Solano County and City of Fairfield officials will join other local leaders to celebrate the Groundbreaking of Fair Haven Commons, an affordable rental apartment community under construction, developed by MidPen Housing. The event will be held on Thursday, February 17, from 11 am-12 pm at 1695 Sunset Avenue, Fairfield.

The result of a partnership between the City of Fairfield, Solano County, and MidPen Housing, Fair Haven Commons represents the vision to transform a previously underutilized, vacant site into supportive and family housing for those most in need, including individuals and families who are extremely low income, homeless, or at risk of homelessness. 

The community will provide 72 affordable rental apartments for families, including 44 units with set-aside preference for households who are at risk or experiencing homelessness and have other supportive housing needs. Construction on Fair Haven Commons began in fall 2021 and will welcome residents in spring 2023. 

“Affordable housing is one of the many keys to health, safety, and especially opportunity. It promotes the inclusion of all socio-economic backgrounds and helps a community thrive,” said Harry Price, mayor of the City of Fairfield. “Fair Haven Commons is a great move forward for the city, and there’s more to come to address homelessness and housing affordability in our region.”

Fair Haven Commons demonstrates a responsive solution aimed to address housing instability and supports the Regional Action Plan which aims to reduce homelessness in the Bay Area by 75% within three years. It also furthers the City of Fairfield’s Homeless Strategy goal. The community utilizes HCD’s No Place Like Home funding and Solano County’s Whole Person Care program for the 44 units with preference for homeless and supportive needs households. Fifty-one households utilize Housing Choice Vouchers, administered by the Fairfield Housing Authority. 

“We are thrilled to break ground on Fair Haven Commons, which delivers on the City of Fairfield and Solano County’s housing goals,” said Matt Franklin, President and CEO of MidPen Housing. “Prioritizing permanent affordable housing funding for ELI households will serve those with the greatest need and ensure a permanent exit for those experiencing homelessness.”    

Fair Haven Commons will provide six studios, 30 one-bedroom, 30 two-bedroom (including manager’s unit), and six three-bedroom apartment homes for households earning up to 60% of Area Median Income (AMI). Community amenities include a multi-purpose community room, secured bicycle parking, and passive and active outdoor recreation areas. 

MidPen Services, an affiliate of MidPen Housing, coordinates a broad array of onsite programming designed to empower residents to seek economic mobility, educational opportunity, and mentally and physically healthy lives. Case management for Supportive Housing residents is delivered by the Solano County Department of Health and Social Services, Behavioral Health Division. 

MidPen Property Management provides onsite professional property management.

Financing for the $40.4M development is provided by the City of Fairfield, Fairfield Housing Authority, Wells Fargo Bank, California Community Reinvestment Corporation, California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), Solano County, Community Action Partnership of Solano – Joint Powers Authority (CAP Solano JPA), Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, and the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee. Fair Haven Commons was designed by Mogavero Architects and the general contractor is Deacon Construction, LLC.