Mayor Todd Gloria and City leaders celebrated the grand opening of Harrington Heights, a new affordable housing development in Downtown that will provide 273 homes for veterans, those experiencing homelessness, those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and low-income individuals and families.

On Wednesday, Oct. 8, Mayor Gloria joined Chelsea Investment Corporation, Alpha Project for the Homeless and other partner organizations at the project site, located at 1320 Broadway in the East Village area of Downtown. The ribbon-cutting ceremony highlighted the positive impact of public agencies, private developers and community partners coming together in their shared vision to create homes for all.

“We’re proving that San Diego can build the homes our residents need — and we’re doing it the right way: through partnership and with the urgency this moment demands,” Mayor Todd Gloria said. “Every ribbon we cut, every key we hand over, brings us closer to our collective goal: a roof over the head of every San Diegan at a price they can afford. As we welcome the future residents of Harrington Heights, let’s remember what this represents: a City that refuses to give up on its people, a City that believes progress is possible, and a City that understands that housing is not just about walls and roofs – it’s about dignity, stability and belonging.”

The $150 million, 15-story project includes 65 units set aside for households experiencing chronic homelessness, 10 units for veterans experiencing homelessness and 40 units for residents with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, with the remaining units restricted to low-income individuals and families. The units set aside for households experiencing homelessness will have rental assistance, meaning the minimum income is reduced to zero cost for these units.

It is one of the first projects to open its doors more quickly due to the City’s Affordable Housing Permit Now program, which requires 100% affordable housing projects to be reviewed within 30 days. Established through a 2023 executive order from Mayor Gloria, this program accelerates housing projects, enabling those experiencing homelessness and low-income families to access homes they can afford much sooner. 

The City provided a ground lease for the 19,000-square-foot site and also contributed $10 million toward the project. Funding also came from the San Diego Housing Commission, which included 115 housing vouchers, the San Diego Regional Center and from various State of California programs, including California’s Multi-Family Housing Program and California’s Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities.

Alpha Project for the Homeless will coordinate free services, including instructor-led education and skill-building classes that incorporate computer literacy, job counseling, financial literacy and health and wellness for all residents. There will also be a food supply pantry and social activities to encourage resident involvement, reduce isolation and foster a sense of community.

Harrington Heights is one of three affordable housing developments that will open over the next six days. These projects will total more than 500 new homes for vulnerable San Diegans.