Local elected official, construction union leaders and members, affordable housing developers, land use consultants, and the community came together on Sept. 16 for the groundbreaking for a new affordable housing community.
Union Tower will provide 94 affordable homes for low-income families and veterans and will be built on the site of the National City Park Apartments, which has served the community for over 50 years by providing affordable housing and uplifting low-income residents.
“I’m glad to join Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation, San Diego Building Trades Council Family Housing Corporation, and other partners to celebrate a new affordable housing project coming to National City. It will help provide nearly 100 new affordable units for families and veterans in our community,” said Rep. Juan Vargas in a press release. “For too many, access to affordable housing is out of reach. We need to keep working to expand our housing supply and provide more options for families of all income levels. Simply put, we need more projects just like the one we’re celebrating today. I’m committed to supporting affordable housing initiatives and lowering costs for all.”
Scheduled to open in 2026, Union Tower will increase the impact of National City Park Apartments by replacing two outdated 16-unit buildings with two beautiful contemporary buildings with a combined 94 affordable apartments. This project will also address area homelessness by including 24 homes set aside for veterans currently experiencing homelessness. Union Tower will deliver much-needed affordable housing, create high quality jobs, both construction and permanent operation, and preserve the affordability of the 456-unit National City Park Apartments.
Wakeland’s President and CEO, Rebecca Louie said its mission is to transform lives with affordable housing, and Union Towers will do that.
“We know that people are healthier in affordable housing,” she stated. “We know that kids do better in school when they’re in affordable housing. We know that our communities are stronger when we have more affordable housing. And the bonus with Union Tower is that it will also end homelessness for 24 local veterans, all while creating quality jobs for people in National City.”
