The transformation of the Mesa Motel into affordable housing will benefit the local community.
Costa Mesa is set to convert the Mesa Motel into 46 units of affordable housing, primarily aimed at low-income residents including veterans. The planned remodel will provide safe, single-occupancy living spaces with kitchenettes. This initiative is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to address the affordable housing crisis. The proposal will be discussed at the Planning Commission meeting on Monday, with hopes of welcoming new tenants as early as October. Local residents, seniors, and veterans will be prioritized for residency.
In the vibrant city of Costa Mesa, an exciting development is on the table that could change the lives of many low-income residents. This coming Monday, the Planning Commission will dive into a proposal that aims to convert the now-closed Mesa Motel into a welcoming community of affordable housing. Located at 2205 Harbor Blvd., between Wilson and Victoria streets, this vacant property has been unused since 2022, but it looks like that will soon change for the better.
The ambitious project, spearheaded by Ahura Investments, LLC, which calls Laguna Niguel home and is headed by physician Nikan Khatibi, seeks to breathe new life into the old motel. The remodel plans to transform existing motel rooms into 46 units of affordable housing, primarily designed for single occupancy. Each unit will be equipped with sleeping and living spaces, alongside handy kitchenettes. This setup should make the transition easier for future tenants looking for a stable place to live.
Additionally, the plan includes a designated unit for a manager, ensuring that the property will be well-maintained and overseen. If all goes smoothly, the first wave of new tenants, who will mainly include formerly homeless veterans and individuals at risk of homelessness, could be moving in as early as October.
The push for this affordable housing initiative isn’t something new for Costa Mesa’s leaders. Conversations around utilizing the site for this purpose have been ongoing since 2021, in alignment with the city’s Project Homekey initiative. This is an important step forward in addressing the affordable housing crisis, a challenge many cities are facing.
Costa Mesa has seen success with similar projects, including the Motel 6 on Newport Boulevard, which received approval for 87 units of permanent supportive housing costing approximately $49 million. There’s also the Travelodge by Wyndham at 1400 Bristol St., which was repurposed into 76 studio and one-bedroom apartments, costing around $48 million. Clearly, the city is committed to finding viable housing solutions.
The new residents of the Mesa Motel complex will cater to those who are considered very-low income, which means they will earn about 50% of the Orange County area median income—roughly $50,250 for an individual. The upcoming housing layout will consist of 42 single-occupancy units and four units for two occupants. This configuration ensures that those in the greatest need can find a safe and secure place to call home.
To qualify for residency, individuals will need to enter through annual leases that give priority to locals—those living and/or working in Costa Mesa—as well as seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. This targeted approach aims to strengthen the community and provide support where it’s most needed.
The old motel features two two-story buildings spreading over 28,286 square feet, and plans have made use of a state housing density bonus. This means it’s also exempt from usual parking standards, needing only 27 parking spaces and one bicycle rack instead of the typical 42. The Planning Commission will discuss granting a conditional use permit which will allow the property to operate similarly to a motel or hotel.
If you’re interested in this significant development and its potential impact on the community, mark your calendar! The Planning Commission meeting is set for 6 p.m. at Costa Mesa City Hall, located at 77 Fair Drive. For more information and the latest updates, feel free to check out the city’s official website. Costa Mesa is truly taking steps forward in providing affordable housing options, and this proposal is just the beginning!
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