City plans 1303 new housing units across multiple development projects

In the heart of Costa Mesa, city planners gathered on April 14, 2025, to discuss a robust pipeline of housing projects aimed at addressing the community's growing demand for affordable living spaces. The meeting, marked by a detailed presentation from city staff, highlighted a total of 1,301 housing units currently under development review, showcasing a mix of multifamily apartments, single-family homes, and innovative live-work spaces.

Among the notable projects is the Hive Life multifamily apartment complex, which promises to deliver 1,050 units, with 45 designated as affordable. The Luxe apartment complex, completed in 2024, has already added 209 units to the housing stock, including 20 units reserved for moderate-income households. The city has also made strides in senior housing, with the Jamboree Senior Housing project approved in March 2024, offering 69 units, the majority of which are affordable.

The meeting also addressed ongoing conversions of existing structures into livable spaces. The Travelodge conversion, part of the state's Project Home Key initiative, is set to provide 76 affordable units, while the first phase of a motel conversion project has already yielded 40 units. These efforts reflect the city's commitment to not only increase housing supply but also to ensure that a significant portion remains accessible to those in need.

As the presentation concluded, city staff emphasized the importance of these developments in the context of the city's annual progress report, which will be presented to the City Council. The report aims to align with state housing mandates and demonstrate Costa Mesa's proactive approach to tackling the housing crisis.

Commissioners engaged in a brief discussion, seeking clarity on the timeline for submitting the annual progress report to the California Department of Housing and Community Development. The collaborative spirit of the meeting underscored a shared commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Costa Mesa residents through thoughtful urban planning and development.

As the city moves forward with these projects, the implications for the community are significant. With a focus on affordability and accessibility, Costa Mesa is positioning itself as a model for sustainable urban development in Orange County. The outcomes of these initiatives will be closely watched as they unfold, shaping the future landscape of this vibrant city.