A former CAL FIRE property in Riverside is being transformed into a large-scale affordable housing community under Governor Gavin Newsom’s directive to repurpose underutilized state land. State leaders gathered Friday to celebrate the next phase of the project, which will deliver 209 affordable homes for seniors and families on Mulberry Street.
The development includes two sites — Mulberry Gardens Senior Apartments at 2524 Mulberry Street, and Mulberry Gardens Family Apartments at 2560 Mulberry Street. The property spans more than four acres and now serves as a model for how California is accelerating construction on land already owned by the state.
In 2019, Governor Newsom signed Executive Order N-06-19, requiring state agencies to inventory excess land that could be repurposed for housing. Speaking about the latest milestone, Newsom emphasized the strategy’s impact on national housing policy, stating:
“We’re not just pushing local government to build more housing — we’re putting state land to work and creating new homes ourselves. It’s a groundbreaking strategy, and as the Trump administration turns its back, California is leading with real solutions to tackle the national housing crisis head-on.”
He continued, “As we convert state properties, we’re moving faster to tackle homelessness and open up opportunities for families and seniors who need a safe, stable place to call home.”
Phase II of the Riverside development will add 150 affordable family units with one- to three-bedroom apartments, including amenities such as a playground, fitness center, computer lab, and community room. Phase I, already underway, comprises 59 affordable units for low-income seniors, ensuring housing options for multiple generations in the Inland Empire.
State leaders praised the continued transformation of public land into community assets.
“The state has taken huge strides to bring these sites online for those who need it most,” said Government Operations Agency Secretary Nick Maduros.
“Through partnership and collaboration, we are transforming state-owned land for the critical purpose of housing Californians in need,” added Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Secretary Tomiquia Moss.
To accelerate construction, the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) expedited site reviews and cleanup in under six months — a rare turnaround for large-scale environmental assessments.
DTSC Director Katherine Butler said,
“We accelerated our environmental review to keep this project on time and with strong public protections for the people who will live in this community.”
The project is made possible through a partnership led by Eden Housing, which will develop the site using 37 Section 8 vouchers, $4.5 million in local funds, $44.8 million from the state, and $2 million in private investment.
DGS Director Ana M. Lasso emphasized its community value:
“Through this groundbreaking we are not only creating homes, but nurturing the entire community.”
HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez added,
“Through Mulberry Gardens, this underutilized CAL FIRE site will become a safe and welcoming home, connecting thousands to stability and opportunity over the life of the project.”
Mulberry Gardens is one of more than 90 revitalization projects statewide supported by DTSC’s Equitable Community Revitalization Grant Program, which funds brownfield cleanup to unlock new housing, parks, commercial, and community development. DTSC’s efforts are expected to support nearly 5,000 affordable housing units statewide.
Additional projects already transforming former state properties and remediated lands include:
Together, these initiatives reinforce California’s push to use public land and environmental remediation tools to build more affordable housing faster, delivering long-term solutions for seniors, working families, and historically underserved communities.
Originally reported by Governor California Government.
