HACSB and Partners Celebrate Grand Opening of Valencia Grove Phase II in Redlands

Download the full Press Release here: VG II Grand Opening Press Release – 08.27.26

The Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino (HACSB) celebrated the grand opening of Valencia Grove Phase II on August 27, 2026, marking the latest milestone in the transformation of the agency’s oldest affordable housing community. Located at the corner of Lugonia Avenue and Orange Street in Redlands, the new phase adds 103 affordable apartment homes and a manager’s unit to the community, which has been under redevelopment since 2010. The new one- through four-bedroom apartment homes are available to households earning up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income.

“Valencia Grove is a wonderful example of what is possible when we combine a long-term vision for our communities with strong partnerships and innovative tools to create affordable housing,” said HACSB Executive Director Maria Razo. “This project represents years of planning, collaboration, and hard work by our team and partners. Most importantly, it represents 103 new homes where families can build their lives and raise their children in a community that provides more than housing.”

Valencia Grove has provided affordable housing to Redlands residents for more than 80 years. The original community was constructed in 1943 and included 115 Public Housing units. In 2010, HACSB, its affiliate nonprofit Housing Partners I, Inc. (HPI), and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) began a three-phase redevelopment effort to replace the aging community with modern, high-quality affordable housing while preserving its long-standing role in serving local families. Phase II builds upon the success of Phase I, which opened in 2016 with 84 affordable homes and a manager’s unit.

The new homes provide residents with access to community amenities developed during Phase I, including a 5,000-square-foot community center, playgrounds, outdoor spaces, and an on-site Head Start preschool operated in partnership with the San Bernardino County Department of Preschool Services. Phase II also includes new outdoor spaces, including pocket parks and playground areas.

Phase II represents approximately $43.4 million in development investment supported by six different funding sources and is HACSB’s first use of HUD’s Restore-Rebuild program. The program provided a streamlined pathway to replace aging Public Housing with newly constructed homes while preserving long-term affordability through project-based Housing Choice Voucher assistance. HUD has announced that the Restore-Rebuild program is being wound down, underscoring the growing challenges facing housing authorities seeking to replace aging affordable housing as federal redevelopment resources become increasingly limited. HACSB will continue to pursue innovative financing strategies, partnerships, and other tools to advance the redevelopment and preservation of affordable housing throughout San Bernardino County.

“The completion of Valencia Grove Phase II is an important milestone for the City of Redlands and for the families who will call this community home,” said Redlands Mayor Mario Saucedo. “The affordable housing community at the Valencia Grove site has been part of our community for more than eight decades, and it is exciting to see this important site transformed into a modern neighborhood that provides quality, affordable housing and resources for families. We are grateful to HACSB and its partners for their continued investment in Redlands.”

The grand opening brought together Valencia Grove residents, HACSB Commissioners and staff, government representatives, and project partners for a celebration that included remarks from HACSB Executive Director Maria Razo, two Valencia Grove residents,

HPI Executive Director Anthony Perez, and Redlands Mayor Mario Saucedo, followed by a ribbon cutting, tours of a new Phase II home, refreshments, and opportunities to celebrate with residents and partners. “We are pleased to continue the revitalization efforts at Valencia Grove in partnership with the Housing Authority, which provides much-needed affordable housing opportunities in San Bernardino County,” said Perez.

The final phase of Valencia Grove is planned to include 39 single-family townhomes for purchase by first-time, low-income homebuyers. Once all three phases are complete, the community will provide 238 homes, more than twice the 115 homes that comprised the original community.