The historic Superior Furniture Co. on El Cajon Boulevard is finally reborn. It’s now The Teralta, a premier $71 million development that revitalizes the heart of City Heights. This project thoughtfully preserves the original Art Deco facade while delivering modern housing that our community desperately needs.
Resident Eligibility and Rent Limits at The Teralta
The development offers specific housing solutions designed to meet the needs of local homebuyers and residents. The following details outline the scope and requirements for this community:
Total of 72 units available for local residents.
- Availability of three and four-bedroom apartments, which are a notable rarity in the affordable housing sector.
- A 55-year affordability requirement to ensure long-term stability for residents.
- Income limits require residents to earn no more than 60% of the area’s median income.
- Monthly rents ranging from $844 to $2,698 depending on unit size and income levels.
Rental Assistance and Federal Housing Support in City Heights
The San Diego Housing Commission provided 33 federal rental assistance vouchers to help residents secure these homes. Fifteen vouchers are designated for those earning up to 30% of the area median income. The remaining 18 vouchers support residents earning up to 40% of the area median income.
Mayor Todd Gloria stated that this project sends a strong message that there is a “future for you here in this city” for all hard-working San Diegans. SDHC President and CEO Lisa Jones noted that affordable rents allow residents to “devote more of their time and their limited resources to work, school, health, and to spending time with each other and community.” These resources ensure that individuals have a better opportunity to thrive in their neighborhood.
Community Amenities and Benefits of Multigenerational Living
The complex incorporates several high-quality amenities designed to support a vibrant resident community. The design focuses on providing functional spaces for both recreation and professional development.
- Community room and computer lab for professional and educational growth.
- Playground and barbecue areas for resident recreation.
- Rooftop deck with views of the surrounding neighborhood.
- Two ground-floor commercial spaces designed for local small businesses.
Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera emphasized the importance of larger units for “multigenerational living.” He noted that this development allows grandparents to care for children while residents save on childcare costs, providing the exact type of housing needed for community stability.
Community Development & Other Affordable Housing Opportunities
This project highlights how meaningful progress in affordable housing happens through strong public-private partnerships and long-term community investment. Through the collaboration between Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation and Price Philanthropies Foundation, The Teralta became possible with the donation of land for just $10 and a $14.25 million loan that helped ensure the project’s success.
As San Diego County expands first-time homebuyer assistance programs and launches tools like the Affordable Housing Inventory Dashboard, developments like The Teralta show what affordable housing progress looks like in action. These initiatives help residents better understand available opportunities while improving access to stable and affordable housing options.
By supporting both affordable rental communities and future homeownership pathways, these efforts address the region’s growing housing affordability crisis from multiple angles. They also create stronger opportunities for long-term housing stability and economic security across San Diego County.
