Turning Underutilized Parking into Affordable Housing

Putting underutilized space to good use, San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) worked with Affirmed Housing to convert a park-and-ride site into an affordable housing community. The newly completed SkyLINE is a seven-story, mixed-use housing community with 100 affordable apartments located at the Rancho Bernardo Transit Station. The project couples housing development with transit access.

MTS Board Chair and San Diego City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn remarked that the development delivers “high-quality affordable homes in a high-opportunity area and reinforces the value of building vibrant, transit-oriented communities.”

Residents will be within walking distance of public transportation and close to grocery stores, healthcare services, and other community amenities. The transit station is served regularly by bus connecting to downtown San Diego. The development includes commercial space for Affirmed Housing’s corporate offices and parking for residents and MTS patrons.

The development is part of a 99-year ground lease between MTS and Affirmed Housing, which provides affordable and supportive housing throughout California. The agreement enables the transit agency to make use of underutilized land while maintaining long-term transit operations. Similar efforts by MTS have been completed and are underway.