The San Diego City Council has approved a plan to transform the old Serra Mesa Library into a 60-unit affordable housing complex. The project, led by nonprofit Community HousingWorks, will provide housing for households earning between 30% and 60% of the city’s median income, with a focus on those most at risk of homelessness. Nearly half of the units will be set aside for veterans, and the complex will offer essential amenities like on-site laundry, bike parking, case management services, and community spaces.
To support the project, the city has provided a $4 million loan through its “Bridge to Home” program, while Community HousingWorks will oversee construction and operations through a 65-year lease. The total project cost is estimated at $42.4 million. This initiative aligns with Mayor Todd Gloria’s vision to repurpose underutilized public land for affordable housing in high-resource neighborhoods with easy access to jobs, transit, and schools.
The old Serra Mesa Library has been vacant since 2006 and was previously used as a storage facility. In 2020, San Diego officials sought proposals to convert the site into permanent supportive housing, ultimately choosing the affordable housing model over a shelter for homeless youth. Construction is expected to take about 26 months once funding is secured, marking a significant step toward expanding San Diego’s affordable housing options.
