THE ORCHARD AT HILLTOP

San Diego, California 

The Orchard at Hilltop is a transformative mixed-use development in San Diego’s Chollas View neighborhood. Developed by Affirmed Housing, this award-winning project offers 113 affordable apartment homes for individuals and families earning 30 percent to 60 percent of the area median income (AMI). The community includes studio to four-bedroom apartments. 

Built on a formerly vacant nine-acre site, the project required a complex remapping process in collaboration with the City of San Diego to consolidate a dozen parcels into three. These now house The Orchard, 48 market-rate homes by Ito Girard & Associates, and a restored arroyo that channels stormwater and supports a natural wildlife habitat. The Orchard’s design, led by Studio E Architects, landLAB, Helix Environmental Planning, and Kettler Leweck Engineering, embraces the site’s natural topography.  

Community engagement was central to the project’s success. Dozens of events were held to gather input and shape the development. The name “The Orchard” was inspired by a resident’s memory of fruit trees once growing on the site. Public art by Maxx Moses reinforces the community’s identity. The Orchard at Hilltop is a model of collaborative, community-centered urban renewal that brings new life and opportunity to Chollas community. 

Financing for this property was syndicated by Boston Financial, and it was developed by Affirmed Housing, utilizing the 4 percent Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (Housing Credit).