Villa Serena, once an aging 1970s-era apartment complex with cramped apartments and limited parking, has been reimagined as a spacious, modern affordable community with 148 homes, 47 three-bedroom apartments, ample parking and new amenities for Richmar families.
On Thursday, Sept. 10, National CORE joined the City of San Marcos, the County of San Diego, residents and community to celebrate that transformation at the grand opening of Villa Serena Phase II, completing the redevelopment nearly 30 years after National CORE first acquired the property.
Villa Serena’s redevelopment reflects a major shift toward housing that can better accommodate San Marcos families. The community grew from 136 to 148 affordable homes, while the number of three-bedroom apartments increased to 47.
“It’s been a long time in the making, but our vision has finally come to life,” said John Seymour, vice president of National CORE. “It is a blessing to see Villa Serena breathe new life into the San Marcos community after so many years. I know this community will be the site of unending joy for many generations to come.”
Villa Serena II offers 63 apartment homes to residents earning below 60% of the area median income (AMI), with five apartments reserved for residents with special needs.
National CORE worked closely with the City of San Marcos to design a modern community that complements the surrounding neighborhood while giving residents more space, parking and amenities. Villa Serena is within walking distance of the San Marcos Civic Center Station, grocery shopping, a public park, medical clinic and public library.
“The grand opening of Villa Serena II is about giving more working families, individuals and seniors an affordable, quality place to call home in San Marcos.” San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones said. “At a time when housing costs continue to rise, partners like National CORE are helping make it possible for more people to find a home they can afford and build a future in our community.”
Residents receive access to a robust array of services to ensure independence and growth. The Hope through Housing Foundation offers resident services focused on helping children and teens achieve success, improving families’ financial well-being and promoting health and wellness for residents of all ages.
For residents with special needs, the County of San Diego Behavioral Health Services team works with National CORE’s HavenCORE property management team to incorporate Housing First, Harm Reduction and Trauma-Informed Care principles that support residents in living independently.
“Villa Serena II reflects what’s possible when public and nonprofit partners unite around a shared goal: stable, affordable homes for the County’s most vulnerable residents,” said David Estrella, San Diego County director of housing and community development services. “Together with National CORE, we’re expanding opportunities so more families can live, work, and thrive throughout our region.”
Thanks to a partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos, children of each of National CORE’s San Marcos communities also enjoy access to the organization’s enrichment programs to opportunities to learn and grow.
“Every family that works hard in North County deserves a place to call home, yet too many of our teachers, nurses, and service workers are being priced out of the very communities they hold together,” San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond said. “I’m committed to building the affordable housing our working families need, because no one should have to choose between living where they work and being able to make ends meet.”
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