In partnership with the State of California, the City of Placerville, and the County of El Dorado, Jamboree – a nonprofit affordable housing developer – is building a new workforce housing development at 212 Armory Drive. Located near the intersection of Ray Lawyer and Armory Drives, this development opportunity will transform 2.58 acres of surplus state-owned land into The Clementine, high-quality Placerville apartments with onsite programming and services for 83 working families. Construction is slated to begin in Fall 2025, with anticipated completion by Winter 2027.
Selection of a workforce housing site for low- and moderate-income families
In 2019, Governor Newsom signed an executive order (N-06-19) to identify and prioritize excess state-owned sites throughout California to be developed into much-needed affordable housing for local communities. This site at Ray Lawyer and Armory Drives was identified as surplus state land.
The 212 Armory Drive land parcel has long been considered for various uses, including a temporary homeless shelter. Formerly an Army facility and Army National Guard recruiting office, as well as the home of the Boys and Girls Club, the site has been abandoned for many years.
Backed by this executive order aimed at easing the housing crisis and working with the California Department of General Services through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process, Jamboree was granted a 55-year land lease by the State of California to demolish the Armory buildings and replace them with high-quality affordable housing on the state-owned parcel.
A successful partnership to meet Placerville, CA family housing needs for the long-term
While the state has project approval authority, Jamboree is excited to partner with both the City and the County on this new family housing community, given its strategic approach to community engagement. The Clementine furthers the city’s strategic goal to expand workforce housing for low-income and middle-income households.
Another strategic goal of both the City and County is to help balance jobs with housing. Placerville, CA is one of two job centers in El Dorado County, home to many of the County’s larger employers – including El Dorado County offices, El Dorado Union School District and High School, El Dorado Irrigation District, Marshall Hospital, and More Recycling Centers. The Clementine will provide much needed workforce housing development to those working in the community who are priced out of the market – a circumstance exacerbated during COVID – as Bay Area residents flocked to El Dorado County.
The Clementine will provide housing for entry-level workers at local retailers, businesses, and County offices – those employed as janitors and cleaners, home health aides, teachers, childcare workers, salesclerks, dental hygienists, and medical assistants. Plus, Jamboree is collaborating with other local nonprofits to establish a housing referral system for prospective residents at The Clementine – hard-working families trying to manage rising rents and inflation at every income level.
Committed to serve as an extension of city staff, Jamboree’s partnership on The Clementine with the City of Placerville also involved environmental review – including a 30-day public comment period in May 2022. Additionally, Jamboree consulted with the City on design review guidelines and will continue to do so in pre-development, construction, and ongoing property management. Jamboree is committed to being a good neighbor to ensure The Clementine becomes and remains a long-term community asset for Placerville’s working families.
As Jamboree’s licensed general contractor, Quality Development and Construction, Inc. will collaborate with city staff to create a site plan and building design to ensure that the architectural design and landscaping of The Clementine will integrate with Placerville’s character in the surrounding community.
The vision for this four-story property features a Craftsman-style residential building situated to frame an outdoor courtyard area that looks out into an existing wooded area.
Affordable workforce housing for Placerville, CA families
A combination of 83 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes will serve various households that earn between 30% and 60% of the area median income or approximately $30,390 to $60,780/household, depending on household size and income level. Sustainability features will include photovoltaic and solar panels to power commons areas and energy-efficient appliances and water-saving features in each apartment, providing a utilities cost savings to residents. Onsite parking includes a combination of open and covered spaces to address the onsite needs of residents as well as the priorities of the surrounding community.
Learn more about Jamboree’s development and management expertise with similar family housing communities in many residential neighborhoods throughout California.
The Clementine site plan to encourage healthy, active living
Current plans for common areas at The Clementine include a community center, youth room, laundry facilities, and offices for onsite property management and resident services staff. Outdoor amenities include a central courtyard, lounge seating under string lights, a playground, and BBQ and picnic dining areas.
