Affordable Housing on City Owned Lots

Below is a description of the Linc Housing Project. The City would like to hear your feedback and comments.  Please use the discussion tool below to engage. 

Project Description 

In October 2020, Eureka City Council chose Linc Housing to develop three noncontiguous City-owned public parking lots with affordable housing. Two of the lots are located on the outskirts of Downtown, at the northeast corner of 8th and G Streets (across from the Eureka Inn) and the northwest corner of 6th and M Streets (near Eureka City Hall). The third lot is located at Sunny and Myrtle, adjacent to Kool Beanz Coffee & Ice Cream.

Linc Housing’s approved project includes 90 dwelling units total across the three sites: 

• 8^th & G: 

• 43,216-square-foot, 4-story (48 ft), 31-unit multi-family apartment building on a 14,400-square-foot lot.
• 14 one-bedroom, 8 two-bedroom, and 9 three-bedroom units. 
• 15 of the units will be reserved for very-low income households, 15 for low-income households, and 1 market-rate manager’s unit.

• 6^th & M: 

• 40,036-square-foot, 4-story (48 ft), 28-unit multi-family apartment building on a 13,200-square-foot lot.
• 12 one-bedroom, 7 two-bedroom, and 9 three-bedroom units. 
• 15 of the units will be reserved for very-low income households, 12 for low-income households, and 1 market-rate manager’s unit.

• Sunny & Myrtle: 

• 36,913-square foot, 4-story (48ft), 31-unit multi-family apartment building on an approximately 18,000-square-foot lot. 
• 16 one-bedroom, 8 two-bedroom, and 7 three-bedroom units. 
• 15 of the units will be reserved for very-low income households, 15 for low-income households, and 1 market-rate manager’s unit.

All three developments will include a first-floor community room; first-floor support services office space; laundry facilities; long- and short-term bike parking; and an outdoor tot lot and courtyard area.

See Q&A for information on what constitutes low and very-low income households.

How does the Linc Housing Project help towards the City’s share of the region’s projected housing need?

How was this project initiated?

The City Council adopted the 2019-2027 Housing Element in December 2019, including Housing Element Implementation Measure IMP H-34 (Affordable Housing on City-owned Properties) which identifies 14 City-owned parcels at 8 separate sites to be put up for sale or lease to affordable housing developers with the goal of constructing at least 327 deed-restricted affordable housing units by 2028. The City released the first request for proposals (RFP) in July 2020 for City parking lots at 8th & G, 6th & M, and Sunny & Myrle, and awarded the first three sites to Linc Housing in October 2020. The City entered into a Lease Disposition and Development Agreement with Linc Housing in March 2021.

What progress has been made on this project?

• Permitting: The project has received Design Review approval in February 2021, with modifications approved in June 2022, and a Class 32 Infill CEQA exemption. The project just needs a building permit to begin construction.
• Funding: In December 2021, HCD awarded Linc Housing an Infill Infrastructure Grant of $750,000. In August 2023, the City and Linc Housing were awarded an Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Round 7 loan and grant of $30.1 million. In addition to funding the housing, the award includes over $9.2 million in funding to the City and Humboldt Transit Authority for significant public infrastructure improvements, and $750,000 in funding for impactful programs. In June 2024, Linc secured another $15 million through the National Housing Trust Fund Program (NHTF). Linc Housing applied for tax credits this July, which will be the final funding component needed to move the development forward.
• Community Outreach: Linc Housing held two community meetings on April 29, 2021 and May 11, 2021 via Zoom, and two meetings on February 8 and March 9, 2023 at the Jefferson Community Center and via Zoom. Linc Housing also hosted an online survey, which received 312 responses. Since Fall of 2020, Linc has also held 19 small group meetings with community-based organizations, tribal entities, and other stakeholders, and has worked closely with City and Humboldt Transit Authority staff to identify needed public improvements to serve the future residents and surrounding community.

Who is Linc Housing?

Linc Housing is a 39-year-old nonprofit affordable housing builder and owner. There mission is to build communities and strengthen neighborhoods for people underserved by the market. Linc has successfully created over 9,000 affordable apartments housing over 13,500 current residents, with over 1,500 additional apartments in development. You can find out more about Linc at there website, The Linc Between Hope and Home | Linc Housing.

Press Release - September 7, 2023 

City of Eureka and Linc Housing awarded $30.1 million in Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) funding for affordable housing and community improvements 

On August 30, 2023 the California Strategic Growth Council awarded $30.1 million to the City of Eureka and Linc Housing to support the construction of 90 homes in three affordable housing communities at 8th and G Streets, 6th and M Streets, and Myrtle and Sunny Avenues, called the Eureka Scattered Site Project. The City and Linc Housing have been working together on the project since the Eureka City Council approved Linc Housing’s proposal in October 2020, after a Request for Proposals (RFP) process was completed with the aim of building affordable housing on City-owned parking lots as required by the City’s 2019-2027 Housing Element to meet State housing requirements. The AHSC funding will be used to leverage other funding in the coming months to complete the project. 

