The 88-unit Link @ Blackstone project seen here will be sister communities with the 78-unit Clinton Avenue Apartments up the road. Both are developed by Integrated Community Development of Los Angeles. Photo by Edward Smith

A new affordable housing complex in Fresno should debut to the same high rental demand as the developer’s first project less than a mile away.

Integrated Community Development purchased a 2.75-acre parcel of land at Blackstone and Clinton avenues to be the site of a 78-unit community called The Clinton Avenue Apartments. The land had previously been owned by Granville Homes.

The project will consist of 30 one-bedroom units, 21 two-bedroom units, 21 three-bedroom units and six four-bedroom units for families earning 30% to 60% of area median income.

Integrated Community Development plans to break ground in spring 2022 on the $26.7 million complex, according to Jake Lingo, senior vice president for the Los Angeles-based firm.

Lingo said the Clinton Avenue site is a “true urban infill development.”

“Almost all the off-site is in place,” Lingo said, “including curbs, gutters, roads, storm drains, sewer and electric.” They are in the process of going through building plan checks. And with a flat-level lot, grading will be minimal.

The City’s loan of $3 million for the project also opened it up to the federal Disaster Relief Tax Credits. The tax credit allows the project keep rents low so long as it remains affordable for 55 years.

“The Clinton Avenue Apartments will play a major role in addressing Fresno’s housing shortage,” said Fresno City Council Vice President Nelson Esparza in a new release. “Affordable housing has been a top priority for me since being elected.”

The project is in Esparza’s District 7.

The most recent development for Integrated Community Development may serve as a bellwether for demand at the project. The 88-unit Link @ Blackstone opened at full capacity in September, Lingo said. Interest for the affordable housing complex began almost as soon as construction. They began formulating a list of potential tenants in early 2020 and were 100% preleased when they debuted with an extensive waitlist.

The Link even leased its bottom-floor commercial space, with Clinica Sierra Vista set to occupy 7,500 square feet for a clinic. The remaining 1,800 square feet will be used for a senior center by the City of Fresno.

The Link was the first project for Integrated Community Development in Fresno city limits, though it has completed projects with the County of Fresno. The relationship developed with the City enabled them to quickly come up with a financing plan that made available the tax credits for Clinton Avenue.

Unlike The Link, the Clinton Avenue Apartments won’t be mixed use, though it will be close to other commercial space. Across the street is a Smart & Final Extra and the Bus Rapid Transit is nearby along with a pharmacy and bank.

Its proximity to these services was a big reason why they chose the location, Lingo said.

Boston-based WinnResidential will manage the property, as it does at The Link. BLH Construction is the general contractor and YM Architects is the design team. Both are out of Los Angeles. Breen Engineering of Torrance is providing mechanical engineering and Walsh Engineering of San Luis Obispo will provide civil engineering.