Serenade On 43rd Grand Opening

🏘️ Serenade On 43rd is a mid-century-inspired community in City Heights offering 65 affordable homes — blending 45 new apartments with the rehabilitation of 20 existing units to create a unified, welcoming campus for low-income families and individuals exiting homelessness. With multiple courtyards, a vibrant community room, family-friendly amenities, and onsite supportive services, it’s a place built for connection, stability, and belonging.

🎶 Thank you for helping us hit all the right notes — our celebration truly sang! What a beautiful, joy-filled evening honoring community, partnership, and the power of affordable housing done right. To everyone who joined us to celebrate the grand opening of this amazing property — we appreciate you! 🎉

We are especially grateful for our co-development partner Housing Innovation Partners (HIP) and acknowledge the heartfelt remarks from Jon Walters, Associate Director of HIP. 🤝 

A special thank-you to ArtReach Mural Program Manager Isabel Halpern and lead mural artist Josué Baltezar Jr., whose stunning mural brought color, culture, and creativity to the space. 🎨 

We also extend our appreciation to our outstanding development partners whose expertise shaped this project: 

 – Architect: DAHLIN Architecture | Planning | Interiors

 – General Contractor: Sun Country Builders

 – Property Management: CONAM Management Corporation

Deep gratitude to our speakers representing our key funding partners:

 – Gustavo Velasquez, Director, California Department of Housing and Community Development

 – David Estrella, Director, Housing & Community Development Services, County of San Diego

 – Lisa Jones (she/her) Jones, President & CEO, San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC)

 – Cynthia Tello, Vice President, California Community Reinvestment Corporation (CCRC)

 – Laura MacKinnon Chapman, Senior Community Impact & Sustainability Specialist, Wells Fargo

To our incredible Wakeland team: you’re the best! 🏆 👏 

A special shoutout to Project Manager Dani Halton, who led this development with dedication and heart, supported by Assistant Project Manager Ben Blankenhorn and so many talented team members across the organization. Your hard work is reflected in every corner of this beautiful community!

With gratitude and admiration for the leadership of our President & CEO, Rebecca Louie, who continually champions resident-centered, innovative affordable housing across San Diego.

And finally — thank you to the artists and local businesses who made the evening unforgettable: Jazz band Cancellaire for the soulful soundtrack, and El Borrego, Baraka & Bilal Catering, and Cafeina Café for the delicious food and beverages that brought everyone together. 🎷 🎸 🥁 🌮 ☕ 

The evening was more than a grand opening — it was a celebration of resilience, partnership, and the harmony created when community comes together.