Blending affordable and workplace housing with educational and cultural spaces, this innovative project revitalizes a former school site into a multi-use development that fosters learning, creativity, and connection.
Designed to serve a broad spectrum of the community, the project includes 270 homes for families and 57 residences for seniors, integrating much-needed housing with spaces that enrich daily life. At its core, the development preserves and repurposes existing school facilities to house the San Diego Unified School District’s TRACE program, which supports young adults with disabilities in their transition to independent living.
Beyond education, the site becomes a cultural hub with the addition of Fern Street Circus, a beloved community organization that teaches circus arts to children, teens, and families. Dedicated space for performances and classes ensures that arts and creativity remain integral to the neighborhood.
A central pedestrian plaza weaves these elements together, providing a walkable, safe environment for residents and visitors. This flexible public space serves as a venue for local events, a farmer’s market, food distribution, and outdoor concerts, reinforcing the project's commitment to community engagement. Adjacent to a major transit corridor and connected to Teralta Park, the site enhances accessibility and walkability, linking residents to the broader City Heights neighborhood.
Central Elementary School is more than a redevelopment—it is a model for how educational institutions can repurpose land to bridge housing, learning, and culture, creating a stronger, more connected community.
