New affordable housing in East Village with opening of 15-story Harrington Heights

Harrington Heights, an affordable housing development in East Village, opened Wednesday and will serve those with “extremely low income,” including people who were once homeless.

The 15-story building, on Broadway, has 270 units. The project was developed by Chelsea Investment Corporation, with support from the city of San Diego and San Diego Housing Commission.

According to the developers, rents at Harrington Heights will remain affordable for at least 55 years for households earning 25%- 50% of San Diego’s Area Median Income, for instance, $37,200 to $74,450 per year for a three-person household.

Additionally, 40 apartments are set aside for individuals with developmental disabilities. The site also includes three managers’ units.

When bonds for the project were approved in 2023, the estimated total development cost of Harrington Heights was $142.8 million, or $523,197 per unit.

“Affordable rents for decades to come and rental assistance for many of these families will provide a greater opportunity for stable housing in San Diego’s high-cost rental housing market,” the housing commission’s Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development Colin Miller said.

Residents have support to stay in Harrington Heights, including 115 federal rental housing vouchers from the commission – 75 for households that experienced homelessness (including 10 for veterans).

Forty other vouchers will assist households with extremely low income (but haven’t been homeless).

“Harrington Heights represents a milestone on the path to solving the affordable housing crisis,” said Charles Schmid, Chelsea Investment Corporation’s CEO. “It offers housing options that are out of reach for so many San Diegans.”

Alpha Project will provide on-site supportive services for the formerly homeless residents, That includes case management, behavioral health services, life skills, social activities, free haircuts and a veterinarian to work with residents’ pets.

Homeless veterans who move in will receive rental assistance through Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Project-Based Housing Vouchers and supportive services from the V.A.’s San Diego Healthcare System.

“Today, as we welcome the future residents of Harrington Heights, let us remember what this project represents – that this is a city that refuses to give up on its people, a city that believes that progress is absolutely possible, and a city that understands housing is not simply about four walls and a roof, but it’s about dignity.” Mayor Todd Gloria said at the grand opening. “It’s about stability. It’s about belonging,”