The Iris at San Ysidro
10.17.2026 // San Ysidro // Bringing 100 new affordable housing apartments to San Ysidro
Nehemiah Buenaventura, Treasurer & Business Manager
Image courtesy of Studio E Architects
Completed in 2025, The Iris at San Ysidro is a four-story affordable housing development at 1663 Dairy Mart Road, near the Iris Avenue Transit Center. Developed by National CORE and designed by Studio E Architects, the project provides 99 affordable apartments and one manager’s unit, along with improvements to nearby public spaces.
The development includes a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments for individuals and families earning between 25% and 60% of the area median income (AMI). Fifteen apartments are reserved for permanent supportive housing for residents who have experienced homelessness. The project also includes 50 apartments with enhanced mobility features and five with communications access features for residents with hearing-related needs.
Due to being 100% affordable, The Iris was eligible for the Affordable Housing Permit Now Program. Signed in 2023 as an executive order by Mayor Todd Gloria, this program allows 100% affordable developments, supportive housing, and homeless shelters to have a streamlined 30 day permitting time limit, drastically shortening the wait time of a process that could otherwise take multiple months. This applies to building permits, engineering permits, and ministerial permits, such as those for grading.
Image courtesy of Studio E Architects
The building wraps around a central courtyard with outdoor gathering areas and a protected play space for children. Colorful panels along the balconies add variation to the building’s exterior along Dairy Mart Road. Resident amenities include a community room, laundry facilities, and offices for case management services.
Located near the Iris Avenue Transit Center, the development provides access to public transportation alongside walking access to nearby destinations including Howard Lane Park, local businesses, a family health clinic, and an elementary school. The project also included a $5 million investment in the restoration of Howard Lane Park, along with street safety and sidewalk improvements.
Image courtesy of Studio E Architects
Residents have access to supportive services through organizations including the Hope through Housing Foundation, Casa Familiar, and San Ysidro Health. Services include case management, health and behavioral health resources, employment support, and care coordination. The County of San Diego has committed to providing supportive services at the site for 20 years.
The project was funded through a combination of public financing and affordable housing programs. The County of San Diego contributed $5 million through its Innovative Housing Trust Fund and $6.5 million through the No Place Like Home program. The development also received financing and rental assistance support from the San Diego Housing Commission, alongside other public and private funding sources.
Image courtesy of Studio E Architects
The Iris celebrated its grand opening on December 16, 2025. In 2026, the development received a Gold Nugget Award for Best Affordable Housing Community in its density category.