San Diego Housing Commission Wins Award of Excellence for Project Design
(Washington D.C.-Nov. 17, 2020)- The San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) is a recipient of the Award of Excellence for Project Design by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) for redeveloping a previous single-room occupancy (SRO) residential building into permanent supportive housing for seniors.
“This year’s award-winning agencies have given us innovative local solutions for increasing affordable housing stock and improving the lives of their residents,” NAHRO President Sunny Shaw said. “I am excited to honor them for their excellence.”
It’s been more than two decades since the New Palace Hotel was renovated. Now thanks to SDHC, with the help of its nonprofit affiliate Housing Development Partners (HDP), the hotel has been converted into 79 affordable studio apartments for seniors who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Following the “Housing First” model of addressing homelessness, the New Palace Hotel offers residents federal rental assistance from SDHC and access to a variety of supportive services.
Significant upgrades to the hotel included addition of kitchenettes for all units, upgraded shower and bathroom fixtures, new bedroom furniture, a media room for residents, a public courtyard and on-site laundry facilities. The project helped preserve the property’s affordability and history while improving its livability for seniors experiencing homelessness.
“NAHRO members have always been in the business of providing homes and improving lives – these awards commemorate shining examples of the vital work they do nationwide,” NAHRO CEO Adrianne Todman said. “My sincere congratulations to this year’s winners.”
About Awards of Excellence
Nominated from among the Award of Merit winners each year, these Awards are chosen by national juries and presented at the annual National Conference and Exhibition. They represent the very best in innovative programs in assisted housing and community development.
About NAHRO
NAHRO, established in 1933, is a membership organization of nearly 20,000 housing and community development agencies and professionals throughout the United States whose mission is to create affordable housing and safe, viable communities that enhance the quality of life for all Americans, especially those of low- and moderate-income. NAHRO’s membership administers more than 3 million housing units for 7.6 million people.