Architect's rendering of Atmosphere - courtesy Joseph Wong Design Associates

San Diego City Council Approves Wakeland’s 'Atmosphere' Community in Downtown

June 5, 2013
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In a move which paves the way for the creation of 205 new units of affordable housing in downtown San Diego, the City Council unanimously granted approval yesterday (Tuesday, June 4) to Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation’s Atmosphere project. As the first development approved from the city’s Affordable Housing Master Plan, this decision marks the revival of affordable housing downtown.

Council President Todd Gloria urged his colleagues to give the green light to Atmosphere, saying, “This is a good deal and it reflects what we are trying to accomplish with the Affordable Housing Master Plan."

Atmosphere will be located on Fourth Avenue at Beech Street in the Cortez district of downtown. Pending additional funding approvals, construction will begin in early 2015. Once built, the development will bring a number of benefits to the downtown community, including:
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• The revitalization of an underutilized site that has remained vacant since 2004 with a vibrant new community for downtown residents
• Safe, secure and affordable homes that are located within close proximity to stores, public transportation and other resources residents need for daily living
• An onsite learning center where residents can access workforce development training, financial literacy workshops, after school enrichment programs for children and other resources to help them succeed ​

Additionally, 51 homes at Atmosphere will be designated for San Diegans with special needs who will receive supportive services on site.

The City Council’s decision is particularly significant for Wakeland since Atmosphere was one of the many affordable housing projects throughout the state that had been placed in limbo following the dissolution of redevelopment agencies that had provided significant funding for affordable housing.

“Wakeland started working on the Atmosphere in 2008, and when the state took away redevelopment, the future of the project became uncertain,” said Wakeland President and CEO Ken Sauder. “This approval puts Atmosphere back on track after a long wait and we are excited to finally move forward on these much-needed affordable homes for our lower-income residents.