San Diego, CA, January 28, 2026
The San Diego Unified School District has approved a landmark plan to convert its University Heights headquarters into an 11-story development, providing 1,500 affordable housing units for educators and staff. The project, designed by PROTEA/Malick, aims to address the housing crisis for educational workers in California, incorporating amenities like parks and retail spaces while emphasizing sustainable building practices. Completion is targeted by 2031.
San Diego, CA
SDUSD Approves Historic Affordable Housing Development for Educators
San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) has approved a plan to transform its University Heights headquarters into a high-density housing development aimed at providing affordable accommodations for educators and staff. The project, proposed by the developer team PROTEA/Malick, involves constructing an 11-story building with 1,500 units, marking it as the largest educator workforce housing initiative in California’s history.
Project Details
The development will feature a mix of studio and multi-bedroom apartments, with nearly 600 units designated for families. The design emphasizes affordability for district teachers and staff, incorporating amenities such as parks, retail spaces, and a public pool. The use of mass timber construction, a sustainable and cost-effective material, is planned for the building, aligning with California’s updated building codes that permit its use in structures up to 18 stories tall. This approach not only reduces construction costs but also promotes environmental sustainability.
Community and Board Support
The proposal received unanimous approval from the SDUSD Board of Education after a comprehensive evaluation of multiple development plans. Board members highlighted the project’s potential to address the housing crisis affecting educators and support staff, emphasizing the importance of providing affordable living options within the communities they serve. The development is expected to be completed by 2031, with the district aiming to house 10% of its workforce by 2030.
Historical Significance of the Site
The University Heights location holds historical significance as the former site of the San Diego Normal School, established in 1898. The area has undergone various transformations over the years, with several historic buildings still standing, including the Teachers Training Annex. The redevelopment plan includes efforts to preserve and adaptively reuse these historic structures, ensuring the project’s integration with the neighborhood’s heritage.
Broader Implications
This initiative is part of a broader movement in California to develop affordable housing for school district employees on district-owned land. By leveraging existing properties, districts aim to provide stable housing options for educators, thereby enhancing recruitment and retention efforts. The SDUSD’s project sets a precedent for similar initiatives statewide, reflecting a proactive approach to addressing the housing challenges faced by educators.
Next Steps
Following the board’s approval, SDUSD staff will engage in negotiations with PROTEA/Malick to finalize the development terms. The project is slated to commence construction in the coming years, with ongoing community engagement to ensure the development aligns with local needs and preserves the character of the University Heights neighborhood.
Key Features of the Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Project Scope | Redevelopment of SDUSD’s University Heights headquarters into an 11-story building with 1,500 affordable housing units for educators and staff. |
| Amenities | Parks, retail spaces, and a public pool to create a vibrant community for residents. |
| Construction Material | Use of mass timber construction, aligning with California’s updated building codes for structures up to 18 stories tall. |
| Historical Preservation | Efforts to preserve and adaptively reuse historic buildings like the Teachers Training Annex on the site. |
| Completion Timeline | Construction expected to commence in the coming years, with completion aimed for 2031. |
FAQ
What is the San Diego Unified School District’s plan for its University Heights headquarters?
SDUSD has approved a plan to redevelop its University Heights headquarters into an 11-story building with 1,500 affordable housing units for educators and staff, marking the largest educator workforce housing initiative in California’s history.
What amenities will the new development include?
The development will feature amenities such as parks, retail spaces, and a public pool, aiming to create a vibrant community for residents.
How does the project address environmental sustainability?
The project plans to use mass timber construction, a sustainable and cost-effective material, aligning with California’s updated building codes that permit its use in structures up to 18 stories tall.
What is the historical significance of the University Heights site?
The site was formerly home to the San Diego Normal School, established in 1898, and includes historic buildings like the Teachers Training Annex, which are planned to be preserved and adaptively reused in the redevelopment.
What are the next steps for the project?
SDUSD staff will negotiate with PROTEA/Malick to finalize development terms, with construction expected to commence in the coming years, aiming for completion by 2031.
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