There is now 61 more units of affordable housing in Turlock, thanks to the opening of Avena Bella II, the second and final phase of the previously constructed Avena Bella apartment complex.
Located at 500 West Linwood Ave., Avena Bella is directly adjacent to Cunningham Elementary School, on Turlock’s southside. The first phase of Avena Bella opened in 2014, featuring 80 apartments in eight Mediterranean-themed buildings for low-income families.
Situated on 2.2 acres, Avena Bella II features two buildings comprising 21 one-bedroom, 22 two-bedroom, and 17 three-bedroom units. The first building is a two-story walk-up with 16 residences. The second is a three-story, elevator-served building with 46 homes.
“Like many other cities in California, Turlock is facing a significant housing crisis,” said Assemblymember Juan Alanis. “We’re excited to bring affordable housing to Turlock’s low-income residents through Avena Bella II, but we know there's more to be done to meet the growing demand. This partnership between EAH Housing and the City of Turlock, backed by years of combined experience in affordable housing, will help our community maintain its strong commitment to providing affordable housing. Together, we tackled the city’s housing challenges and completed both phases of this project.”
The $19 million project was funded through City of Turlock HOME Loan and federal and state affordable housing programs.
Designed by renowned architects at The DAHLIN Group, the Avena Bella II buildings’ inviting yellow façade and striking tile roof echo the Mediterranean-style aesthetic of the development’s initial phase. Open-air walkways and balconies for select units allow residents to soak up the California sun.
A recreation area and tot lot are located at the center of the development and serve as a gathering place for those enjoying the nearby barbecue grills. Residents can access common interior spaces, on-site laundry rooms, enclosed bicycle storage, and Phase I amenities (computer lab, full community kitchen, community pool, and large outdoor play area). Avena Bella II will provide 108 parking spaces, bringing the total number of covered and uncovered stalls to 247.
“The first phase of Avena Bella brought high-quality, affordable housing options that have since significantly benefited the lives of many Turlock families,” said Laura Hall, CEO of EAH Housing. “This second phase will further this crucial mission when needed most. We are proud to partner with the City of Turlock again and celebrate the unrelenting work EAH Housing is doing in this community and throughout California.”
According to Affordable Housing Online, a web database of affordable housing in towns throughout the country, 45.31 percent of households in Turlock are renters. Depending on size, the Fair Market Rent - HUDs measurement of the cost of an average housing unit - ranges from $1,143 to $2,536. The rental vacancy rate in Turlock is 4 percent. This is a lower than average vacancy rate.
The LEED Platinum-certified Avena Bella II utilizes solar thermal water heating systems and solar panels to reduce its carbon footprint.
EAH Housing is a nonprofit corporation with a mission to expand the range of opportunities for all by developing, managing, and promoting quality, affordable housing and diverse communities. Established in 1968, EAH Housing has become one of the largest and most respected nonprofit housing development and management organizations in the Western United States.
