The City of Costa Mesa, County of Orange, and California Department of Housing and Community Development have partnered with Community Development Partners, to convert the Motel 6 located at 2274 Newport Blvd into permanent supportive housing.

BACKGROUND

September 9, 2021 – California Department of Housing and Community Development (State HCD) releases a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for Round 2 of the Homekey Program. The Homekey program provides critically needed housing units for people experiencing homelessness throughout California. Specifically, this program was designed as part of the state’s response to protecting individuals experiencing homelessness who were impacted by COVID-19. For more information regarding the Homekey Program click here.

November 16, 2021 – Costa Mesa City Council directs staff to collaborate with the County of Orange and Community Development Partners to submit an application to State HCD for Homekey Round 2 funding for the Motel 6 project. Additionally, City Council approves the commitment of $3.5M in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to assist in the acquisition and conversion of Homekey projects in the City of Costa Mesa.

April 25, 2022 – County of Orange and City of Costa Mesa are awarded $10,675,000 in Round 2 Homekey funds to acquire and convert of the Motel 6 located at 2274 Newport Blvd into permanent housing. For more information regarding the City’s Homekey award, please click here.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Motel 6 property located at 2274 Newport Blvd involves the acquisition and two-phase adaptive re-use of an 88-unit motel into permanent housing. All units will be converted to 300-square-foot studio apartments with new kitchenettes, countertops, flooring, paint, fixtures, appliances, and furniture.

Additional common areas for residents will include a new outdoor patio, smoking area, dog run, and community garden to encourage social interaction among residents. Pedestrian access at Newport Blvd will be enhanced, encouraging residents to walk to nearby community and commercial amenities. Aesthetic improvements will include building façade enhancements, public art, and substantial upgrades to existing landscaped areas.

PHASE 1 will convert 40 Homekey-assisted units into housing with wraparound services for individuals earning 30% or less than the Area Median Income, 30 of which are permanent supportive housing units serving homeless veterans and 10 of which are set aside for homeless individuals who meet the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) eligibility criteria. The leasing office and interior/exterior common area spaces will be updated, as well as performing necessary improvements as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A 2-bedroom manager unit will be added to provide 24-hour, on-site supportive services. Phase 1 financing is scheduled to close in September 2022, with construction beginning in October 2022 and concluding in April 2023.

PHASE 2 will convert the remaining 48 non-Homekey units into permanent supportive housing with wraparound services for seniors (62+) earning 50% or less of the Area Median Income. The courtyard at the south-end of the property will be updated and additional design elements will be added. Phase 2 financing involves the submission of an application to the State for Low Income Housing Tax Credits in March 2023.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES

Property management will be provided by FPI Management, a local firm founded in 1968 that oversees nearly 150,000 housing units across 16 states.

Resident services and intensive case management will be provided by Mercy House, a local non-profit service provider.

Links

• City of Costa Mesa
• County of Orange
• California Department of Housing and Community Development
• Community Development Partners
• FPI Management
• Mercy House