Market Creek Plaza - San Diego, CA

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February, 2007

Dear Neighbor:

You may notice some changes in your neighborhood in the next few months. The Guymon Apartments, located on 704 Euclid at the northwest corner of Euclid and Guymon, are about to go through an exciting transformation.

In September 2004, this 28-unit apartment complex was purchased by the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation, a nonprofit organization that partnered with more than 3,000 community residents to bring about change through the development of Market Creek Plaza and work with other organizations in the Diamond Neighborhoods of southeastern San Diego.

Shortly after renovations began on the Guymon Apartments, construction staff discovered significant termite damage, water damage, asbestos, and mold. This damage made the building structurally unsound. The only safe course of action is to demolish the building. Residents of the apartments were made aware of the situation, and staff members helped them relocate their families – most of them remaining in the Diamond.

The redevelopment of the Guymon apartments is part of an exciting resident-led housing initiative in the Diamond Neighborhoods. San Diego is facing an affordable housing crisis. To address this issue, the Jacobs Center is working with residents to plan and build new housing and offer homeowner readiness education for the community. The development of the Guymon apartments is an opportunity for the Housing Team – composed of Diamond Neighborhood residents, housing professionals, and development, construction, and ownership in a hands-on environment. The residents will determine the type of housing built in their own community and have access to financial education to prepare them for homeownership.

While the resident led Housing Team is deciding what type of living space will best meet the needs of the community, the site will become an extension of the Southeastern teen Center (Tha’ Set) with construction of a temporary basketball court. To learn more about the work of the Housing Team and Jacobs Center, you can visit us on the web at www.jcni.org. If you would like to join the Housing Team to help determine the next phase of this development, or if or have questions about the demolition, feel free to contact the Jacobs Center at (619) 527-6161.

Thank you for your patience and support as we work with the residents to bring positive change to the community.

Sincerely,

Jacobs Center Housing Team

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The Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation is a non-profit foundation that operates on the premise that residents must own and drive the change that takes place in their community for it to be meaningful and long-lasting. JCNI explores new pathways to change through entrepreneurial relationships, hands-on training, and the creative investment of resources.

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