State leaders have initiated the construction of a new affordable housing project in downtown Stockton. The site, formerly state-owned land, will be transformed into 94 homes for low-income households under an executive order by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of the Excess Sites program in addressing California’s housing crisis: “Once again, the Excess Sites program is helping transform state-owned land into something more: hope and stability for our state’s residents. California continues to lead by example in addressing the nation’s affordable housing crisis.”
The program is managed by the California Department of General Services (DGS) and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). It identifies suitable state-owned lands for housing development and provides them to developers through long-term ground leases. Visionary Home Builders of California will develop this community.
Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Secretary Tomiquia Moss stated, “The State’s Excess Sites program continues to transform neighborhoods across California by turning underutilized state property into affordable housing and revitalizing communities.” She added that this energy-efficient project would help reduce carbon footprints while rejuvenating Downtown Stockton with essential services for families and seniors.
Government Operations Secretary Nick Maduros expressed his personal connection to Stockton: “Having grown up in Stockton, I am honored to be a part of this transformation to provide safe and stable housing for members of the community who need it most.”
The La Passeggiata project at 622 East Lindsey Street will feature two buildings connected by a breezeway. The five-story building will house 39 one- and two-bedroom apartments, while the six-story building will offer 55 two- and three-bedroom units. These units are designed with energy-efficient appliances, rooftop gardens, and solar energy systems.
DGS Director Ana M. Lasso highlighted the collaborative effort behind this initiative: “This project harnesses the best of state, local and nonprofit collaboration to deliver much needed sustainable, affordable housing across the state.”
HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez noted how unused land would become valuable residential space: “Thanks to the Governor’s executive order, nearly an acre of land sitting unused in the heart of Stockton—blocks from the Civic Center and waterfront—will be transformed into critically needed affordable housing.”
Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-06-19 was issued in 2019 to identify underutilized state-owned lands suitable for conversion into affordable housing. This has led to numerous projects across various regions including Sugar Pine Village in Tahoe, Mulberry Gardens Senior Apartments in Riverside, Sonrisa in Sacramento among others.
