Condo plan under review

COSTA MESA — Ten years ago, when Hugh Siler was looking to purchase a home on Costa Mesa’s east side where he grew up, he wished there were more affordable entry-level houses and condos on the market.

Now he’s trying to make his one-time dream into a reality for other potential homeowners with a condo conversion project — the Bungalows at Elden. The Costa Mesa Planning Commission will review the project today

Siler wants to convert seven rentals at 2550 Elden Ave. into condominiums to create an alternative to the high-priced homes in the area. City staff have recommended the commission approve Siler’s project.

“It’s really sad, there are so many people in mid-management positions, for example, who make good money, but for whatever reason, the down payment is out of reach or the monthly payments are just out of reach,” he said. “Many people around here want to live where they grew up, and it’s a shame and unfortunate when they can’t.”

Costa Mesa has what Planning Commissioner Bruce Garlich refers to as an upside-down ratio of renters and homeowners. About 60% rent and 40% own, percentages that are generally flip-flopped in similar-sized cities.

“The city is always trying to improve that ratio … and it’s better to have that ratio the other way around,” he said.

Lately the planning commission has seen many condo conversion projects, Garlich said. Generally they are older units being upgraded. Siler is focused on retaining the character of the area that, if approved, will attract young buyers and those who are just starting out.

“We’re really trying to take some existing structures and create something very desirable by using a lot of imagination,” he said. “We’re working with the city to create a nice project that’s unique in retaining the charm [we] grew up with. I think some people have gotten away and forgotten about that.”

Siler’s bungalow project consists of one detached front house and six attached condos behind it that need fixing up. Siler was told the front house was built in 1943, although he suspects, because of old wiring, wear and tear and its construction, that it may have been built prior to the 1940s.

It’s evident the house was worked on and added to throughout the years and Siler even found a March 1964 Orange Coast Daily Pilot used as insulation in the walls.

At tonight’s meeting, one thing that may come up is its legal nonconforming status, meaning some of the components, including the parking areas, were OK when they were built, but not up to the standard held to new developments.

Upgrades include travertine floors in the kitchen and bathroom, with the shower area also made of the stone. He redid the stairs that were rickety, adding a support wall under. He’s added dishwashers, replaced the drywall and added much-needed windows to the bedrooms — all things Siler said have not come cheap.

“Especially in Eastside Costa Mesa, that price point is very desirable to a lot first time home buyers,” said Heather Macias, a Prudential real estate agent with a listing next door. “It’s brand-new construction and a great project. It’s very well thought out — each condo has their own yard and feels like a home. I was really excited when I went over there.”

Siler and Macias said the pride of ownership value in the community is immeasurable and its positive effect would be apparent in the neighborhood.

One of the key components to the project is the addition of front patios, which Siler hopes will encourage camaraderie among future neighbors.

“We hope it’ll add an element of community. You need to get along with the neighbors with this setup,” he said. “It’s just a real cool layout and it’s part of being a community. We did it intentionally and hope it’ll work.”

Siler, who owns other rental properties, has been working with the city for the last six months. Siler is excited about the project.

“It’s cool to create great rental units and put a smile on the face of new renters, but I want to just take that to the next step,” Siler said. “Renters could actually be buying, and it would be cool to put a permanent smile on their faces.”