Union Tower Apartments 

  Interest List   
To sign up for the interest list:
Visit www.uniontowerapts.com or call (619) 703-0856
1.  Households will select their desired unit size
2.  Fill in name, phone #, email address, and optional notes
3.  Select send

This project is subject to the Local Preference Policy (Linked here)

Project Update August 2025 Update  | September 2025 Update | October 2025 Update | November 2025 Update | December 2025 Update

Visual of digital image of the proposed Union Tower Project. 7-8 story buildings spaced in the shape of an "L" on the corner of a streetProject Description | Union Tower is being developed by Wakeland Housing Development Corporation (Wakeland) non-profit organization, serving low-income communities. Union Tower is a 100% multi-family affordable housing new construction development located at 2312 F Avenue in National City. There will be two (2) four and seven-story buildings with a total of 94 affordable housing units ranging from 30 to 60% of the County of San Diego’s Area Median Income (AMI) (reference project website for specific AMI information). The Project will include  adaptable features in more than half of its units (69 units total), including 15 mobility feature units and 10 communication feature units. Of the total units, 24 will be restricted to Veterans who have experienced homelessness.

Quality of Life | The Union Tower Project aims to increase equity and community sustainability by adding to the supply of quality affordable housing and catalyzing the longer-term effort to revitalize the 22-acre National City Park Apartments. The Project will offer easy access to public transit, shopping, and many other community resources. While living at Union Tower, residents will be able to participate in several on-site activities that offer opportunities for residents to reach greater levels of economic stability and personal growth. Wrap-around supportive services will be provided to Veterans who have experienced homelessness, including case management, physical and mental health care, and resident service coordination. Seeking input and guidance from residents, Union Tower will tailor meaningful and comprehensive services that meet resident needs and interests without duplicating services already offered in the greater community, for example, linking adult residents to workforce opportunities, computer training/literacy, job search, resume writing, financial counseling, after school homework help/tutoring, and mentoring.

Energy and green building design construction elements already incorporated for the project include:
  • All-electric design
  • High-efficiency heat pumps for heating and cooling
  • Heat pump hot water heating
  • High-efficiency windows
  • Quality insulation
  • Low Volatile Organic Compounds (Low-VOC)
  • Locally procured materials.

Parking | The Project will have 45 spaces including five (5) Electric Vehicle Parking Spaces, and 16 bicycle parking spaces.

All Funding | The total Project costs are estimated at $77,135,715 with funding sources from Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) Infill Infrastructure Grant Program (IIG), HCD Multifamily Housing Program (MHP), HCD Veterans Housing and Homelessness Prevention Program (VHHP), San Diego County Innovative Housing Trust Fund (IHTF) Project Based Vouchers (PBV), private loans, a deferred developer fee, the National City Housing Fund Loan (reference NOFA Funding section below), and HUD HOME Loan (reference HUD Funding section below).

NOFA Funding  | Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation’s application for the Union Tower Project (“Project”), submitted in response to the Community Development Commission-Housing Authority of the City of National City’s (“Housing Authority”) Notice of Funding Availability for Affordable Housing, received a funding award from the Housing Authority’s Board on June 7, 2022, per Resolution 2022-85 (PDF). The award was conditioned on standard underwriting criteria and loan processing, including executing the loan documents at the construction loan closing. The award is for a loan in the original principal amount of up to $8,000,000.00. Resolution 2022-85 NOFA Staff Report and Attachments (PDF) 

HUD Funding | At the City Council Meeting on February 6, 2024, a Public Hearing was held for the Project to receive additional gap funding the City Council of the City of National City, California adopted the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Substantial Amendment to the 2023-2024 Annual Action Plan and the allocation of $1,035,092.82 in Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) grant funds, $170,808.46 in HOME-Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) grant fund, and $294,098.73 in HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) grant funds as a conditional loan to Union Tower by Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation.

Loan Terms | The Housing Fund Loan and HOME Loan are conditioned by the Housing Authority in part upon the recordation of the Regulatory Agreement setting forth certain restrictions upon the use and sale of the Property.

The Housing Fund Loan and HOME Loan are three percent (3%) simple interest, a 55-year term, except in the event of a default under the Note or any of the Loan Documents. The Note is made pursuant to the Loan Agreement and the Deed of Trust, to be recorded in the Office of the County Recorder of San Diego County.

Affordable Units | The Regulatory Agreement will restrict the Affordable Units in accordance with the requirements of the funding sources and covenants and restrictions. The Regulatory Agreement will become effective when it's recorded through January 15, 2080. Union Tower will have ninety-three (93) total  affordable units (“Affordable Units”), 11 floating HOME Affordable Units (“HOME Affordable Units”), and one (1) unrestricted manager’s unit (collectively the “Project”).

HOME Housing Unit Terms | HOME Units must be restricted at 50% and 60% of the area median income for the rent and occupancy restrictions applicable to the 11 Floating HOME Affordable Units.

Floating HOME Units are defined as “floating” because the units designated as HOME-assisted may change over time as long as the total number of HOME-assisted units in the project remains constant. For example, when the gross income of a tenant who occupies a HOME Affordable Unit exceeds the amount allowed by the rent and income restriction criteria, the next available comparable-sized and configured unit will be designated as a HOME Affordable Unit.

Tax Credit Funds | The Project’s finance includes the issuance of bonds by the California Municipal Finance Authority in the amount of $38,656,130. The funds will be used to finance and refinance the acquisition, construction, development, and equipping of a 94-unit qualified residential rental project which guarantees that the income and rent will remain restricted for the period of 55 years.

Density Bonus Agreement | The Developer has proposed to construct and restrict the rent and occupancy of 69 residential dwelling units (“Affordable Units”) to very low-income households in exchange for a density bonus (“Density Bonus”) for 55 years. The Developer is receiving incentives and concessions pursuant to and in accordance with the requirements of Government Code 65915.

The incentives and concessions are:
1) To provide a five-foot exterior setback from the new lot line;
2) No private open space ;
3) No Balconies; and
4) Relief from unit storage requirements per NC Municipal Code 18.42.070.7

San Diego County Building Trades Council (SDCBTC) | SBCBTC contributed $994,068 to the development of this project, is the site owner, and will provide a long-term lease to the limited partnership. SDCBTC will lease and pay rent for the seventh floor to provide a range of services to its members.