News Summary
Costa Mesa has commenced construction on the Avon River Apartments, transforming a Travelodge into 76 permanent supportive housing units. This initiative is part of California’s Project Homekey, aimed at providing affordable housing for at-risk residents. The project will feature social support services and various amenities, with completion expected by spring. City leaders emphasize its importance in tackling housing insecurity and providing stability for residents in need.
Costa Mesa Celebrates Groundbreaking of Avon River Apartments
A ceremonial groundbreaking for the Avon River Apartments took place on Thursday at 1400 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. This important development initiative will transform 120 motel rooms from an underutilized Travelodge into 76 permanent supportive housing units, which will include a mix of studios and one-bedroom apartments. Construction on the project is already underway, with completion anticipated by spring.
During the groundbreaking event, one of the housing units was showcased, illustrating the apartment’s features, which include a bedroom, living room, full bathroom, and a kitchen. Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens emphasized that this complex is designed as permanent supportive housing rather than a temporary shelter, aiming to provide stable living conditions along with necessary services for residents who are currently unhoused or living in shelters.
Project Details and Funding
The Avon River Apartments project covers a 3.5-acre site and is a part of California’s Project Homekey, a program that converts vacant motor inns into temporary and now more permanent housing solutions for at-risk residents following the pandemic. Previous projects under this initiative in Costa Mesa have included the conversion of a Motel 6 into 88 units of affordable housing specifically aimed at at-risk individuals, seniors, and veterans.
Funding for the Bristol Street project is estimated to total over $45.4 million, with strategic investments including an allocation of $4 million by city leaders in 2023. Newport Beach has also contributed $3 million for 12 units in return for partnership benefits in the project. Significant financial support has been secured through Project Homekey, amounting to approximately $29 million, with further contributions of $6.8 million in housing funds and vouchers from county officials, including Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley. Additionally, CalOptima Health has pledged nearly $500,000 to aid in completing the project.
Support Services and Amenities
The county’s voucher program is projected to support 48 of the units, while Costa Mesa intends to refer occupants for an additional 16 units. The construction is being led by American Family Housing (AFH), a nonprofit developer based in Midway City. AFH will also facilitate on-site service provisions and assistance programs for residents, ensuring they have access to essential support.
Upon moving in, tenants will sign a one-year lease, with access to various social engagement programs, medical care facilities, and workforce training initiatives. An on-site Mediterranean restaurant, Pom & Olive, aims to provide potential job opportunities for interested residents. Plans are in place for an on-site garden and additional amenities dedicated to enhancing residents’ quality of life.
Long-Term Impact
The Avon River Apartments will offer a meaningful pathway for tenants, with the potential for some to reside long-term while others may transition to more independent living arrangements. Perspectives from community leaders reveal optimism about this initiative’s role in aiding residents as they strive to rebuild their lives through access to affordable, stable housing and supportive services.
This groundbreaking event marks a significant step forward in addressing housing insecurity in Costa Mesa and exemplifies the city’s commitment to providing comprehensive support for at-risk community members.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Costa Mesa Travelodge Housing Redevelopment
- Wikipedia: Housing First
- Orange County Register: Costa Mesa Affordable Housing Project
- Google Search: Costa Mesa affordable housing
- KFI AM 640: Costa Mesa Senior Housing Project
- Google Scholar: affordable housing California
- Los Angeles Times: Motel Conversion to Low-Income Units
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
- Orange County Register: Fairview Developmental Center Redevelopment
- Google News: Costa Mesa housing initiatives
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
