The City of Long Beach, in partnership with its nonprofit affiliate, The Long Beach Community Investment Company (LBCIC), and development partner AMCAL Multi-Housing, Inc. (AMCAL), recently celebrated the groundbreaking of Las Ventanas, a 102-unit affordable housing development in midtown Long Beach.

“Las Ventanas is the third affordable housing development to begin construction in 2019 and supports the recommendations of the City’s Everyone Home Long Beach initiative,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “We will continue to expand housing opportunities across all parts of the City to provide high-quality affordable homes and access to supportive services.”

Las Ventanas will feature a mix of one- two- and three-bedroom units for individuals and families earning between 30 and 60 percent of the area median income, including 15 units reserved for households experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness. The building will utilize clean technologies, with a third of the project’s energy coming from solar panels.

“We are thrilled to see new affordable housing construction at a time when access to affordable housing is so vital,” said First District Councilwoman Lena Gonzalez, who represents the area. “I’m thankful that the City was able to work with important partners that will activate this key site and enhance our major transit corridor.”

In May 2017, LBCIC approved an acquisition loan of $4 million for the purchase and development of Las Ventanas at 1795 Long Beach Blvd.

“The Long Beach Community Investment Company is committed to investing in the development of affordable housing to better meet the critical need for additional housing,” said Board Chair John Thomas. “This development will expand housing options for families while providing comprehensive supportive services that enhance the lives of residents.”

Residents will have access to 8,167 square feet of outdoor recreation space along with a computer lab and community room on the ground floor. The development also will offer nearly 4,000 square feet of ground floor retail adjacent to the Metro Blue Line PCH station.

“We are extremely pleased to be starting construction on this beautiful, new affordable housing community that will serve Long Beach residents with transit-friendly, high-quality apartment homes,” said Percy Vaz, CEO of AMCAL. “Future residents will have immediate access not only to the Blue Line to transport them into downtown LA, but they also will be able to get a quick coffee or snack in the retail space that’s planned on site. We are proud to be partnering with the City of Long Beach on this well-situated project that is being designed to LEED Gold energy-efficiency standards.”

Preliminary grading work is already underway at the site, and the new four-story apartment complex is expected to open in 2021.