Addition near SW 15th and Morgan Rd. Affordable housing with pre fab home construction, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025.
San Diego, California – St. Luke’s Church in North Park, San Diego, celebrated the official groundbreaking of an affordable apartment complex on Friday morning. The project, years in the making, is the first of its kind in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, marking a significant step in the church’s commitment to addressing housing needs in the local community.
The 8-story apartment complex, which will be built on church property at the corner of 30th Street and Gunn Street, is set to feature 77 affordable apartments for low-income individuals and families, as well as a manager’s apartment. In addition to the living spaces, the complex will include a ground-floor courtyard and a community room on the eighth floor.
The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego is calling the project “real estate with a mission.” The diocese views it as a crucial part of their ongoing efforts to support the neighborhood, where many residents struggle to afford housing. “We see a number of homeless people in this neighborhood and a number of people who really can’t afford adequate housing for themselves and their families,” said Bishop Susan Brown Snook. “So, this is our way of contributing to the well-being of the whole neighborhood.”
Nicodemus Lim, a junior warden at St. Luke’s Church, shared his excitement about the project. He explained that many church members were forced to leave San Diego due to the rising cost of living, which had caused a rift in the community. “I feel like it’s a prayer that has been answered by God,” Lim said. “If we have something that will keep us together, that is a blessing.”
The development, managed by Trestle, is being made possible by a 99-year ground lease agreement with the church for $2.2 million. Apartments will be made available through a lottery system to households earning no more than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with some units further restricted to households earning between 30% and 70% AMI.
Construction is expected to take between 18 to 21 months to complete, with the hope that the new housing will strengthen the community and provide affordable living options for those most in need.