Click the link below to see the full Press Release and more information on the Grant that was awarded for the project:  

Eureka Gets $30.1 Million for Affordable Homes and Community Projects 

Also check out this map that shows what the grant is paying for: 

Map of planned improvements

Below is a description of the Wiyot Housing Project. The City would like to hear your questions and comments.  Please use the discussion tool below to engage.

Project Description 

In July 2023, Eureka City Council chose the Wiyot Tribe Dishgamu Humboldt Community Land Trust to develop two separate City-owned parking lots with affordable housing. One lot is located at the northwest corner of 6^th and L, adjacent to Eureka City Hall, and the other lot is located at the northwest corner of 5^th and D, adjacent to the vacant lot where the Lloyd building was recently demolished. 

The Wiyot’s initial conceptual plans propose 93 dwelling units total across the two sites:

• 6^th & L: 
  1. 52-unit apartment complex in a 5-story building, totaling 46,357 square feet of floor area on a 13,200-square-foot lot.
  2. The development is intended to serve independent elders who seek smaller units, community amenities, and proximity to community services and transit.
  3. 24 studios, 20 one-bedroom, and 8 two-bedroom units.

• 15 of the units will be reserved for very-low income households, 11 for low-income households, and 26 for moderate-income households.
• • Amenities: Ground-floor lounge and community dining hall with commercial kitchen; 20 City parking spaces in a separate garage with rooftop courtyard for residents; resident vehicle loading area with an accessible van parking space; commercial loading area off the alley; laundry facilities; an indoor long-term bike parking room and outdoor short-term bike parking.
• 5^th & D: 
  • 41-unit apartment complex in two buildings, one four-stories and one five-stories, with a combined floor area of 51,523 square feet on a 13,200-square-foot lot. 
  • The development is intended to serve multigenerational and young families, including university students.
  • 14 one-bedroom, 16 two-bedroom, 6 three-bedroom, and 5 four-bedroom units.
  • 15 of the units will be reserved for very-low income households, 10 for low-income households, and 16 for moderate-income households.
• • Amenities: day care center for 40 children; ground-floor courtyard and playground; rooftop deck, garden and community room; 8 parking spaces including 1 ADA-accessible space for an electric car-share fleet for residential use; views of the bay and Tuluwat Island; laundry facilities; an indoor long-term bike parking room and outdoor short-term bike parking.

See Q&A for information on what constitutes low and very-low income households.

How does the Wiyot Project help towards the City’s share of the region’s projected housing need?

How was this project initiated?

The City Council adopted the 2019-2027 Housing Element in December 2019, including Housing Element Implementation Measure IMP H-34 (Affordable Housing on City-owned Properties) which identifies 14 City-owned parcels at 8 separate sites to be put up for sale or lease to affordable housing developers with the goal of constructing at least 332 deed-restricted affordable housing units by 2028. On April 4, 2023, Council authorized release of the RFP for the 5^th & D and 6^th & L Sites, and awarded the Sites to the Wiyot Tribe on July 18, 2023. 

What progress has been made on this project?

The project is just kicking off. The Wiyot need to secure funding for the project, and work through the City’s entitlement process, which includes Design Review approval and building permits. Pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City and the Wiyot Tribe/ Dishgamu Humboldt CLT, at least one community meeting will be held before plans are submitted for Design Review approval, and at least one community meeting will occur during the funding application phase, prior to building permit submittal. The MOU also requires targeted outreach to local agencies and groups.

Images for the Transit and Housing Center coming soon! 

Below is a description of the Earth Center Project. The City would like to hear your questions and comments.  Please use the discussion tool below to engage.

Project Description

On November 16, 2021, City Council entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Humboldt Transit Authority (“HTA”) to collaborate on the development of the 3rd Street City-owned parking lots between G and H Streets for an intermodal transit center on the ground floor with affordable housing above. The site is approximately 0.61 acres in size and contains two contiguous parcels. The transit center is intended to integrate local and intercity bus service with carshare, rideshare, bicycle and pedestrian travel at this centrally-located Downtown site. The transit center will include a lobby, courtyard, offices, restrooms, and a number of individual commercial/retail spaces fronting the street. Pursuant to the City’s Housing Element, a minimum of 30 affordable dwelling units will be developed above the transit center.

How does the Earth Center Project help towards the City’s share of the region’s projected housing need?

How was this project initiated?

HTA was awarded a California State Transportation Agency 2022 Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) grant with up to $10 million for the construction of an intermodal transit center. On October 18, 2022, Council adopted an amendment to the Housing Element that in part added the Transit and Housing Center to Implementation Program IMP-34 to meet the City’s lower income RHNA. On May 1, 2024, HTA’s Board adopted a resolution approving Danco as the developer for the EaRTH Center project, and authorizing commitment of TIRCP grant funds to Danco, subject to HTA's approval of the conceptual site plan for the ground floor. City Council then authorized the City Manager to enter into a Disposition and Development Agreement with Danco for the development of the Earth Center on June 4, 2024.

