National CORE celebrated the grand opening of the first phase of its long-awaited reconstruction of Villa Serena in San Marcos in April. This is the first of two phases that will replace the original 136 apartments with 148 one-, two- and three-bedroom homes for individuals and families earning less than 60% of the area median income.
The transformation represents more than 20 years of planning and preparing, swapping a dated 1970s-era complex for a fresh, modern design that incorporates one of the nation’s highest levels of energy efficiency.
The first phase offers 85 homes, with eight homes set aside for young adults aging out of the foster care system. It includes a new 1,933square-foot community center for resident activities and services, a community kitchen, a computer lab, outdoor play areas and gathering spaces. The Hope through Housing Foundation is providing onsite services to residents and offers after-school programming to the community’s children and teens through a partnership with the local Boys & Girls Club.
The second phase, projected to start construction next year, will provide 63 more apartments as well as additional community amenities.