The Keeler Court Apartments in the Southcrest neighborhood of San Diego, CA, celebrated its official opening on June 29th. Fulfilling a great need for housing in this area, the Keeler Court Apartments provide 71 studio, one-, two-, and three- bedroom apartment homes for families and individuals earning 30-60 percent of the area median income.

The BNIM design team in partnership with Community HousingWorks (CHW), focused on establishing a connected community within the development and setting residents up for success. CHW is a nonprofit organization that has been serving the San Diego area and California for over 30 years, providing affordable housing for families and individuals as well as several resident programs that contribute to resident empowerment, financial wellness, health and well-being, and children’s academic needs. Keeler Court is in close proximity to two of CHW’s other affordable complexes, Mayberry Townhomes and Las Serenas. The site is also adjacent to many amenities and community resources, promoting enhanced community connectivity, walkability, and bikeability for residents.

The development includes two four-story buildings connected by exterior pedestrian bridges that serve as focal points of the project overlooking the San Diego Bay. A community courtyard serves as the hub of activity for residents where they can enjoy the barbecue and picnic area, children’s play area, and multi-purpose community room and kitchen. The Keeler Court Apartments intersects community planning, housing, and transportation into a sustainable vision for a diverse neighborhood. Sustainable site features include stormwater retention, no or low VOC materials, low-flow water fixtures in apartment units, and a cool roof system to reduce heat gain and enhance comfort for residents while also reducing utility costs.

Keeler Court was recently recognized for its demonstration of design excellence, receiving an Award of Merit in the Best Affordable Housing Community (30 to 60 units) category at the 2022 Gold Nugget Awards, an AIA San Diego Merit Award in Architecture, and  Project of the Year for New Construction at the 2022 Ruby Awards. Keeler Court demonstrates how affordable apartment communities can be beautiful and integrate well with the surrounding community with its use of warm color palette, access to daylight and views, inviting landscape, and contemporary design.

Our team proud to have been a part of this impactful project with Community HousingWorks, and BNIM is honored and excited to celebrate the opening of this neighborhood development.