SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - There's little relief in sight for San Diego renters who don't qualify for affordable housing, but one full-price Golden Hill complex says it can help tenants cut some corners to help make ends meet.
Rents at Golden Hill's Sofia Lofts start at $1,650, but tenant Solele Clavel, who lived in a 450-square-foot studio, said it was a fit for her.
"It's very centrally located, and it was affordable for me," she said.
One reason was that she didn't worry about extra fees for things like electricity and water being tacked on. In fact, she said her SDG&E bill would sometimes be $5 or $10 a month, or she would be offered credit.
It's because each of the 17 units has solar panels and low-flow water units. Internet service is also included in the rent.
"We are adding an affordable value to our property by incorporating elements, like the utility features, like the proximity, like the bike sharing," said builder Soheil Nakhshab.
Nakhshab hopes his complex inspires more to build in the same way. It could happen at a San Diego Architectural Foundation event called Context, happening Tuesday, June 6, at Campus Pointe in the University City area. An expo featuring 60 different exhibits is free and open to the public.
Nakhshab built Sofia Lofts around a 108-year-old Golden Hill home, which he said kept community character and allowed it to be affordable for tenants like Clavel.
