by Mick Rhodes | editor@claremont-courier.com

State and local officials, housing advocates, and representatives from Jamboree Housing Corporation were in town Wednesday for the groundbreaking of Larkin Place, Jamboree’s 33-unit supportive housing development at 731 Harrison Ave.

The long debated, controversial project, due to be complete in 2025, was the subject of much concern over the past few years. Opponents lobbied City Council and city hall, contending the location and population of formerly unhoused persons was not the right fit for the primarily residential neighborhood near the corner of Harrison and Mountain avenues. At one point the State of California put Claremont on notice that it had violated state law when it denied an easement over adjacent Larkin Park.

Claremont City Council member Jed Leano speaks Wednesday at the Larkin Place groundbreaking event. Courier photo/Matt Weinberger

Last June, Claremont’s Principal Planner Chris Veirs confirmed Jamboree’s application met the requirements of California Assembly Bill 2162, the Supportive Housing Act. In July 2023, Jamboree secured its funding, clearing the final hurdle and essentially ending the yearslong drama.

Scheduled to be on hand Wednesday were Claremont City Council member Jed Leano, who is also board chair of San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust; Gene Boutillier, president of Claremont Housing; Jamboree President and CEO Laura Archuleta; Michael Massie, chief real estate development officer for Jamboree; Pilgrim Place CEO Ron Bolding; Emilio Salas, LA County Development Authority executive director; US Bancorp’s Chuck Sinkey; Century Housing Senior Vice President Josh Hamilton; and Enrique Robles, from U.S. Representative Judy Chu’s office.

Claremont Housing President Gene Boutillier speaks at Wednesday’s Larkin Place groundbreaking ceremony. Courier photo/Matt Weinberger

According to previous Courier reports, the projected construction cost for Larkin Place is $23,269,386. Financing comes in for the form of loans and tax credits from a host of entities, including: a $10 million loan from Banner Bank, the primary lien holder; $3 million from the San Gabriel Valley Housing Trust; and $4.7 million from the Los Angeles County Development Authority; $3 million in low income tax credits; and $1.6 million in deferred costs and fees.

According to Jamboree’s state application, total permanent financing is $12,919,721 and total tax credit equity is $10,349,665. Estimates put the cost per unit at $705,133.

Larkin Place is expected to be complete in 2025.