T
he Episcopal Diocese of San Diego is pioneering a unique approach to community development with its "real estate with a mission" concept. St. Luke's Church in North Park is the first diocesan church to build affordable housing on its property, breaking ground on an 8-story apartment complex that will provide 77 units for low-income individuals and families.

    Located at the corner of 30th Street and Gunn Street, the development was made possible through a $2.2 million deal between the church and developer Trestle, who secured a 99-year ground lease to build and operate the affordable apartments. The units will be allocated through a lottery system to households earning no more than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with some restricted to 30-70% AMI.

    Bishop Susan Brown Snook sees this project as an extension of the church's mission, saying "We believe it's part of our mission in this diocese, in this church, to be partners with our neighborhood." The development aims to address the pressing issue of affordable housing in the area, where many residents struggle to find adequate housing.

    The project has been years in the making, and junior warden Nicodemus Lim is thrilled to see it finally take shape. "It's a prayer that has been answered by God," he said, noting that many friends had left San Diego due to unaffordable housing costs, breaking apart the community. Construction on the complex is expected to be completed within 18-21 months.