SAN DIEGO -- A $91 million project is providing low-income families with an opportunity to live in the heart of downtown San Diego, 10News reported.

The Reed family of El Cajon is looking for a larger apartment. When their second child arrives in October they will need more room, but they wonder if they can afford it.

While searching online, the Reeds discovered a high-rise apartment building under construction downtown for low-income families like themselves.

The Reed family's household income would qualify them for a three-bedroom apartment for about $1,000 -- or half of what they would expect to pay somewhere else and significantly less than other downtown rentals.

The Reeds said they really like thee idea of living in downtown San Diego.

"We can walk everywhere, we can take the trolley. If we want to come back here, because our parents, like our moms live out here, we could take the trolley out here," said Brittney Reed.

The project is called Ten Fifty B, and it is a $91-million shared effort among the city of San Diego's redevelopment agency, the Centre City Development Corporation; the San Diego Housing Commission; and the developer Affirmed Housing Group.

"This will be the first 100 percent affordable high-rise in San Diego," said Jim Silverwood of Affirmed Housing Group.

Located near San Diego City College and on bus and trolley lines, there will be 229 apartments ranging in size from studios to 3-bedroom units. The building also includes underground parking, recreation areas and retail stores on the first floor.

"One of the other unique factors or features in this project is that it's a green building," said Silverwood.

Water reclamation, low-flow water fixtures, recycled materials and alternative energy sources are a part of the project.

If the Reeds are chosen to live at Ten Fifty B, it will be a dream come true.

"I'd call him and probably blow up his cell phone and be all excited," said Reed.

There is currently a waiting list for the apartments at Ten Fifty B but people are still encouraged to apply online.

For anyone hoping to qualify, there will be income, credit and criminal checks.

The project will start notifying people late this y ear and will open in May 2010.