The San Diego Unified School District Board of Education has taken significant steps toward addressing the affordable housing crisis for educators by advancing two major workforce housing projects. On Monday, the board authorized staff to negotiate with developers for properties in University Heights and the Midway District. This initiative could potentially become California’s largest affordable housing program specifically aimed at educators, with a goal to house 10% of the district’s workforce by 2030.
During a special workshop focused on affordable housing, the board approved proposals from Protea + Malick for the Eugene Brucker Education Center site and from Mirka Investment for the former Irving Street Warehouse location on Commercial Street. The initiative aims to alleviate the pressing challenges educators and support staff face in affording housing close to the communities they serve.
The project at the Eugene Brucker Education Center, located at 4100 Normal Street, plans to transform the 13-acre district headquarters into 1,500 housing units tailored for households earning between 50% and 120% of the area median income. This development not only seeks to provide affordable living options but also aims to enhance community resources. Plans include a drop-off and pick-up parking area for nearby Birney Elementary School, a potential pool for students at San Diego High School, a childcare facility, a dog park, and community garden space.
Meanwhile, the proposal from Mirka Investment for the site at 2101 Commercial Street envisions 174 units of affordable workforce housing aimed at lower-income households with incomes between 30% and 80% of the area median income. This project guarantees the district a total of $7.5 million in rent, along with potential additional financial benefits. A significant feature of this project is a planned 6,000-square-foot childcare facility.
“Our board’s thoughtful consideration of these workforce housing proposals reflects our commitment to tackling the affordability crisis facing so many dedicated educators and support staff,” said Fabi Bagula, Ph.D., Superintendent of San Diego Unified School District. “By moving these projects forward, the board is taking meaningful steps toward creating quality homes that are within reach for the people who make our schools successful.”
Following initial discussions last month, the board also advanced another project at the Instructional Media Center but directed staff to arrange additional workshops for a more in-depth review of proposals for the Eugene Brucker Education Center, Ballard Center/Fremont Center, Commercial Street, and Revere Center properties.
This week’s authorization allows staff to conduct due diligence and negotiate final terms with the selected developers for each property. Any final agreements will be presented to the board for future consideration and approval, ensuring oversight throughout the development process, according to the district.
For further details about the proposals, including workshop agendas and next steps, visit SanDiegoUnified.org.
