News Summary
Costa Mesa has launched the redevelopment of the former Travelodge into the Avon River Apartments, aimed at supporting the unhoused. The new complex will feature 76 affordable units and provide essential services to help residents transition to stable living. This initiative is part of California’s Project Homekey, with significant funding from local governments and organizations. Construction is set to finish by spring, promising a new chapter for residents addressing homelessness.
Costa Mesa has officially commenced the redevelopment of the former Travelodge located on Bristol Street near John Wayne Airport into the Avon River Apartments, a new complex aimed at providing permanent supportive housing for unhoused individuals or those residing in shelters. A ceremonial groundbreaking event was held to mark the start of construction, reflecting a significant step forward in addressing the housing crisis in the region.
The Avon River Apartments will feature a total of 76 units, consisting of studio and one-bedroom apartments. Rent prices will be adjusted based on the individual needs of the residents, ensuring affordability for those transitioning to stable living situations. The new development not only aims to offer long-term housing but also allows for the possibility of tenants moving on to other homes or reuniting with family members as they stabilize their living situations.
This project is part of California’s Project Homekey initiative, which focuses on creating permanent housing solutions to help individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The City of Costa Mesa allocated $4 million in funding for this important project, with an additional $3 million contributed by Newport Beach for the establishment of 12 supportive housing units within the complex. Overall, the funding for Avon River Apartments comprises nearly $29 million from Project Homekey, $6.8 million from county housing funds, and approximately $500,000 from CalOptima Health, reflecting a robust investment in community welfare.
American Family Housing, a nonprofit organization based in Midway City, is overseeing the construction of the Avon River Apartments. Once completed, residents will secure a one-year lease and benefit from a variety of on-site services designed to assist in their transition to stable living. These services include access to medical care, job training, and other essential resources aimed at fostering self-sufficiency.
In a community-focused effort, Pom & Olive, a restaurant located in proximity to the complex, has partnered with the project to offer training opportunities for residents interested in pursuing careers in the food industry. This collaboration is part of a broader strategy to help residents acquire necessary skills and improve their employment prospects, further supporting their transition to independence.
The importance of stable housing combined with supportive services was highlighted by community leaders during the groundbreaking ceremony. They underscored the impact that such projects have on enabling individuals to rebuild their lives and gain access to the resources they need to thrive.
The Avon River Apartments follow Costa Mesa’s previous success in converting a former Motel 6 into 88 units dedicated to affordable housing for seniors, veterans, and at-risk individuals. This ongoing commitment to enhancing the availability of affordable housing units signifies the city’s dedication to addressing the pressing issue of homelessness within the community.
Construction for the Avon River Apartments is projected to be completed by spring, signaling a new chapter for future residents in their journey toward stable and secure housing. The collaborative effort between various entities, including local governments and nonprofit organizations, exemplifies a proactive approach to tackling homelessness and providing comprehensive support systems.
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HERE Resources
Costa Mesa Celebrates Groundbreaking of Avon River Apartments
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Costa Mesa Travelodge Redevelopment
- Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
- OC Register: Fairview Developmental Center Redevelopment
- Google Search: Costa Mesa housing initiatives
- Los Angeles Times: Victoria Place Approval
- Google Scholar: Costa Mesa housing
- OC Register: Costa Mesa Apartments Sale
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing Crisis California
- Los Angeles Times: Trinity Broadcasting Housing Plan
- Google News: Costa Mesa housing
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.
