Affordable housing agencies give boost to apartment project

San Diego Business Journal, March 24, 2008 by Michelle Mowad

Work Begins On Barrio Logan Apartment Complex: Agoura Hills-based AMCAL Multi-Housing Inc. broke ground on its first affordable housing development in San Diego earlier this month. The work force and low-income housing builder anticipates the 89-unit apartment complex in Barrio Logan will open in fall 2009.

Los Vientos, a Spanish-style apartment complex designed by San Diego-based Austin Veum Robbins Partners, consists of 50 two-bedroom, 35 three-bedroom and four four-bedroom apartments. It is located on National Avenue between 16th and Sigsbee streets. The apartment complex, which is near bus and trolley lines, includes a children's play area, community clubhouse and computer lab. In addition, a variety of social services, including English as a second language classes, will be available at the complex.

The project is financed with more than $18.6 million in low- income tax credits and with more than $43.7 million in investments from the San Diego Redevelopment Agency, California Community Reinvestment Corp., Hudson Housing Capital financial services of New York City and Minneapolis-based U.S. Bank.

Los Vientos wilt be built with energy-efficient features and products, including environmentally-friendly paints and adhesives.