The Teralta is a 73-unit affordable housing community transforming a long-underutilized historic commercial building into a bold new residential landmark. This City Heights project honors the neighborhood’s historic Art Deco character. The preserved street frontage and restored vertical blade sign reference the site’s original building, while the reintroduced script typography of the light-up signage and playful mint-green façade create a memorable street presence. Rather than treating affordability as purely functional, the design embraces color, identity, and architectural expression.
Designed specifically for family living, the community prioritizes larger three- and four-bedroom homes, addressing a critical shortage of affordable residences for larger households in San Diego’s high-cost market. The building balances density with livability through open-air circulation, shared terraces, and a central courtyard that brings light, visibility, and outdoor activity into the center of the project.
Inside and out, the architecture leans into warmth and personality. Art Deco-inspired detailing, geometric patterns, curved corners, and layered material transitions create a visual language that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. In a neighborhood often underserved by new housing investment, the project brings a strong sense of identity to the street while creating homes designed for real families.
