A new affordable housing community is coming to Long Beach’s Zaferia neighborhood.
City officials and Linc Housing representatives on Thursday, May 28, celebrated the groundbreaking of the apartment complex, dubbed Thrive, which will provide 73 units to low-income, working families and residents with disabilities.
Thrive, located at 4151 E. Fountain St., will be the seventh housing community that Linc Housing, a nonprofit affordable housing developer, will be building in its hometown of Long Beach, officials said.
The affordable housing community will offer 21 three-bedroom, 16 two-bedroom, and 36 one-bedroom apartments, including one on-site manager’s unit, according to a press release. The community will serve a mixed population of families and individuals, with 18 apartments reserved for residents with disabilities.
“This community, which is already an incredible community now, is breaking ground on a new affordable housing community to bring more residents,” Mayor Rex Richardson said during the ceremony, “and allow them the opportunity to thrive here in the Zaferia neighborhood.”
Long Beach officials and representatives from Linc Housing celebrated the groundbreaking of Thrive, a 73-unit affordable housing community in the Zaferia neighborhood, on Thursday, May 28, 2026. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Long Beach officials and representatives from Linc Housing celebrated the groundbreaking of Thrive, a 73-unit affordable housing community in the Zaferia neighborhood, on Thursday, May 28, 2026. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Mayor Rex Richardson spoke during the groundbreaking of Thrive, a 73-unit affordable housing community in the Zaferia neighborhood in Long Beach, on Thursday, May 28, 2026. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Suny Lay Chang, president and COO of Linc Housing, spoke during the groundbreaking of Thrive, a 73-unit affordable housing community in the Zaferia neighborhood in Long Beach, on Thursday, May 28, 2026. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
(L-R) Mayor Rex Richardson, Third District Councilmember Kristina Duggan and Community Development Director Christopher Koontz at the groundbreaking of Thrive, a 73-unit affordable housing community in the Zaferia neighborhood in Long Beach, on Thursday, May 28, 2026. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Linc Housing’s Thrive, a 73-unit affordable housing community in the Zaferia neighborhood in Long Beach, broke ground on Thursday, May 28, 2026. (Rendering courtesy of Linc Housing)
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Long Beach officials and representatives from Linc Housing celebrated the groundbreaking of Thrive, a 73-unit affordable housing community in the Zaferia neighborhood, on Thursday, May 28, 2026. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
The development features a four-story, 50-unit building and a three-story, 23-unit building, with varied heights designed to fit within the surrounding residential neighborhood, according to a press release.
It transforms a previously landlocked site with a long-term vacant and dilapidated structure into a vibrant, connected community through coordinated planning of circulation and open space, in close collaboration with city agencies, officials said.
“This project has been a long time in the making,” Suny Lay Chang, president and COO of Linc Housing, said during the ceremony. “This is the epitome of public-private partnership and perseverance and creativity.”
Linc Housing, Chang added, also worked collaboratively with the surrounding neighborhood to make the project possible. The project also faced several challenges, including the need for rezoning and more funding.
All homes will be conveniently located close to elementary and high schools, a public library, Recreation Park, public transportation, and other community amenities, officials said.
“It’s an exciting day for our community, and it’s an important step forward in helping more families find a safe and stable place to call home,” Councilmember Kristina Duggan said during the ceremony, who represents District 3, where the project is located. “Today is also a historic day for District 3; this is the first affordable housing project to be approved, entitled, and constructed here in the district.
“We’re celebrating 73 new homes for families who will have the opportunity to put down roots,” Duggan said, “and become a part of this neighborhood and community.”
Drawing inspiration from local midcentury regionalism, the design for the affordable housing community includes resident-focused amenities, such as on-site vehicle and bicycle parking, resident services space, a community room, a large courtyard with barbecues and play equipment, and two outdoor decks, according to a press release.
The total cost of the project will be approximately $66 million, according to Linc Housing. The project is financed through a combination of private financing from U.S. Bank and California Community Reinvestment Corporation, as well as public financing from the California Department of Housing and Community Development, the City of Long Beach and Long Beach Community Investment Company.
Thrive will also have project-based vouchers from the city’s Housing Authority, according to a press release.
BAR Architects & Interiors designed the affordable housing community and United Building Company is the general contractor. The development is anticipated to be completed by late 2027. Details about how to apply to the new homes will be available closer to completion, according to a press release.