A proposal to construct a new affordable housing complex in Rampart Village is poised for an important step towards reality, based on a motion introduced last week by 13th District Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell.

The project - a joint venture between Ursitti Partners, LLC and Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) - calls for razing and one-story building at 3200 W. Temple Street to allow for the construction of a five-story, 59-unit apartment building targeted at low-income families.  The development site is SIPA's current headquarters.

Per the State Treasurer's office, the proposed Temple View Apartments offer a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom dwellings priced between $760 and $1,173 per month.  The units would be set aside for households making between 50 and 60 percent of the area median income.

DBB Architects is designing the apartments.

The total cost of the project is estimated at $15.8 million.  O'Farrell's motion calls for allowing the California Municipal Finance Authority to issue $12 million in bonds to facilitate the construction of the building.

The development site is located a short distance east from two market-rate projects on a hillside overlooking Temple Street.