Construction began Tuesday on a 97-unit development on the corner of University Avenue and Herbert Street. Known as Hillcrest Hall, it will remain affordable for 55 years for qualifying low-income San Diegans, which right now includes households earning between $47,250 and $110,200 for a family of three.
The development is due in large part to public funding — the San Diego Housing Commission awarded the project a $5 million loan and the city kicked in nearly $3.2 million from the Bridge to Home program. CRP Affordable Housing and Community Development is leading the $72 million project.
Hillcrest Hall is scheduled to open summer 2028.
“When the cost of living in our city and specifically in Hillcrest is so high, it’s difficult to claim that moniker of being such a welcoming and open community when people who want to be here cannot afford to live here,” San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said. “This groundbreaking matters because it helps change the script. It helps to send a signal that when you feel safe and accepted in Hillcrest, it will make space for you in Hillcrest to feel seen, safe, accepted.”