The National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) recognized Citrus Grove of Rialto with its prestigious Pillar of the Industry award in the category of Best Repositioning of a Multifamily Asset. The recognition is part of the NAHB annual Pillars of the Industry Awards program promoting excellence in apartment and condo design, development, marketing and management. The Pillars of the Industry Awards are considered a showcase of future trends and innovation.
“This year’s winners represent the creativity of industry leaders who’ve combined beauty and high quality with an emphasis on what is most valuable to residents,” said Steve Patterson, chairman of NAHB’s Multifamily Leadership Board and CEO of ZOM USA in Orlando, Fla. “In the current economic environment, it is also extremely encouraging to see so many multifamily builders focusing on affordability and long-term sustainability.”
Finalists were selected for superior achievement in 28 categories including Best Conversion of a Multifamily Asset. Citrus Grove demonstrated that it is a unique example of reverse condo-conversion illustrating that home-ownership is not the only product that enhances and contributes to community development. Citrus Grove is a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization project meant to turnaround the notorious Willows/Winchester neighborhood in Rialto . The development included acquiring 160 units of dilapidated condominiums and completely transforming the units into high-quality housing for low to moderate-income families. Two building were demolished to make room for a 6,000 square foot community center that now houses afterschool programs for children grades K-12. This year a San Bernardino County Head Start center will open to provide free preschool and child care services to the community.
Hundreds of entries—representing apartment and condo communities from across the country—vied for this year’s awards, which are considered among the most prestigious in the housing industry.
“It is always an honor to be recognized by your peers,” said National CORE COO Tracy Thomas. “NAHB and National CORE share a similar mission of inspiring high quality housing that contributes to healthy and thriving communities.”
National CORE is a nonprofit development organization transforming communities through high quality affordable housing, family/senior services, and long term ownership/management. This combination of factors has resulted in accessible, healthy and thriving neighborhoods.
Winners were announced at the annual NAHB Multifamily Pillars of the Industry Conference and Awards Gala on March 18 at the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego.