Celine
Little Italy // Workforce Housing in Little Italy
A new building is in permitting right now in Little Italy, and the design is striking. Celine from Nakhshab Development is a new mixed use building in Little Italy. Planned to bring "Workforce" affordable housing to one of San Diego's most expensive neighborhoods and more retail to the neighborhood. Having recently been awarded a $2 million low interest loan for the affordable portion of the project, it is well on its way to become a reality.
This project was originally presented to the Downtown Community Development Council as a 52 unit project with 6 affordable units, with a concept mentioned in the meeting of changing to all affordable. It was changed to be all 80% AMI affordable after the loan came thru. Showing that these programs do make affordable housing happen for more people of all income levels.
The building is designed around an existing historic home, which will be moved to the front of the property to allow for the structure to be built over and around it more easily. This allows for the new structure to be built atop it while only one structural element goes thru the house.
The home is expected to become a commercial space like another project by Nakhshab Development. Ezabelle in East village is another 8 story building by this developer with a historic home built into it. Which is the home to Hinar Cafe. Like Ezabelle, Celine will also be smaller commercial spaces likely on the first floor to allow for more small businesses in this bustling neighborhood. and the rooftop is planned to have commercial space as well. Being like the Sasan in Mission Hills. Another development by Nakhshab Development.
The design of the curved facade on the side was accomplished by purchasing air rights from the neighboring property, which allows for more units to have large windows. With the narrow lot this is necessary to maximize the number of units here. Given the precedent from previous developments the units are likely studios and 1 bedrooms. Being designed to be compact yet spacious with murphy beds and other folding or compact furniture.
This development is a great addition to the bustling and vibrant Little Italy neighborhood, allowing more people who work in the neighborhood to be able to work there, allowing more small businesses to pop up, restore a historic home, and allow for a rooftop experience in the heart of the neighborhood.
view from Communion, the restaurant atop The Sasan.
Site Pictures
https://downtownplanningsd.org/agendas/march-19-2025/