The 161-unit/280-bedroom community will deliver much-needed affordable homes and improved transit access for low-income households in San Diego
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San Diego – The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Board of Directors approved a disposition and development agreement with the San Diego Housing Fund to bring a new 100% affordable housing community to East Village — helping meet the growing demand for affordable homes in San Diego.
“This project reflects MTS’s commitment to being more than just a transit agency; we’re a community partner,” said Stephen Whitburn, MTS Board Chair and San Diego City Councilmember, who represents East Village. “By connecting future residents with affordable housing directly at our region’s busiest transit hub, we’re helping residents access opportunity while building a more sustainable future and activating the areas around our stations.”
The six-story, mixed-use, transit-oriented development will feature 161 affordable apartment homes for low-income individuals and families, including 74 one-bedroom, 55 two-bedroom, and 32 three-bedroom units. Residents will also enjoy amenities such as a children’s play area, green outdoor spaces, a community room, and 96 on-site parking spaces. It replaces a surface parking lot and public street that will be removed as part of an MTS transit center expansion project.
Located steps away from MTS’s busiest transit hub, the 12th & Imperial Transit Center, the community offers residents direct access to three major Trolley lines and numerous bus routes, connecting them to recreational, educational, medical, and employment opportunities throughout the region.
Under the agreement, the project will be constructed at no cost to MTS. The ground lease will be for 99 years. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with completion anticipated in 2029.
“We are very pleased MTS’ Board unanimously approved the 12th & Imperial affordable housing project today. Over the past two and a half years, San Diego Housing Fund has worked in close partnership with MTS to bring this vision to life,” said James Howell, Managing Partner, San Diego Housing Fund, which was founded by San Diego Foundation. “This 161-unit community represents what's possible when we strategically align housing with transportation and break down barriers that keep low-income families from accessing jobs, education, and services. We look forward to seeing this project break ground in 2027 and transform East Village into a more vibrant, equitable neighborhood.”
In addition to the approved housing project, MTS plans to expand and modernize the 12th & Imperial Transit Center. The improvements will increase bus capacity, provide a special event platform for Orange Line Trolley service, enhance passenger amenities such as shelters, lighting, and benches, improve traffic flow, and upgrade stormwater and flood control infrastructure. Construction for the transit center improvements is anticipated between 2026 and 2027.
Details about both projects are available in the October 16 MTS Board of Directors meeting agenda (page 1133) and on the MTS current projects webpage.
About MTS
The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) operates 92 bus routes and four Trolley lines in 10 cities and unincorporated areas of San Diego. MTS is a leader in advancing initiatives to create a greener, cleaner and better-connected transit system in San Diego. Each weekday more than 250,000 passenger trips are taken throughout the MTS system taking people to work, school, health appointments and other essential trips. In FY 2025, MTS served more than 81 million riders. For service schedule updates, news, alerts and more information on how you can use public transportation, go to www.sdmts.com.
About San Diego Housing Fund
San Diego Housing Fund is an investment fund to improve housing accessibility that partners with investors, developers and property owners to create housing for all San Diegans. A visionary initiative of San Diego Foundation, San Diego Housing Fund is an evergreen investment vehicle deploying philanthropic capital to accelerate housing production across the spectrum of affordability throughout the San Diego region. San Diego Housing Fund takes a unique, innovative approach with its trusted, mission-driven partners to help solve San Diego’s growing housing crisis. Learn more at www.sdhousingfund.com.
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