A $35.6 million mixed-use development proposed for downtown San Juan Capistrano would create a 50-unit affordable housing complex next to a new City Hall.

The plan – which still needs final approval from the San Juan Capistrano City Council and additional financing – would demolish the current City Hall, and use the lot to build the three-story apartment building connected to a new two-story City Hall.

“This is a very unique project,” said Joel Rojas, San Juan Capistrano’s development services director. “We’re not aware of any other affordable housing project that also involves a city hall.”

That uniqueness has made some of the planning processes between the city and affordable housing developer Jamboree, which proposed the project, more challenging and time-consuming, Rojas said, but the project got solid support from the City Council this week. It will need to return later this year for some final approvals before it could move forward.

Recently, the county Board of Supervisors approved almost $9 million for the development, through loans and funding from the Mental Health Services Act. Rojas said the city is also planning to commit $5.9 million in designated affordable housing funds. Jamboree will also be able to apply for more funding, as well as tax credits, Rojas said.

“Jamboree came up with a novel approach of rebuilding City Hall onsite and incorporating it into an affordable housing project,” Rojas said.

The city had re-zoned the area for high-density housing a few years ago, he said, but officials weren’t sure what kind of proposals they would receive for the space. He said Jamboree’s plan fit with the city’s mission to further support affordable housing, and the spot made sense for Jamboree, too.

“The location is ideal due to its proximity to amenities and many public transportation options,” Michael Massie, chief housing development officer at Jamboree, wrote in an email. “The site is walking distance to downtown San Juan Capistrano, with the mission and shops and restaurants.”

Massie said they plan to provide 40 fully furnished, one-bedroom apartments for people or veterans experiencing homelessness, including those needing mental health support. He said the other 10 apartments would be affordable housing for low- to moderate-income families.

If the project moves forward as planned, Jamboree would purchase the land for the apartment complex – but not for the City Hall – and maintain ownership, while providing on-site support to residents, Massie said. He said its teams would provide a variety of services, including helping connect residents to community resources and coordinate needed care, as well as bring in different agencies to provide educational course, such as financial literacy and life skills.

Massie declined to answer questions about when he expects the project could break ground, explaining that they are still working to secure a large portion of needed funds, noting that these mixed-use developments are often “inordinately complex deals.” But, he said he is optimistic about the project’s future.

“The city of San Juan Capistrano has been a collaborative partner throughout the development process,” Massie said. “They walk the walk to support affordable housing in San Juan Capistrano. They support the mission and have taken great effort to understand the complexities of the deal and offer tremendous support and recommendations that only enhance the development.”

Related Articles