62-unit Pacific Village affordable-housing project celebrates opening in Midway District

Pacific Village, a former Midway District motel that the San Diego Housing Commission converted into 62 studio apartments considered affordable for lower-income residents, had its grand opening Oct. 9 with local leaders in attendance.

The redevelopment of the vacant former Ramada Inn in the 3700 block of Midway Drive came from a collaboration among federal, state, county and city governments, as well as the Housing Commission and supportive-services providers. It is intended to support veterans, transition-age youths and other San Diegans who had been living in their cars, in shelters or on the streets.

“Pacific Village shows what’s possible when every level of government works together to turn vacant properties into homes for people who need them most,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “By transforming an underused motel into homes with onsite support, we’re giving people a real chance to regain stability and rebuild their futures.”

The total cost to purchase and renovate the property was about $28.7 million. The state awarded about $16.8 million in Homekey funds toward the project, and the city and county committed about $5.9 million each. Homekey is a California program that promotes opportunities to provide permanent or interim housing for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

The county also committed close to $5 million over five years toward behavioral health supportive services for Pacific Village residents, subject to Board of Supervisors approval in annual budgets.

The conversion of the former motel into Pacific Village began in March 2024. Renovations included installation of kitchenettes in all units, the addition of a fire sprinkler and alarm system, security additions such as fencing and cameras, and accessibility upgrades.

Scott Marshall of the Housing Commission said last year that the total rent for the units would be $1,700 to $2,000 per month, “but tenants will not pay that amount. Tenants will pay a predetermined portion of their income toward their rent, and SDHC will pay the difference between the tenant’s portion and the full rent for the assisted unit.”

San Diego City Councilwoman Jennifer Campbell, whose District 2 includes the Midway District, said “Addressing homelessness has been one of my top priorities since I was elected to the City Council, and I have always welcomed shelters, service providers and affordable-housing projects in my district. This project, which adds 62 affordable units for formerly homeless San Diegans in District 2, demonstrates the great progress we can make toward addressing homelessness through collaboration at all levels of government.”

The Housing Commission oversaw the conversion of the property into studio apartments as well as owning and managing Pacific Village and administering federal rental assistance that supports the project’s residents.

Residents also have access to mental, behavioral and physical health services, case management, education and employment services and transportation. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides services for the 15 veterans with Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing vouchers who live there.

“Throughout this process, our main focus has been on the people for whom Pacific Village is now home,” said SDHC President and Chief Executive Lisa Jones. “Living without shelter and security is a traumatic experience. We cannot overstate the importance of turning your key in the lock for the first time, walking into your own apartment or going to sleep in your own bed feeling safe and secure. Our residents have been able to experience those moments here at Pacific Village. That is what we are celebrating today.”

— Point Loma-OB Monthly staff contributed to this report.