On August 7, Mammoth Lakes reached a significant milestone in delivering affordable housing to the community. In partnership with Pacific West Communities, Inc. Mammoth Lakes celebrated the opening of “The Sawyer” – Phase 1 of The Parcel affordable housing project and the ground-breaking for “The Kingfisher” – Phase 2.
Purchased by the Town of Mammoth Lakes in 2018, The Parcel affordable housing project is being built in multiple phases over several years and will have upwards of 450 affordable units at full build-out. “The Sawyer” (Phase 1) includes 81 units (80 affordable units and 1 manager’s unit), a child-care facility, and a public park.
“We are thrilled to have accomplished this first step toward meeting the critical housing shortages here in Mammoth Lakes,” said Nolan Bobroff, Town of Mammoth Lakes Community and Economic Development Director. “There is still much work to be done, but we couldn’t be more pleased to have taken this first step toward meeting the demand for affordable housing in our community.”
Tenants began moving into the smaller of the two buildings (15 units) that make up The Sawyer in early June and began moving into the larger building (66 units) in mid-to late-July. Income-qualified tenants for both buildings have been selected from the nearly 700 person waitlist that was developed for the project. It is anticipated that the property manager will begin accepting applications for The Kingfisher in summer 2026, which is the estimated completion date for Phase 2.
Funding for the Parcel came from a variety of sources, including the State Infill Infrastructure Grant program for road and infrastructure improvements, the California Housing Accelerator program, No Place Like Home, Mono County MHSA funds, and Town funds providing for development impact fee (DIF) deferrals and a land loan. The apartments in this first phase at The Parcel serve a range of affordability from 30% – 80% Area Median Income (AMI) with the majority of the units at 60% AMI for individuals and families making approximately $29,000 – $45,000 per year depending on household size. The rents for apartments at The Sawyer range from approximately $450 per month at the low end to $1,700 per month at the high end. Rental rates will be based on the annual income of the applicant and the size of the unit.
“The Kingfisher” (Phase 2) will be built over 2-phases for a total of 148 rentable units (146 affordable units and 2 manager’s units) and is being funded by the State Infill Infrastructure Grant program for road and infrastructure improvements, tax credit equity secured by the developer, and Town funds providing for DIF deferrals, a land loan, and a cash loan. Future phases are currently in the planning process.
