Irvine, CA – Exactly one year to the day after Jamboree Housing Corporation broke ground on an empty dirt lot, more than 90 supporters – including local officials and community leaders – celebrated the grand opening of The Arbor at Woodbury. The property was completed ahead of schedule and under budget despite the economic downturn in real estate, and is now home to 90 families.
The early completion resulted in significant financial savings. These almost unprecedented savings were demonstrated by a refund check in the amount of $575,000 presented by Jamboree president Laura Archuleta to the City of Irvine. “It’s very rare to complete a project this early,” noted Archuleta. “This is only the second time in my career that I’ve had the privilege of returning funds to our partners so quickly.”
“The property is well designed, well-built, and sustainably-built,” noted Michael Massie, Housing Development Manager for Jamboree. “It’s all about team and partnership, which are Jamboree’s specialty.” Those partnerships included collaboration with the City of Irvine and The Irvine Company throughout the design process, ensuring a seamless integration and concurrent occupancy with surrounding homes in the area.
The development offers high quality workforce housing to families who earn between 30% and 60% of the area median income. For example, a family of four earning $46,500 (50% of area median income) will pay about $1,140/month in rent for their three-bedroom home. Its central location allows access to local parks, nature trails, and shopping and other amenities within walking distance.
Jamboree is also providing complimentary shuttle service to residents during commuter hours from the property to the Irvine Transportation Center.
“Union Bank is proud to be an investor in The Arbor at Woodbury, which is providing high- quality, workforce housing and integrated services for working families in the heart of Irvine, a community that offers excellent job and educational opportunities,” said Johanna Gullick, Vice President at Union Bank. “This sustainable development is creating a stable living environment for families. Union Bank is proud to work with a strong partner like Jamboree whose continued efforts build communities and change the lives of their residents.”
The Arbor at Woodbury exemplifies Jamboree’s commitment to family-oriented design and high-quality finishes and materials. Homes include central heating and air, Internet and cable access, granite counter tops, and green features such as low-flow showers, dual-flush toilets, and energy- efficient lighting and appliances, including ENERGY STAR refrigerators and dishwashers. In addition, Jamboree’s resident services group, Housing with HEART, will effectively utilize the property’s community center, computer-learning center and tutoring room to provide customized programs and services to enrich the quality of residents’ lives.
“Building a workforce development like this has an incredible ripple effect on the broader community,” explained Archuleta. “When people can live near their work, they have a better quality of life, they’re more involved in their children’s schools and in their places of worship.” This is Jamboree’s sixth community in Irvine, bringing the total number of affordable homes in Irvine to 800.
“Jamboree has been a tremendous partner with the city of Irvine for years,” said Mayor Sukhee Kang. “Workforce housing makes it possible for people to live here, send their children to Irvine’s great schools, shop here, and work here. Jamboree is helping us reach our goal of providing 10,000 affordable homes by 2025.”
One resident, a single mom who previously lived in a mold-infested apartment without health insurance, says being able to live in The Arbor at Woodbury has changed her life. Her daughter’s health issues have improved, and living just five minutes from her job, she is now able to go home for lunch. “My daughter loves having her own room, and we take walks on the nature trails. We’re in a great place, and I’ve gotten my confidence back as a mother and a provider.”
Additionally, the construction of workforce housing is proving to be instrumental in generating jobs. Jamboree will start construction on six new communities in Orange County this year, creating 532 affordable homes and generating $48M in construction, which translates to 400 jobs in the first year alone.
About Jamboree: Founded in 1990, Jamboree Housing Corporation is an award-winning, broad-based nonprofit housing development company that develops, acquires, renovates and manages permanently affordable rental and ownership housing for lower-income families and seniors throughout California. Housing with HEART (Helping Educate, Activate and Respond Together) is a 501 (c)(3) organization and a division of Jamboree Housing Corporation. A year-long commemoration of Jamboree’s 20th anniversary celebrates the ripple effect of providing high quality workforce housing that generates more jobs, creates supportive housing for seniors and those with special needs, promotes healthy living and builds stronger communities. A leading nonprofit developer, Jamboree’s portfolio includes the development of and/or ownership interest in more than 6,500 affordable homes in more than 56 California communities. Currently, Housing with HEART programs and services are offered at 32 Jamboree communities with designated staff at each location. For more information, go to www.jamboreehousing.com.