CARLSBAD — A long-awaited affordable housing apartment complex officially opened last month.
Pacific Wind Apartments is an 89-unit affordable housing community that now has more than 300 residents who make between 30% and 60% of the average median income.
The complex is already fully leased, according to Southern California-based affordable housing developers, Innovative Housing Opportunities and C&C Development.
Planning for the project began over 12 years ago when the development team used $7.4 million in housing funds from the city of Carlsbad to acquire 23 1950s-era duplexes on Carol Place and Harding Street to form a larger single parcel.
The development’s progress was delayed throughout the years by CEQA challenges, COVID-19 delays, labor and material cost increases, changing housing policies, and city leaders.
The city originally required the developer to build 140 units, but it allowed a reduction after the property owner was unable to secure several key parcels.
A legal settlement in 2018 also required the project to reduce its units by six. Pacific Wind consists of 87 new units and two rehabilitated duplex units today.
Located in Carlsbad’s Barrio neighborhood, Pacific Wind has 23 one-bedroom apartments, 18 two-bedroom apartments and 48 three-bedroom apartments in one, two-story and three-story buildings for rent. Amenities include three tot lot areas, a barbecue pavilion, a community room, a teaching kitchen, “learning spaces” for adults and children, an on-site laundry facility, an on-site leasing office and an outdoor passive open spa.
According to its website, Pacific Wind is within walking distance of Pine Avenue Park, a bus stop, the Carlsbad City Library Learning Center, Vons grocery store and Jefferson Public Elementary School. The complex also has easy driving access to Interstate 5.
In a news release, IHOP President and CEO Rochelle Mills said the 12 years spent on Pacific Wind are a testament to the developers’ and Carlsbad’s commitment to “deliver much needed high-quality, affordable housing amid ever-changing public sentiment, as well as shifting political priorities and funding sources.”
Pacific Wind’s completion cost is approximately $56 million, and it received funding from Bank of America, California Municipal Finance Authority, City of Carlsbad, National Equity Fund and federal tax credits.
“We are grateful to have so many champions that supported the project and helped get it across the finish line,” Mills said.
Pacific Wind is about one block away from Windsor Pointe, a 50-unit affordable housing project that has been controversial since it opened two years ago. Local residents have reported an uptick in crime related to Windsor Pointe, which has led city leaders to ask for tighter security on site.
Many opponents of Windsor Pointe cite its use of San Diego County’s No Place Like Home program, which requires the apartments to house severely mentally ill tenants who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Pacific Wind did not receive No Place Like Home funding.
“Pacific Wind underscores C&C and IHO’s mission to design and build affordable housing that provides a first-rate and amenity-rich neighborhood environment for Carlsbad residents,” said Todd Cottle, principal with C&C Development. “We are proud of the city of Carlsbad’s commitment to developing affordable housing and our role in assisting them in achieving their goal.”
Editor’s Note: A previous report incorrectly stated the apartments serve households that make 30% to 80% of the area median income.
