SAN DIEGO–The Urban Land Institute (ULI) of San Diego-Tijuana Friday recognized the new Copley-Price Family YMCA in City Heights as the “Healthy Places Project of the Year” and Celadon at 9th and Broadway as the “Urban Model for Healthy Living” at its inaugural Healthy Places Awards Gala.

Through the Healthy Places Awards, ULI is working to raise awareness of the direct link between human health and the built environment and the health consequences from land use decisions and development patterns. The awards recognized real estate projects and programs that support public health as a core component of thriving communities.

“These two projects are an excellent example of the type of work we are proud to do at Civic San Diego – encouraging economic development and providing high-quality affordable housing in our urban communities,” said Reese A. Jarrett, president of Civic San Diego. “As Civic San Diego’s first project supported through its New Markets Tax Credit program, we are excited to see the YMCA recognized for the tremendous impact it has had in City Heights. Additionally, Celadon has set an excellent example for the attention to beneficial details in the built environment of affordable housing to positively impact the lives of its residents. Civic San Diego is proud to partner with organizations like the YMCA and BRIDGE Housing to help our urban communities thrive.”

Since opening on El Cajon Boulevard and Fairmount Avenue one year ago, the Copley-Price Family YMCA has been one of the fastest growing YMCA community centers in the country. It provides a safe and positive environment for people of diverse backgrounds to come together and participate in programs emphasizing youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Civic San Diego provided $23 million in New Markets Tax Credits to aid investment in the new community facility. The new YMCA features several amenities not previously available in the area, including childcare services, preschool, a teen center, a demonstration kitchen, cooking classes, childhood obesity programs, health and wellness classes, parenting workshops and senior programs.

Celadon, a 17-story affordable housing development, opened its doors in May of 2015 to provide 250 affordable units in the East Village neighborhood of Downtown. Civic San Diego provided a $21.8 million loan to finance the project which was developed by BRIDGE Housing. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of healthier transportation options by the building’s location three blocks from a major trolley stop and bike racks throughout the site. Since the average person spends more than 90 percent of their time indoors, particular attention was given to the quality of building materials. Low-emitting paints, sealants and flooring were used to protect tenants from airborne toxins and optimize resident health. The rooms are also oriented to take advantage of natural lighting and air circulation. The development includes the tallest electric solar system of its kind in the U.S., rising 143 feet on the south side of the building. This modern solar aesthetic also serves as a functional shaded area for residents enjoying the property’s outdoor open space.

Civic San Diego is actively working to identify additional qualifying projects like the Copley-Price Family YMCA to receive New Markets Tax Credit funding. In order to qualify, a project must be located in, or directly benefit, a low-income community by creating quality jobs, or providing goods or services to low-income persons. This form of financing is intended to provide no more than 20 percent of a project’s total cost, and is best suited for large capital projects of $8 million or more. To present Civic San Diego with potential projects, contact Michael Lengyel at lengyel@civicsd.com.