PSCDC, Chelsea, and City of El Centro Celebrate the Grand Opening of Jacaranda Gardens

EL CENTRO, CA – October 3, 2024 – Across from the recently built First Responders Park in El Centro on the northeast corner of N. Waterman Avenue and W. Lincoln Avenue, Pacific Southwest CDC, Chelsea Investment Corporation, and the City of El Centro gathered together to celebrate the grand opening of Jacaranda Gardens in early October. The $36.64 million, 96-unit affordable housing community will be serving low-income families earning 30% to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and has become a symbol of commitment in providing accessible housing in the region.

Jacaranda Gardens is the fourth El Centro based affordable housing project to be developed by the partnership between Chelsea and PSCDC. Designed by McKinley Associates, Inc., the community is comprised of five, three-story garden-style apartment buildings containing manager's offices, a community room/lounge area, laundry room, kitchen area, and a computer station.

Unit amenities include Energy Star-rated efficient appliances, dual-glazed windows, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and accessible units are equipped with built-out accessible bathrooms. Fifteen percent (15%) of the units will be fully accessible to persons with mobility impairments and ten percent (10%) of the units will be built for those with sensory impairments.

In addition, Jacaranda Gardens was built with a sustainable transportation infrastructure in mind. This meant an emphasis on developing bike routes, sidewalks and curb expansions, and crossings with safety beacons. In order to address transportation difficulties in the community and surrounding areas, a fleet of 48 electric vanpool vans from CalVans will also serve the residents of Jacaranda Gardens and provide vanpool services in Imperial County.

PSCDC will commence our free, on-site resident services! Residents will be able to take advantage of adult education and skill-building classes that includes financial education, computer literacy, ESL and/or art classes. A minimum of 60 hours of instruction each year will be provided at no charge to the residents. There will also be a youth-focused After-School Program that will provide a minimum of 10 hours of service per week during the school year. This program focuses on tutoring, mentoring, arts & crafts and other educational enrichment activities.

Occupancy is expected to fill by December, in time for the Christmas holiday season. This Phase 1 project will be followed by Phase 2, which is located south of Jacaranda Gardens.

To apply for an apartment, join their interest list online and for more information, call (760) 278-7707.