After years of planning, officials have begun work on a 174-unit apartment project in downtown Fresno, next to Chukchansi Park.
City leaders see the development as a way to add residents to the core of Fresno while reserving some lower-cost units for senior tenants, KVPR reported.
Here's what to know
Dubbed "The Park at South Stadium," the apartment complex is slated for a Fulton Street site in downtown Fresno near the 10,650-seat ballpark, according to KVPR.
Seventy of the 174 apartments are designated as affordable housing for people 55 and older.
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer described the project as one piece of the city's broader effort to inject new life into downtown Fresno.
"We all know that great cities have great downtowns, and we are well on our way in Fresno to having a great downtown," Dyer said.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
Developers expect the project to top $81 million, with funding from bond financing, a local housing fund, and other loans.
The current target for finishing construction is June 2028.
More background
The initiative marks another chapter in Fresno's extended campaign to remake downtown.
Successive city leaders have pushed for more residents, activity, and investment in the area even as much of Fresno's growth has increasingly been concentrated farther north.
As part of that goal, Dyer has indicated he wants as many as 10,000 more people living in downtown Fresno.
The effort has drawn state backing too, including $250 million from California for downtown improvements.
What's being done?
This version of the development is moving forward after earlier efforts stalled.
The project had failed at least twice before receiving final approval, according to KVPR, despite earlier planning and support.
Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias, who represents District 3, said one earlier proposal had already secured funding and permits but was blocked from moving ahead by a divided council in 2022.
A later version also included the State Center Community College District as a partner, but that proposal ultimately fell through.
Now, city officials are advancing a plan they say fits Fresno's broader downtown vision. Dyer emphasized the appeal of living near the stadium and surrounding activity.
"Imagine watching a Grizzlies game or a concert from your own home. That is exactly the kind of urban living experience we have envisioned for downtown Fresno for many years," he said.
Arias was enthusiastic about the project and confident it would revitalize downtown Fresno.
"Hundreds of families will call this home, like I've called it home for more than 20 years," he commented.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
