The Paul Downey Senior Residence, a complex dedicated to low-income seniors, opened its doors today amidst fanfare in Clairemont Mesa. This new development, providing 79 affordable housing units, is located at 5255 Mt. Etna Drive and marks a critical step toward addressing the housing needs of the county's rapidly expanding senior population. This marks the second project built on County surplus property, indicating a growing trend in utilizing government land for community support ventures.
The residence offers five studio apartments, 73 one-bedroom units, and a space for an on-site manager. More than just housing, the complex includes an adjacent Senior Wellness Center intended to deliver supportive services to both residents and local seniors. Kimberly Giardina, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the County Health and Human Services Agency, emphasized the importance of such developments, telling the County of San Diego, "Housing is health, and that is especially true for our seniors. An affordable home is essential for stability and self-sufficiency in our aging community."
The central location of the Paul Downey Senior Residence means those who call it home will have convenient access to grocery stores, restaurants, retail outlets, public transportation, and other essential services, including medical facilities, schools, and parks. A $15 million investment from the County, along with the land contribution valued at $42 million, underscores the significant resources allocated to ensure the success of the Mt Etna Campus. Once all four phases are complete, the campus will boast two senior and two-family buildings, adding 404 affordable homes by spring 2026.
Chelsea Investment Corp is the developer behind all four phases of the Mt. Etna campus, working with Serving Seniors for supportive services. Since 2017, the County's commitment to affordable housing has led to the investment of more than $314 million, funneled from sources like surplus land, the Innovative Housing Trust Fund, and other state and local funding. These funds have enabled the opening of over 2,500 homes, including 1,800 units specifically designed for seniors, with 3,100 more in progress.
