Investment Corporation and our City staff all deserve a round of applause because their collective efforts resulted in this incredible development,” stated Mayor Steven Hernandez.
Representing California’s 56th Assembly District which includes cities and unincorporated communities in eastern Riverside County and Imperial County, Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia said, “I cannot be more thankful, and proud, to see the City of Coachella and its development partners come together to create communities that meet so many needs like affordable housing and access to convenient public transportation. That is real progress.”
As cities across the Coachella Valley make affordable housing a priority, the City of Coachella has again partnered with Chelsea Investment Corporation which will receive Infill Infrastructure Grant Funding in the amount of $4,045,000 for another new development in the Pueblo Viejo Master Plan. The new apartment community, Tripoli, will be a 108-unit, large family development located on 2.8 acres of vacant land located at 51392 Cesar Chavez Street in the City of Coachella.
Will Cooper, Jr., President & CEO of WNC Inc., the equity investor for the development, said, “For over 50 years, WNC has made it a priority to contribute to housing affordability. We are excited to be a part of the expansion in the Coachella Valley region and look forward to contributing to solutions to the housing crisis in the United States.”
County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez representing District 4 said, “Affordable housing throughout the Coachella Valley region is an important asset for our families and communities. Everyone deserves somewhere to call a home they are proud of.”
Tripoli will be the second housing development that the City of Coachella and Chelsea Investment Corporation have planned in this prominent location that will serve as a gateway to downtown. The overall Tripoli community will include 108 residential units that will add density and vibrancy to this central city location. Tripoli will include 27 one-bedroom units, 52 two-bedroom units and 29 three-bedroom units providing for the housing needs of residents with low and very low income – less than 60% of area median income.
“Our partnership with the City of Coachella and Pacific Southwest Community Development Corporation (PSCDC) represents the cornerstone of who we are as a company,” said Jim Schmid, founder and CEO of Chelsea Investment Corporation. “We are experiencing more often that municipalities are not just building to build capacity – they are building to fill a long-important need of affordable housing centered around transportation hubs. The City of Coachella has been a significant change in the valley, and we are proud to be the city’s partner.”
Image Sources
- Pueblo Viejo Villas: City of Coachella