The transformation of the former site of the Sheriff’s crime lab into an intergenerational community with hundreds of affordable rental homes for seniors and families was celebrated today with the grand opening of Terrasini Senior Apartments, the last of four developments built at the location.

“We know and we see too many people, but particularly senior citizens, who are currently sleeping in sleeping bags on sidewalks, tents along freeway off-ramps, and we can do better than that in San Diego. And today's an example of the fact that when we work together, we can in fact get that done,” Mayor Todd Gloria said.

Developed by Chelsea Investment Corporation on Mt. Etna Drive in the Clairemont area of San Diego, the Terrasini development was financed in part with $825,000 from the City of San Diego’s Bridge to Home program. The City’s Affordable Housing Permit Now program also expedited permits for the development.

“I'm proud to welcome the future residents of this building and all these buildings to Clairemont and to District 2,” said City Councilmember Dr. Jennifer Campbell, whose council district includes the Mt. Etna Drive site. “We’ve made incredible progress toward providing affordable, high-quality housing for all our city's residents.”

Terrasini and the additional developments were built on land owned by the County of San Diego. The County of San Diego ground leased the land to Chelsea for 99 years and awarded $7.25 million from the County’s Innovative Housing Trust Fund to support the developments.

“Today, we’re celebrating 95 homes, but we’re also celebrating the idea that the people who spend their lives contributing to our region deserve the chance to remain here safely and affordably,” County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe said. “The seniors who will live here are former teachers, caregivers and veterans. They’re the people who’ve helped shape San Diego into the community that we know today, and now it’s our turn to make sure this community shows up for them.”

SDHC awarded eight federal housing vouchers to Terrasini to help pay rent for eight senior households earning up to 30 percent of San Diego’s Area Median Income (AMI), currently $39,700 a year for a two-person household. These vouchers are linked to the property, so when a household moves on, the voucher remains to help another eligible household.

“Developments like Terrasini offer peace of mind and greater stability for seniors who will call the 94 affordable units here home,” SDHC Chief Operating Officer Azucena Valladolid said. “That is because of the assurance that rents here will remain affordable for 55 years—benefitting the seniors who live here today and those who will move here in the years to come.”

The housing vouchers SDHC awarded to Terrasini are among 24 vouchers and $6.95 million in loans SDHC awarded to support four affordable housing developments at the site. Two developments created affordable homes for seniors with low income, and two are for families with low income. Funding sources for SDHC’s loans included federal and local funds SDHC administers:

• Federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awards to the City of San Diego
• The City of San Diego’s Affordable Housing Fund

The studio and one-bedroom apartments at Terrasini will remain affordable for eligible seniors aged 62 and older, earning no more than 60 percent of the San Diego AMI, currently $79,380 for a two-person household. Terrasini also includes one manager’s unit.

“This is a true private-public partnership,” said Ryan Lundergan, Chelsea's Senior Development Manager. “Many of the folks that are going to be living in the building behind me, which is 95 units of affordable housing, have worked their entire lives. ... These folks have found themselves to be challenged by housing, and we are going to give them a safe, affordable place to live.”

Serving Seniors will provide free on-site services for residents at all four developments at the Judith L. Seltz Senior Wellness Center, in collaboration with Southern California Housing Collaborative and the San Diego Regional Center. This includes meals, as well as one-on-one case management, behavioral health services, health education, fitness and wellness classes, and planned social activities.

“For the seniors we serve, housing is the number one issue. Older adults are the fastest growing population falling into homelessness, and these aren't just numbers. These are people, grandparents, neighbors, community members, all who deserve a home. And that's why developments like Terrasini matter so deeply,” said Serving Seniors President & CEO Melinda Forstey. “This community ensures 95 older adults will have a place to call home, along with access to services, meals, and a connected community that supports them in living healthy, independent lives.”

Citi Community Capital and The Richman Group were also essential partners for the financing for Terrasini, built within walking distance of public transit, restaurants, retail shopping opportunities, medical facilities, schools, parks, pharmacies and grocery stores.

Additional developments built on the Mt. Etna property are:

• Modica Family Apartments (Grand Opening: October 14, 2025): 93 affordable rental homes for families with low income and one unrestricted manager’s unit. SDHC awarded a $3 million loan.
• Taormina Family Apartments (Grand Opening: October 14, 2025): 135 affordable rental homes for families with low income and one unrestricted manager’s unit. SDHC awarded eight rental housing vouchers.
• Paul Downey Senior Residence (Grand Opening January 30, 2025): 78 rental apartments for seniors aged 62 and older with low income. SDHC awarded a $3.95 million loan and eight rental housing vouchers.