Placerville’s newest affordable housing complex is taking applications from prospective renters while facing multiple lawsuits from people involved in bringing the project to life. Mallard Apartments is a 72-unit community that is now available for occupancy, creating an unusual split-screen moment for a project designed to ease the city’s housing crunch.
The Sacramento Business Journal reported Wednesday that Mallard is facing legal challenges from its builder and a consultant connected to the development. The publicly visible preview of that report does not detail the claims, damages sought or whether the lawsuits involve construction work, payment disputes or other contract issues.
The development includes homes for families earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income, with the affordability restrictions expected to remain in place for at least 55 years. A City of Placerville housing report lists more than $13 million in public funding tied to the project, including loans and grants for land, infrastructure, design and construction.
The city’s 2025 housing progress report had anticipated Mallard would be completed by January 2026. The project’s official leasing site now says apartments are available and describes a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units, along with a community room, computer room, barbecue area and playground.
Five Buildings, 72 Affordable Homes
DesCor Builders describes Mallard as a 4-acre development with five three-story apartment buildings and a single-story community center. The company’s project page identifies the complex as a new affordable housing community intended to provide quality homes for local residents.
City records show Mallard Apartments LP is the project owner and that construction was underway by May 2024. In a June 2024 staff report, the City of Placerville said the owner would be responsible for perpetual maintenance of the site’s drainage and sewer facilities, including storm drains, retention features and connections serving the buildings.
What The Lawsuits Could Mean For Mallard
For now, the legal fight and the leasing process appear to be moving on parallel tracks. The Business Journal’s report establishes that the litigation is active, but the available details do not show that applications or occupancy have been suspended.
The practical stakes could extend beyond the project’s contractors and consultants if the cases involve unfinished work, disputed invoices or responsibility for future repairs. Until the complaints and responses are available, those issues remain allegations rather than findings, while applicants are being asked to navigate a brand-new affordable community that is opening under an unusually large legal cloud.
