CHOC Monarch’s Especially Grand Opening in Palm Springs
Monarch Takes Flight, Shaping the Future of Affordable Housing in Coachella Valley
The Monarch Apartment Homes grand opening was everything we’d hoped it would be - for our organization, our residents, our partners and attendees. But, there was a beautiful, quiet moment right before our celebration began: the sight of a single Monarch butterfly floating through the agave, succulents, and desert plants now growing in the newly-constructed reflection garden.
Photo of The Monarch Apartment Homes Grand Opening Celebration courtesy of Noé Montes
On February 22nd, over 100 guests eventually gathered in front of Monarch’s community center for an event signifying a new era for 60 working families, as well as multifamily affordable housing in Coachella Valley. After six years of planning and anticipation, the day CHOC and City of Palm Springs had long envisioned finally arrived. Under the clearest of blue skies, our shared, historic moment became a tangible reality.
Event Highlights
As MC, CHOC Board Member Anyse R. Smith, Esq. began our program.
“The Monarch stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to what can be achieved when we come together with purpose and determination,” said Smith.
Palm Springs Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein expressed his enthusiasm for Palm Springs’ newest neighborhood, and how its existence de facto enriches his community. Mayor Bernstein’s speech highlighted the powerful, collaborative effort made by City of Palm Springs and CHOC, directly addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in Palm Springs; this sentiment was repeatedly expressed during our event.
Click to Watch Event Reel by the City of Palm Springs
Former mayor and current Palm Springs city council member Christy Holstege made one of the day’s most touching statements:
“This is the best day in my six years on city council. I first ran in 2017 to address the housing crisis and homelessness crisis that is facing Palm Springs, the Coachella Valley, and California in general."
Former mayor and current Palm Springs city council member Christy Holstege | Photo courtesy of Noé Montes
Council member Grace Garner contributed her sentiments in Spanish, emphasizing the positive impact that Monarch will have on local families and the community at large.
Mayor Pro Tem Ron deHarte shared insights into the planning and dedication that brought the project to fruition, celebrating the shared vision and hard work of all parties involved. DeHarte also posed a question to the audience:
“How do you calculate the value of an affordable housing community?” He continued: “You calculate value by the generations of families (who) are going to live behind these walls. We can calculate the value of what it means to the quality of life (for) individuals who now get to live and work in the city that they desire.”
Event photos courtesy of Noé Montes
When Greg Lucas Rodriguez, Deputy Director of Riverside County Housing & Workforce Solutions, stepped up to the podium, he was quick to cite the project's regional significance.
“The city has been incredible about donating land and (the) permitting process,” he said, “but the hurdles that affordable housing developers have to go through, it's just unfathomable. I compliment CHOC, and Joy (Silver) especially… your leadership (over) the last couple of years, finally getting this…(to) fruition. This is an excellent demonstration of what an affordable housing complex can look [like].”
Video courtesy of Conduit Studios
Robert Apodaca, CHOC Board Member, shared his thoughts on the state of housing and high cost of living in California. He added: “What CHOC does, not only here, but throughout the state, is enable families to live with dignity. Thanks again (to CHOC) for making (that) possible here in Palm Springs.”
CHOC CSO Joy Silver stepped in for CHOC CEO Manuela Silva, who was unfortunately under the weather. Silver lauded Silva’s decades of leadership, and praised designer Maria Song, AIA LEED & AP for her innovative Monarch designs, and CHOC real estate development’s community-focused approach.
“It does take a village to build a village. There is an untold story about CHOC, and it’s always about people. It’s about people when we build, it’s about people when they move in, and it’s about people when you’re developing and building housing.”
CHOC CSO Joy Silver | Photo courtesy of Noé Montes
Each speaker brought a unique viewpoint, with a common thread: Monarch is a pivotal development in Coachella Valley’s affordable housing landscape, demonstrating the power of great design, community collaboration, and organizational mission in action.
Design and Community Impact
The Monarch's mid-century modern design has been met with acclaim. It seamlessly integrates into Palm Springs's existing architectural heritage while adding a modern twist that resonates with residents and visitors alike.
The design has not only enhanced the visual appeal of the neighborhood, but also challenged conventional notions of what affordable housing can look like, proving that quality and affordability can go hand in hand.
Response from locals in Palm Springs has been overwhelmingly positive, with residents and local community members expressing pride in the new development. The amenities, including the unique butterfly roofs, lush landscaping, and community-focused spaces, have been particularly appreciated, offering residents more than just a place to live but a place to thrive.
CHOC Resident | Photo courtesy of Noé Montes
Looking Forward
The grand opening of The Monarch Apartment Homes was not only a celebration of a new housing development, but also a significant step forward in the journey toward accessible, quality, affordable housing. The success of the event, covered extensively by media outlets like NBC News, The Desert Sun, and The Palm Springs Post underscores the community's interest and investment in more affordable housing like The Monarch.
The presence of media and the conducting of video interviews for an upcoming documentary series highlights the broader significance of The Monarch, bringing its story and the issue of affordable housing to an even wider audience.
But the story of The Monarch doesn’t end with the ribbon-cutting ceremony. CHOC will continue to offer resident services through CHOC Community Impact, led by Terri Smyth Canillo.
The successful opening of The Monarch serves as a beacon for future affordable housing communities in California, showcasing the potential to enhance community welfare, aesthetic value, and overall quality of life. It's a clear call to action for everyone involved—from policymakers to community members—to continue advocating for and investing in affordable housing solutions.
“It takes a village to build a village, and together, we make this world a better place.” - Joy Silver, CHOC Chief Strategy Officer
Founded in 1984, Community Housing Opportunities Corporation (CHOC) is a non-profit affordable housing developer, energy, services and property management provider headquartered in Fairfield, CA; we create and manage equitable communities for individuals, families, seniors, and those with special needs. CHOC believes that economically integrated affordable housing is key to self-sufficiency and achievable with enriching, supportive programs that instill pride in residents, stabilize families, and improve local economies. Visit CHOCHousing.org.