First Phase of Paradise Creek Opens in National City

Public-private partnership brings one of the largest increases in economic and residential development to National City and serves as a catalyst for neighborhood transformation 

National City, Calif. - (April 18, 2017): Elected officials, community groups and businesses joined together today to commemorate the opening of the first phase of Paradise Creek, a two-phased affordable, LEED Gold-certified, transit-oriented community featuring 201 affordable apartments located on six acres on the westside of National City.  The more-than decade long endeavor is one of the largest and most significant developments in National City and a major catalyst for neighborhood transformation and revitalization.

​“This is a major investment in National City, and we expect that it will be a place where people can grow and thrive as they continue to build pathways to self-sufficiency,” said Ron Morrison, Mayor of National City.

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Developed as a public-private partnership between the City of National City and co-developers Related California and Community HousingWorks, the first phase of Paradise Creek is comprised of 109 affordable apartments.  The ceremony also served as a groundbreaking for phase two of Paradise Creek, which will include 92 additional affordable apartments and a four-acre public park.

“Paradise Creek is about so much more than the addition of badly needed affordable apartments,” said Sue Reynolds, CEO of Community HousingWorks.  “The collaborative work of the community leaders, city, and the development team resulted in a transit and pedestrian-oriented community that will be a catalyst to revitalize the Old Town neighborhood of National City.  With new sustainable homes and resident services provided by CHW, residents are empowered to build their families’ financial stability.”

​Sue Reynolds, CEO, Community HousingWorks​

Both phases of Paradise Creek are located on City-owned property, formerly utilized as a public yard for the maintenance of City-owned vehicles.  Before development, the site required significant environmental remediation with supervision by and clearance from the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. 

Calls to redevelop the site began in 2005 through the leadership of the Environmental Health Coalition (EHC) and the San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP).  The grass-roots groups and the city embarked on the Westside Specific Plan that included a vision for a pedestrian-oriented community with creek preservation; new affordable housing; a new public park; and, sidewalk infrastructure to facilitate pedestrian access.  The San Diego Trolley/MTS station is a block from the site and the neighborhood is one of SANDAG’s Smart Growth areas, so the overall vision was for Paradise Creek to be a catalyst for a new transit-oriented community and incubator for homeownership.

“Paradise Creek is a very complex development that required a lot of heavy lifting to get the site ready for development.  But, it was well worth it and we are proud of this inclusive community that not only provides affordable housing for deserving families, but will spur economic revitalization in National City,” said Bill Witte, Chairman and CEO of Related California.

Designed by Pyatok Architects, Paradise Creek’s design promotes neighborhood connection through sustainable design and construction.  Spurlock Landscape Architects designed the sustainable landscape architecture within the community.  The property is managed by Related Management Company and Community HousingWorks is providing Social Services to residents.

“This project does so much good- it not only addresses the need for affordable housing, it also improves the community’s well-being by replacing industrial brownfields with beautiful apartments that complement the natural Creek and residential neighborhoods surrounding it,” said Carlos Aguirre, Housing & Economic Development Manager, City of National City.

Paradise Creek’s first phase features two residential buildings and a 6,040 square-foot community building complete with leasing and management offices, social services programs, a fitness area, a learning/computer center, conference rooms, and a multipurpose room.  The community amenities include pedestrian walks, picnic area, structured and natural play areas, and a large open green space.

Paradise Creek is in close proximity to local transit, parks and recreational centers, shopping, schools, library and medical clinic.

Media contact: Tony Manolatos
[email protected]

About
Community HousingWorks (CHW) is a nationally-recognized non-profit organization that helps people living on low wages and fixed incomes move up in the world, in San Diego and across California, by building and owning stable affordable apartment homes and providing onsite services and opportunities for residents to achieve their dreams. CHW has nearly 30 years of success developing new and renovating existing multi-family, affordable rental apartments in urban, suburban and rural communities. With nearly 3,000 rental apartments in 36 communities statewide, CHW proudly serves more than 8,000 children and adults each year. CHW and our strategic partners deliver onsite programs to give residents the knowledge, tools, and hope to achieve their goals and dreams. As a result, many adult residents are able to get out of debt, improve their credit, and start a practice of saving for the future; and youth have a safe place to learn and grow, improve reading ability, and succeed at school. CHW is an Exemplary-ranked member of the national NeighborWorks Network®, an award-winning affiliate of the National Council of La Raza, and member of the prestigious Housing Partnership Network. Learn more at www.chworks.org