Wakeland Housing has begun construction on a 190-unit affordable housing community in San Diego.
The Becker features the first homes to be built at Riverwalk San Diego, a transformative mixed-use community with a large new public park, residences, retail, new transit access, and office space.
“This groundbreaking represents more than just new construction—it’s the realization of Wakeland’s mission to transform lives and strengthen communities through high-quality affordable housing,” said Wakeland president and CEO Rebecca Louie. “By creating nearly 200 affordable homes in what will soon be one of San Diego’s most transportation-connected neighborhoods, we’re providing working families with more than shelter—it’s a foundation for opportunity, stability, and long-term success. The Becker exemplifies how thoughtful development can address our housing crisis while building the kind of vibrant, sustainable communities that benefit everyone.”
The Becker is named after the late Evan Becker, former head of the San Diego Housing Commission, who was instrumental in advancing the inclusion of affordable housing in large-scale developments like Riverwalk San Diego.
Slated for completion in mid-2027, the affordable homes will offer rents between $930 and $2,580 and be the first to open doors at the 200-acre master-planned village, led by global real estate investment manager Hines, that will eventually contain 4,300 multifamily units, including 430 affordable homes.
The Becker will be home to residents earning up to 60% of the area median income.
Designed by MVE + Partners architects and built by Level 10 Construction, The Becker will consist of three contemporary design buildings, each opening to a large outdoor courtyard. The property will have a community room with features such as a computer lab and kitchen, central laundry rooms, and bicycle parking.
Financing for the $140 million development came from a mix of public and private sources, including the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), the California Strategic Growth Council, the California Housing Finance Agency, the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee, SD Riverwalk, J.P. Morgan, Lument, National Equity Fund, and Freddie Mac.
The Becker will also have several community benefits thanks to HCD and the California Strategic Growth Council, which awarded Wakeland $41.1 million in highly competitive Affordable Housing and Sustainable Community funds. These funds will support the construction of the new MTS Green Line Trolley stop, as well as bicycle and pedestrian trails that will enable residents to easily connect to their workplaces, recreation, retail, and community programs, and provide transit passes for all residents at The Becker.
Wakeland Housing is a nonprofit with nearly 9,000 homes across 68 properties.