Over 1,100 people want to move into this 94-unit National City complex

National City’s latest affordable housing project will prioritize leasing to city residents who are considered low income and veterans who have experienced homelessness. 

More than 1,100 people have expressed interest in living at Union Tower, a 94-unit apartment complex planned for 2312 F Ave. The project, now nearly complete, has been under construction since 2024. The project will cost an estimated $85 million, with funding from county, state and federal sources. The city also loaned $9.5 million toward the project.

Eligible households must make 30% to 60% of the area median income. The options include one, two and three bedrooms.

Seventy units will initially be reserved for people who are living within National City boundaries. The remaining units will be reserved for local veterans who were previously unhoused.

Angelita Palma, community development manager at the city Housing Authority, said the complex will be pet-friendly and have all electronic appliances. The units will also have air conditioning and heating. 

Laundry facilities, a picnic area, computer lab, common area with Wi-Fi, a play area and more will be on site. Veterans will also have access to wraparound supportive services. 

Wakeland Housing and Development Corp., a nonprofit that builds affordable housing, is the project developer. 

Applications are open until March 13 and can be submitted online or by calling 619-703-0856.

City officials discussed the project at recent public meetings.

“I would highly encourage everyone to apply if you think you’re even close to being eligible,” Palma said. “Submit that application and let the property management company determine if you are eligible or not.”

Palma also said that in the past, staff have encountered applicants not completing applications or submitting required documentation. “It’s been a big deterrent,” she said. 

Palma said that for this project, housing authority staff will help applicants with their documentation. She requested that the committee also provide additional assistance through outreach and volunteering efforts. 

Wakeland President and CEO Rebecca Louie said residents will be chosen through a lottery process, with a computer system randomizing names for selection. Staff will generate waitlists, including one comprising non-National City residents that will go through a second lottery process.

Selected applicants will be notified by mid-March and will then have to submit an application in order to qualify for a unit.

National City councilmembers praised the project. 

“The number one issue in the city, every time I engage folks, it’s the high price of rent. It’s just the difficulty to make ends meet and rent is the biggest expense for families,” Councilmember Jose Rodriguez said.

Move-in day is slated for mid-June, but is dependent on construction.