Below is a description of the Sunset Heights Project. The City would like to hear your questions and comments.  Please use the discussion tool below to engage.

Project Description 

On September 5, 2023, City Council entered into an agreement with Rural Communities Housing Development Corporation (RCHDC) for development of the City-owned “Sunset Heights” property located at 1200 West Harris Street (see map above). Pursuant to the City’s Housing Element, a minimum of 80 affordable dwelling units will be developed on this approximately 3.5-acre site, which contains four contiguous parcels.

How does the Sunset Heights Project help towards the City’s share of the region’s projected housing need?

How was this project initiated?

The City Council adopted the 2019-2027 Housing Element in December 2019, including Housing Element Implementation Measure IMP H-34 (Affordable Housing on City-owned Properties) which identifies City-owned parcels to be put up for sale or lease to affordable housing developers with the goal of constructing at least 332 deed-restricted affordable housing units by 2028. The four Sunset Heights parcels were added to the program in 2022, after Pierson Properties & Development, LLC came forward with a proposal to swap three of the City-owned Downtown parking lot sites originally included in the program for the Sunset Heights property. The City acquired the Sunset Heights property from Pierson in early 2022, and officially added the site to the housing program in October 2022. On September 5, 2023, City Council entered into an agreement with RCHDC for development of Sunset Heights with a minimum of 80 affordable dwelling units.

What progress has been made on this project?

To receive feedback on public priorities prior to development of a conceptual design, RCHDC and the City of Eureka held an initial public meeting at City Hall and via Zoom on November 15, 2023, and released an online survey which received 298 responses. The meeting and survey results informed development of two conceptual design options which were brought to City Council for review on May 7, 2024. Council collectively voiced preference for the first of the two options, and now the project’s architect is using that feedback to draft more detailed plans. The final design will be taken to the City’s Design Review Committee or Planning Commission for Design Review approval at a noticed public hearing (the date of which is still to be determined). Once Design Review approval is secured and a merger/lot line adjustment is approved and recorded, RCHDC may apply to the City for building permits to construct the project. Timing is contingent on RCHDC securing funding. Per the City’s agreement with RCHDC, at least one more public meeting will be held to encourage public input on the project prior to RCHDC applying for a building permit.

Who is RCHDC? 

Rural Communities Housing Development Corporation (RCHDC) is a nonprofit dedicated to providing decent and affordable housing to low- and moderate-income persons in rural northern California. We strive to be a strong, dynamic, and flexible organization; effective at achieving our mission through our efforts and partnerships both public and private. RCHDC has developed over 700 units and manages over 1,400 units of multi-family affordable housing for individuals and families, elderly, and special needs populations. This extensive organizational history exemplifies our experience and capacity for developing and owning affordable housing. Throughout the last 7 years, RCHDC has expanded its knowledge of Housing First Principles as evidenced by our successful collaborations with the Counties of Siskiyou, Mendocino, Lake, Tehama, and Humboldt to develop five No Place Like Home developments for people experiencing homelessness and/or serious mental illness.

RCHDC’s approach to developing affordable housing in the City of Eureka will be driven by the needs of the local community. To understand and plan for a project that meets those needs, we focus on five essential components – building a project-specific team, ensuring community involvement and integration, knowing the market and target population, assessing the built environment possibilities, and matching the appropriate funding sources. We look forward to expanding housing opportunities in the beautiful City of Eureka.

Here is a link to the Sunset Heights Project Website for more information: https://www.eurekaca.gov/889/SUNSET-HEIGHTS-MULTI-FAMILY-HOUSING-DEVE

Below is a description of the C to F Waterfront project. The City would like to hear your questions and comments. Please use the discussion tool below to engage.

On October 18, 2022, Council adopted an amendment to the Housing Element that in part added the C to F Waterfront to Implementation Program IMP-34 to meet the City’s very-low income RHNA. The Site includes three contiguous parcels totaling approximately 2.7 acres between the Eureka Boardwalk and 1^st Street (to the north and south) and C and F Streets (to the west and east).

On April 4, 2023, Council authorized release of an affordable housing request for proposals (RFP) for the C to F Sites. The RFP called for a minimum of 95 affordable housing units at the Site as part of a mixed-use development with ground-floor commercial, civic and/or recreational uses (based on the Site’s zoning, residential units are only allowed on upper floors). Bonus points were offered for projects that: (1) retain at least 25% of the site as public open spaces; (2) include buildings with visitor-serving/public spaces not just on the ground floor, but also on the top floor; and (3) relate to and are congruent with adjacent buildings and sites, and are an extension of the existing development pattern of Old Town, while providing a sense of human scale and proportion.

No responses to the initial RFP were received. The City is now working with the Regional Water Quality Control Board on supplemental site investigation work to prepare the Site for mixed-use development, and anticipates revisiting the RFP with Council once the investigation work is complete.