Officials celebrated the recent opening of a 99-unit affordable housing development in Santa Rosa, California.
Developed by nonprofit MidPen Housing, Mahonia Glen serves families earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income, including 43 homes reserved for residents who work in farming and agriculture.
According to the organization, the development was the first in the city to advance under SB 35—a state bill that streamlines approval of developments that meet affordability requirements.
The project also moved forward with the help of $55.4 million from the California Housing Accelerator, a state Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) program that fuels shovel-ready affordable housing. HCD also provided support through the Joe Serna Jr. Farmworker Housing Grant program.
“Mahonia Glen shows what’s possible when we align policies and resources to reduce logjams and create affordable homes more efficiently,” said Matthew O. Franklin, president and CEO of MidPen Housing. “We applaud our public- and private-sector partners for their commitment to much-needed affordable housing, and we’re thrilled to welcome 99 families into this new community.”
Other financing partners for the approximately $70 million development include the city of Santa Rosa; J.P. Morgan; and the Advanced Energy Build Program.
Located on Highway 12 on a 4.75-acre site that sat vacant for 10 years, Mahonia Glen offers an environmentally friendly design with one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in eight garden-style buildings.
The architect for Mahonia Glen is PYATOK Architecture + Urban Design, and the general contractor is Deacon Construction.
MidPen Property Management manages Mahonia Glen, and MidPen Resident Services provide free, on-site services such as an after-school program, financial capabilities classes, employment preparation, and connections to community resources.