LAKE ELSINORE: Pottery Court work progressing

With one apartment building nearing completion, an affordable-housing project going up in downtown Lake Elsinore is on the cusp of accepting its first occupants.

Pottery Court should have its first 15 apartments rented sometime in March among the 113 units that ultimately will be available, said project manager Aruna Doddapeneni of Bridge Housing Corp.

"It's going great. We're actually going to move some people in at the end of the month, and we expect to be completed with construction in June," she said.

The project, which will cater to a broad range of income levels, is expected to provide an economic as well as an aesthetic stimulus to Lake Elsinore's historical downtown district.

Pottery Court is on 4.4 acres framed by Sumner Avenue, Langstaff Street, Pottery Street and Riverwalk, a recently completed pedestrian and bicycle pathway along a creek channel leading to the lake.

The area contains numerous deteriorating homes and cottage complexes catering to low-income households, among which various rejuvenated and well-kept properties are sprinkled.

City officials believe Pottery Court, featuring a sleek design and bright exteriors, will set a vibrant tone as properties there are developed anew.

"Aesthetically, it's going to be very pleasing," Mayor Brian Tisdale said. "There's already been some improvements to that area. ... When you start putting things in a neighborhood that look good, it makes a difference in people's attitudes toward the community. It's really about making it a safe, livable community for people to live in."

Also, officials expect that under the management of Bridge, which specializes in developing and operating affordable housing, the complex will attract responsible, hardworking residents. Applicants are screened to ensure they are law-abiding and drug-free.

"I think we've come a long way with low-income housing," Tisdale said. "In the past, you would have low-income areas where the folks who lived there didn't necessarily have to follow the rules. ...

"When people come (to Pottery Court), they can't be on parole, they can't be on drugs and doing other things that cause other housing projects to fall by the wayside.

"We're trying to make sure that those who need affordable housing have a safe and convenient place to live, and that's what that project offers," Tisdale said. "I think it will be a benefit to the city."

The residents there are expected to boost commerce along the Main Street business corridor a few blocks away.

The $26 million complex is being built in phases, and occupancy will be phased in accordingly as buildings are completed.

In addition to the first nearly finished structure facing Pottery Court, the contractor, San Diego-based Wermers Multi-Family Corp., also is polishing up the complex's community building, including a study room, music practice room, party room and kitchen. The property also will have a pool, barbecues, outdoor play areas and a maintenance building.

The eight residential buildings will offer 20 one-bedroom, 48 two-bedroom and 45 three-bedroom apartments to households ranging in income from about $13,650 to $32,500, according to information from Bridge. Monthly rents will range from the low $300s to mid-$700s.

The project was made possible by the city redevelopment agency's $9.7 million loan to Bridge, a strategy put into motion before the state pulled the plug on redevelopment programs.

Although redevelopment ended Feb. 1, agencies throughout the state are still in the process of winding down their activities, and they still have the responsibility for ensuring debts are paid.

Pottery Court's design was created by architect Chris Texter of the national firm KTGY. Texter has said he drew upon the inspiration of renowned, early-20th-century San Diego architect Irving Gill.

The wood-framed buildings have plaster, adobelike exteriors with arches and recessed windows, shaded by awnings and featuring decorative ceramic tiles.

As construction progresses, Texter said, "All the neighbors will be able to see what the finished community is going to be like and what the streetscape feels like."

As with any as-yet-unrealized design, it's difficult for people to envision what the end product will look like, especially when it comes to low-income housing, said Texter, whose has participated in numerous such projects.

"A lot of people don't really grasp the design until the building goes up," he said. "Quite obviously, there's always concern in the neighborhood and community about affordable housing. I think, as in all cases with our projects, they're going to be very pleasantly surprised that it's quite different than what they expected."

Call staff writer Michael J. Williams at 951-676-4315, ext. 2635.

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LAKE ELSINORE: Pottery Court work progressing