The 14,000-square-foot central courtyard will incorporate outdoor living and play areas for multiple age groups. Topographical changes within the courtyard allow for an upper and lower outdoor area, with most of the outdoor amenities located on the upper courtyard with a smaller patio area on a lower deck. Given the design of the property, there will be ample outdoor space to facilitate onsite programming.
Trees in an existing wooded area will be preserved to form the backdrop for this space and are a focal point for the outdoor amenity areas. A dedicated pet area will also serve as a social gathering space. In addition to the courtyard areas, site plans include an 8,900-square-foot wooded area that features seating throughout and a walking/running trail around the property to encourage residents to fully utilize the natural setting.
The new Placerville, CA apartments at The Clementine are a short drive to local medical facilities, schools, parks, public transit, retail, and employment centers for residents.
Onsite services for Placerville families to thrive
Jamboree’s approach to resident services aligns with the City and County’s strategic goal to improve the health, well-being, and self-sufficiency of El Dorado County communities, ensuring that residents have access to quality outdoor space, connections to amenities and services, and programming that encourages health and well-being.
Activities such as homework assistance and tutoring for young people, plus health and wellness programs for families, will be provided at no cost to residents. Programming and services will be specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of the residents at The Clementine. An onsite program coordinator will assist residents in accessing local community services. Jamboree is already collaborating with the nearby Boys and Girls Club about shared programming and space to further the educational outcomes of the children of families at The Clementine. A potential collaboration with the Department of Education is being explored regarding educational programming and school bus transportation expansion to the property.
Placerville apartments' impact on area traffic
Jamboree has a long and successful history of integrating affordable housing into the broader community, ensuring that its developments don’t interfere with existing uses and limit impacts like traffic and parking.
In the City of Placerville, The Clementine is in the same neighborhood as other well-established venues that attract area residents as well as visitors from throughout the region, around the state, and across the country – and bring in income to the City of Placerville and the County of El Dorado.
Joe’s Skate Park is a popular venue with skating crowds since 2003. The El Dorado County Fair & Event Center hosts indoor and outdoor competitions, shows, galas, performances, festivals, and the El Dorado County Fair – an annual tradition since 1859. First opened in 1965, the one-quarter mile dirt track at Placerville Speedway is home to affordable family entertainment that garners national attention.
Jamboree has proactively met with the Fairgrounds, County, and City to ensure any issues related to traffic and parking impacts are resolved. The result? The main entrance to The Clementine will now be placed on Ray Lawyer Drive to ensure a better flow of traffic and limit the impact to the Fairgrounds.
Parking plans for this family housing in Placerville, CA
While The Clementine will provide ample parking for residents, Jamboree is also exploring ride share and car sharing programs and plans to provide access to bicycles and other forms of non-motorized vehicles to residents at The Clementine. With its partners at the City of Placerville and the County of El Dorado, Jamboree’s goal is to maximize the potential to provide desperately needed workforce housing on a site that is ideally situated close to shopping and employment centers. This lessens commutes for these residents living and working in Placerville, CA.
Noise levels and potential complaints from the residents of The Clementine
These workforce housing apartments are located next to the Placerville Speedway. Based on a noise study conducted by Jamboree for the future site of The Clementine, noise-control recommendations will be incorporated. These design elements will help reduce noise levels – in compliance with the City of Placerville’s plans and policies – and include façade and exterior wall materials, the orientation of ventilation systems, and upgraded exterior doors and windows.
As a nonprofit affordable housing developer, design features such as these demonstrate Jamboree’s commitment to ensure both the safety of its residents and to being a good neighbor for the long-term by mitigating potential complaints from its residents about existing noise levels in the area.
Learn more about Jamboree
- Our long-term commitment to transform lives and strengthen communities.
- In this behind-the-scenes video, see how Jamboree is building for good across California.
- Check out other similar Jamboree family communities, including several in nearby Sacramento and Yolo Counties.
- Learn about the importance of outreach and affordable housing.