Affordable Housing Project Could Mean New City Hall for San Juan Capistrano – Orange County Register

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

The plan – which still requires final approval from the San Juan Capistrano City Council and additional funding – would demolish the existing City Hall and use the land to build a three-story apartment building connecting to the New two-story town hall.

“This is a very unique project,” said Joel Rojas, director of development services for San Juan Capistrano. “We are not aware of any other affordable housing projects that also involve city hall.”

That uniqueness, Rojas said, has made some planning processes between the city and affordable housing developer Jamboree, the project proponent, more difficult and time-consuming, but the project received solid support from the City Council this week. It will need to go back later this year for some final approvals before it can proceed.

Recently, the county Board of Supervisors approved nearly $9 million for this development, through loans and grants from the Mental Health Services Act. Rojas said the city is also planning to commit $5.9 million in a designated affordable housing fund. Mr. Rojas said Jamboree will also be able to apply for additional capital, as well as tax credits.

“Jamboree took a new approach of rebuilding City Hall on site and incorporating it into an affordable housing project,” says Rojas.

The city re-zoned the high-density housing area a few years ago, he said, but officials aren’t sure what proposals they’ll get for the space. He said Jamboree’s plan aligns with the city’s mission to further support affordable housing and that this stance also makes sense for Jamboree.

Michael Massie, director of housing development at Jamboree, wrote in an email: “The location is ideal due to its proximity to amenities and numerous public transport options. “This location is walking distance from downtown San Juan Capistrano, with its mission and shops and restaurants.”

Massie said it plans to provide 40 fully furnished one-bedroom apartments for people or veterans experiencing homelessness, including those in need of mental health support. He said the remaining 10 apartments will be affordable housing for low to moderate income families.

If the project goes according to plan, says Massie, Jamboree will buy land for the apartment complex – but not for City Hall – and maintain ownership and provide on-site support to residents. Their teams will provide a variety of services, he said, including helping to connect residents with community resources and coordinating needed care, as well as bringing in different agencies to provide services. offers educational courses, such as financial literacy and life skills.

Massie declined to answer questions about when he expected the project to be successful, explaining that they were still working to secure a large portion of the required funding, noting that development projects These mixtures are often “extremely complex transactions”. However, he said he is optimistic about the future of the project.

“The City of San Juan Capistrano has been a collaborative partner throughout the development,” says Massie. “They walk in support of affordable housing in San Juan Capistrano. They support the mission and have gone to great lengths to understand the intricacies of the deal and offer tremendous support and recommendations just to advance growth.”