A 140-Unit Townhome Development Proposed for Former School Site in Oceanside. The project would rise on the site of Oceanside’s former Garrison Elementary School, which closed in 2019. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, pending final approvals.
Highlights
- The Garrison Elementary School site is to become grounds for a 140-townhouse project.
- Construction for the Oceanside housing project is presumed to begin in 2027.
- The True Life Companies will develop the project.
Large-Scale Project to Take Over Abandoned Elementary School
Oceanside, California, is welcoming a new housing project at an abandoned elementary school. The True Life Companies plans to transform the long-vacant school site into a 140-unit townhome community. The project remains under review, with construction not slated to begin until 2027.
According to a report by the San Diego Union, construction on the site is expected to begin in 2027. A recent environmental review issued a mitigated negative declaration, indicating that while the project may pose environmental impacts, those effects can be mitigated through city-mandated measures.
These effects can be reduced or eliminated through specific changes by the city. The developers will need to take measures to ensure control of pollution. Developers will also be required to protect any cultural resources discovered during site work.
A portion of the homes will be reserved for buyers who meet affordable housing qualifications. The others will be up for sale at market price.
140 Townhomes Project Details
The initial plan for this project was proposed in January 2023. The plan has since expanded in scope, increasing the number of townhomes and refining project details. The current proposal includes 140 townhomes ranging in size from 1,320 to 2,100 square feet.
These townhomes will consist of two to four bedrooms. Every unit will include a deck or balcony, with a two-car garage. The project will also include 38 guest parking spaces distributed among the buildings.
At least 10% of the homes will be for moderate-income tenants. To meet the city’s 15% affordable housing requirement, developers will designate 10% of homes for moderate-income buyers and pay in-lieu fees for the remaining 5%.
The community will remain open without any gates at the entry. It will connect the residents to the surrounding neighborhoods. A secondary access for emergency vehicles will be from a separate gated entry on the northeast side of the site. The site sits at the end of Garrison Street, just north of Oceanside Boulevard, offering a central location for future residents.
Reason Behind Garrison Elementary School’s Shut Down
Opened in 1970, E.G. Garrison Elementary School closed in 2019. The school closed due to declining enrollment and significant structural issues. A failing storm drain system also caused sinkholes to form on the campus, adding to safety concerns.
The cost of replacing the storm drain system was $13 million, so the school board voted to sell the campus. The True Life Companies will be developing this project. The firm specializes in redeveloping underutilized infill sites into residential communities.
The new project will create more housing space for locals and utilize the vacant space. The redevelopment aims to address local housing demand while supporting Oceanside’s affordable housing goals.
