More than 500 housing industry professionals from around the country roared with applause as The Iris at San Ysidro was named the Best Affordable Housing Community at the 2026 Pacific Coast Builders Conference Gold Nugget Awards on July 29 for its striking design, creativity and function.
The community, developed by National CORE and designed by Studio E Architects, earned the award for developments with 30 to 60 dwelling units per acre. The 2026 Gold Nugget Awards were presented by PCBC at the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center in Chula Vista.
“We are thrilled that The Iris at San Ysidro is earning such praise – it’s an impressive honor,” said Patrick Meredith, vice president of construction for National CORE. “I think this award is indicative of the great work that National CORE and Studio E can accomplish together to ensure housing stays affordable for those who need it most.”
National CORE owns and operates more than 110 affordable housing communities serving over 10,400 households of families, seniors and veterans, including individuals who have experienced homelessness. The organization was ranked No. 2 among the nation’s nonprofit affordable housing developers on Affordable Housing Finance Magazine’s Top 50 Developers list and currently holds 33 LEED for Homes certifications for sustainability excellence.
This is the ninth time that National CORE has been recognized by the Gold Nugget awards.
The Iris serves 99 households earning below 60% of the area median income. It features 50 mobility-accessible apartments and five hearing-accessible apartments. Fifteen apartments serve residents who have experienced homelessness. The Iris sports a unique look that features dynamic triangular geometry, clever use of community spacing and vibrant exterior color palette.
The Iris also distinguished itself as an innovative affordable housing community thanks to a major partnership with Mayor Todd Gloria, City of San Diego Councilmember Vivian Moreno and the local community to secure a $5 million grant through the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
The grant allowed for restoration of the neighboring Howard Lane Park, providing an upgraded playground, new shade structures, updated security lighting and new fitness equipment. The grant also funded a boost in neighborhood walkability with a high-intensity activated crosswalk (HAWK) system that links the Iris, Howard Lane Park, schools, shops and services.
“Working beside National CORE is always a treat – we love what they do,” said Eric Naslund, FAIA principal at Studio E Architects. “And to have that work recognized with a grand Gold Nugget award? It doesn’t get any better than that.”
Studio E, based in San Diego, works throughout the southwestern United States and has designed affordable housing, private residences, civic and urban planning developments. In its 40 years of operation, the firm has earned five national AIA awards, designed one of the nation’s top 10 environmental buildings and won the Global Award of Excellence from the Urban Land Institute for UC Davis West Village.
The Iris at San Ysidro was one of five finalists in its category, including: Casa Anita in Chula Vista, The Orion in Orange, Cleaver & Clark Commons in Grover Beach and Salida del Sol in San Juan Capistrano.
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