California Constructrion News staff writer
Construction is underway on Avanzando San Ysidro, a new affordable housing development that will add 101 rental apartments to San Diego. A groundbreaking was held last week for the project, being developed in collaboration with the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC), Hitzke Development Corporation, and Casa Familiar.
“Projects like this one are about how we are working to make San Diego a city of belonging,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “This project… is a message to the people of this community that if you work hard, play by the rules, we want you to be here. We will make space for you here.”
Located on two sites less than a half mile apart in San Ysidro, Avanzando will transform land owned by Casa Familiar into a transit-oriented, sustainable community. The project will also include infrastructure upgrades to nearby streets and public transit facilities, supporting the area’s broader revitalization efforts.
“This development is connected to Casa Familiar’s La Semilla Climate Resiliency Center, forming a hub for sustainable living less than a quarter mile away,” said County Supervisor Paloma Aguirre. “Its community-centered design meets the real needs of multigenerational households while promoting long-term environmental stewardship.”
The apartments will remain affordable for 55 years for households earning up to 60 percent of San Diego’s Area Median Income (AMI)—currently $99,240 for a family of four. Several units will be reserved for families earning 30 percent of AMI or less.
SDHC provided a $4.12 million loan to support the project, including $3 million in federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds and $1.12 million from the City of San Diego’s Affordable Housing Fund.
“The name ‘Avanzando’ translates roughly to ‘progress’ or ‘moving forward,’ and that’s what we’re here to celebrate today,” said Colin Miller, SDHC Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development.
Developer Ginger Hitzke, president of Hitzke Development Corporation, said the project also lays groundwork for potential future homeownership. “I wanted to develop a multifamily building that generates real, genuine spendable equity for the low-income households that occupy it,” she said.
Avanzando San Ysidro is located near the Beyer Boulevard Trolley Station, providing residents convenient access to public transit, shopping, schools and recreation.
