Encanto Village brings new homes and new opportunities to a neighborhood of San Diego that’s working to overcome neglect, crime, and other problems.

“What’s important for us is neighborhood transformation,” says Steve PonTell, president and CEO of National Community Renaissance (National CORE). “it’s not just about doing a project but about how can this project be a part of accomplishing the goals, hopes, and ambitions of a particular neighborhood. This project personifies that, being part of this city’s plans and transformation of a pretty challenged neighborhood.”

To build Encanto Village, National CORE worked with 12 different landowners to secure six parcels needed for the community. Once the land was secured, the team moved to create a new development that not only provided housing but also set the stage for other neighborhood improvements.

The 66-unit property delivers 65 affordable homes to families earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income. The development is opening new opportunities for these residents through comprehensive on-site services, including job training, financial education, and after-school programs. Eight units are set aside for formerly homeless veterans, who have access to on-site case management through Veterans Affairs.

A LEED Gold property, the project also serves as a new anchor in the greater Encanto neighborhood and a model for future development in the area. Following on the heels of Encanto Village, market-rate housing developers have begun pursuing projects in the area, says John Seymour, National CORE vice president.
“It’s catalytic for change in the neighborhood,” PonTell says.