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National Community Renaissance
9065 Haven Avenue, Ste #100
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Phone: (909) 483-2444
Fax: (909) 483-2448
Email: info@nationalcore.org |
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Monument Sign
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 As
a result of a partnership with the City of National
City and National Community Renaissance,
the "Q Avenue" neighborhood experienced
a rebirth that is capturing the attention of national,
state and local leaders in the building, redevelopment,
and affordable housing industries.
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Vista Del Sol Grounds.
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Vista del Sol is a 132-unit affordable housing apartment
community. Once know as "Q Avenue" it was
once a cul-de-sac street characterized by dilapidated
apartment buildings. Drug dealers brazenly conducted
business out on the street. Graffiti scarred the walls
and gang violence was common. All of the dilapidated
and neglected apartment buildings on the block were
bought and completely renovated by National Community Renaissance. The community is
now owned and managed by National Community Renaissance. The apartment units are leased
to residents that earn 60% or less than the area median
income.
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Vista Del Sol after rehabilitation
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Vista Del Sol before rehabilitation
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Vista Del Sol before rehabilitation
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"Q" Avenue was once the city's worst crime
neighborhood. All that has changed. Today Vista del
Sol is a source of local pride and a national award
winning development.
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Vista del Sol office after
construction.
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Vista del Sol after construction.
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What was once a cul-de-sac street
characterized by dilapidated buildings, absentee
owners, high crime, fear, and drug and gang activity,
has been transformed to what is now described as
the "Jewel of National City." Vista del
Sol is a unified, gated community distinguished
by lush landscaping, aesthetically pleasing architecture,
children playing safely outside, virtually non-existent
crime, and the fact that it has become the city
hub for community-based services and activities.
The path to transformation from the city's "number
one housing priority" to a model for other
neighborhood revitalization projects was one pocked
with challenges and protests. However the development
team's perseverance resulted in a community revitalization
process that truly exemplifies the ability of communities
to recapture their neighborhoods from the depths
of blight and despair.
Vista del Sol was one such community. National CORE
acquired the property in late 1998. City officials
deemed it the "worst housing and crime area
in the city." The property consisted of 16
buildings, totaling 132 units, surrounded by modest
single-family homes. Before being bought by National CORE, the buildings were owned by 11 different
absentee owners. Health and safety issues abounded.
Windows were broken, carpet was torn, and mold
and mildew growth was common. Many abandoned cars
lined the streets. A lack of trash receptacles
resulted in debris being discarded throughout
the site. The units were heavily infested with
rodents, roaches, and fleas. The drug activity
was so severe that it caught the attention of
the federal government's Drug Enforcement Administration.
The DEA conducted an 18-month surveillance and
sting operation to decrease the drug activity
in the community. National City Police received
more than 200 calls stemming from the property
annually. Local police initiated a comprehensive
Community Policing strategy. However, none of
these efforts were able to penetrate the shield
of owner indifference that prevailed and ultimately
undermined any efforts to improve the conditions.
Upon acquiring all 16 buildings on the street,
National CORE embarked on a comprehensive revitalization
strategy to turn around and unite this multifamily
community.
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Vista del Sol pool.
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Vista del Sol during construction.
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Vista del Sol during construction.
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Turning around this community took strong support
from the city's leadership and staff. The developer
was successful applying for $3.2 million in Federal
Low Income Housing Tax Credits. The National City
Community Development Commission approved a $6.8 million
loan earmarked for a significant rehabilitation of
the units. Construction began in the early summer
of 1999. The extensive project included repair to
all the walls, paving, drainage, fences, utility piping
and landscaping. Apartments once in a seemingly hopeless
state of disrepair received new carpets, drywall,
paint, flooring, energy-efficient appliances, cabinets,
window coverings, plumbing fixtures, and heat and
air conditioning. In addition, amenities such as new
laundry facilities, leasing office, community center,
tot-lot, and swimming pool were added. Other physical
improvements include new architectural treatments,
increased parking, new roofs, stucco and paint, and
security gates. The buildings' architecture was designed
taking into consideration the surrounding single-family
homes. Since portions of the development are visible
from a major interstate freeway, the buildings were
constructed in such a way that views from all four
sides are attractive to not only neighbors, but adjacent
property owners and freeway drivers as well. All of
the buildings were rehabilitated to a new 30-year
life. As part of the site reconfiguration plan, the
cul-de-sac city street was privatized and gated.
Vista del Sol officially held its grand opening in
May 2001. Media coverage of the event was extensive
and very positive. Residents came out en masse and
celebrated with community organizations, elected officials,
and neighbors. City officials marveled at the positive
change in the adjacent residential neighborhood. Neighbors
have been investing in their properties since the
renovations at Vista del Sol and plans are now underway
to construct new single-family homes on nearby property
that had been vacant for years.
Police calls stemming from the property dropped significantly,
from more than 200 per year to virtually zero. What
was once a haven for crime and an eyesore in the neighborhood
is now a beautiful, clean, and safe community that
gives shelter to more than 130 families, children,
and individuals that have previously struggled with
the high cost of housing. Vista del Sol is a testament
to the accomplishments that can be made with a successful
partnership between a city, community and experienced
affordable housing provider.
2002 Award
California Redevelopment Association (CRA) Award of
Excellence
"Community Revitalization"
Vista del Sol
2002 Award
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) - Pillars
of the Industry Winner
"Best Rehabilitation of an Asset"
Vista del Sol
2002 Award
Affordable Housing Management Association, Pacific
Southwest chapter
Communities of Quality
"Outstanding Turnaround of a Troubled Property"
Vista del Sol
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Vista
del Sol
National City, California
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132 Units
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1545 Q Avenue
National City, CA 91950
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