Elk Grove leaders break ground on 236-unit affordable housing apartment complex

Elk Grove will add to its growing list of affordable housing sites in the city with one of its latest projects.

Real estate developers and city officials gathered at a Friday news conference to break ground on an incoming, 236-unit affordable apartment complex called the Pardes Apartments, developed by CRP Affordable Housing and Community Development.

Paul Salib, the CEO of CRP, expressed his anticipation for the project.

“This is a project we’re very proud of and we’re looking forward to getting it built,” Salib said. “Affordable housing is getting out of hand. The problem is getting worse and worse. These are much needed projects. Rents are skyrocketing, inflation is still not under control…These projects are super important.”

According to a CRP news release, the two-phased project will consist of five buildings spread across eight acres of land at 8310 Poppy Ridge Road.

Residents will have housing options that include 84 one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and 80 three-bedroom apartments. Unit sizes are expected to range from 629 to 1,339 square feet.

Apartments will include sustainability features such as in-unit, energy-efficient appliances, water-efficient design and appliances, water-efficient landscaping, solar panels, 100% electric appliances and bike parking, according to a news release.

Anticipated on-site amenities at Pardes Apartments, the news release said, will consist of child care services, early childhood development services, adult or continuing education, job assistance and workforce training, counseling services, a computer lab and services to reduce eviction and resident turnover.

A waiting list for potential residents is expected to open next year, by late February 2025.

Construction for Pardes Apartments is anticipated to be completed by August 2025, weather permitting.

“The affordable housing crisis is statewide, it’s nationwide and we know that in the city of Elk Grove,” Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen said during the news conference. “I’m just so proud of our partnership with CRP. I really want to shout out to all of our team, including our staff who played an instrumental role in getting us to this great day today.”

She added: “It’s going to take all of us working together to make this happen for our state, our region and our city. We are so grateful for this partnership, 236 units that are 100% affordable housing. 100%. Kudos to all of you. We need more projects like this. We know the importance of affordable housing in our city.”

Salib told The Sacramento Bee in an interview that the Pardes Apartments are set to be available to individuals or families earning between 30% and 70% of the area’s median income.

“It’s very rewarding to get up every day and help get people (into) good quality homes,” Salib said. “It’s very important to me that the low-income kids go to the better school systems.”

During Friday’s news conference, Vice Mayor Rod Brewer said the area is canvassed to develop into a “beautiful community”.

“You have great schools to the north and to the south, you have a firehouse right back of you, you have an institute of higher learning (Cosumnes River College’s Elk Grove Center) not too far away — so this is a community that’s going to grow. It’s a community where everyone will be welcomed.”

He added: “We do have a need for affordable housing. Pardes Apartments fulfills that purpose in helping us grow our community and be a stronger community. It was a team effort getting to this point. It’s going to be a team effort getting us to the finish line and providing homes so people can begin developing their dreams here in Elk Grove.”