Mercado Apartments - Affordable Apartments

About Mercado Apartments - Affordable Apartments

Mercado Apartments is a 144 unit, affordable apartment complex located in the heart of Barrio Logan, a predominantly Latino area that has a significant history within the Latino community in San Diego. The development has received numerous awards, with the Orchid Award for Environmental Solutions and Planning (1996) and the Nonprofit Federation's Project of the Year (1994) being among them. Completed in 1994, Mercado Apartments was the first development that MAAC Project embarked on and which spearheaded the awareness and active participation of other nonprofits in the field of affordable housing development throughout the San Diego region. In addition to good quality design and units at extremely affordable levels, the community awareness, advocacy, and political impact that this development had on the approach to redevelopment in San Diego raised the consciousness of many city stakeholders. As a result, Mercado Apartments has received national acclaim and continues to be a primary tour spot for community development leaders visiting from various parts of the country. Amenities include a community room with attached kitchen and bathrooms, laundry facilities, a computer learning lab, and two tot lots.

MAAC Project's Community Development approach works to build a supportive community that includes quality property management, tenant governance councils, culturally sensitive social services, work skill enhancement programs, community leadership and organization, and intervention strategies for children and youth. A comprehensive residents program is provided, including but not limited to: a diverse and culturally appropriate library, an After-School Reading Program, on-site childcare (HeadStart), a lunch program, summer camp participation programs, and more. Experienced Community Development staff, resident volunteers, college, high school and other community volunteers support these on-site programs.