Committee weighs modular interim housing and 200 Michigan site; mayor urges larger purchase near jobs

City staff returned to the standing committee with a review of modular interim housing options, site choices and preliminary cost estimates for a permanent city‑owned interim housing facility.

“After reviewing other proposals for adaptive reuse of established buildings, staff recommends the utilization of a city owned property at 200 Michigan Ave for partial demolition, reconstruction, and renovation,” Daniel Stearman, the city management analyst, told the committee as he summarized site work and construction estimates.

Why it matters: Vista has allocated capital toward a permanent interim housing facility and must decide whether to adapt the Lifeline‑operated city parcel at 200 Michigan Avenue, build modular units on other city land or pursue purchase/rehabilitation of a larger commercial property in the business park. Committee members balanced faster modular deployment against long‑term property ownership and cost.

What staff presented - Field visits: Staff and elected officials visited two existing modular projects: Victorville Wellness Center (Connect Homes prefab…