**CBG Finds Success with Affordable Microunit Project in Pasadena**
Christian Hart and Joe Seager, partners and co-founders of Community Builders Group (CBG), have developed numerous affordable housing projects across California and the Southwest since establishing their company in 1999. Yet, the concept of affordable multifamily microunits wasn’t always on their radar—until, as Hart described, “the perfect timing mechanism” came into play.
A combination of factors led to the development of CBG’s latest project, Pasadena Studios. Among them: the availability of a compact land parcel near other CBG developments, collaboration with cityLAB UCLA, and Pasadena’s ongoing demand for affordable housing.
“The city wanted to create more units,” Hart explained. “Between Pasadena’s efforts in providing an efficient entitlement platform and friends who brought the land opportunity to us, we decided to move forward on the transaction and process.”
The result was Pasadena Studios, a 180-unit affordable multifamily microunit development at 280 N. Oakland Avenue, located near Old Town Pasadena and the LA Metro Gold Line. Since its opening in 2023, the property leased up in just four months and has remained fully occupied.
### A New Kind of Housing Solution
What sets Pasadena Studios apart is its unique combination of micro-sized units and affordability—something previously unseen in bond-financed developments. Historically, California renters sought larger apartments suitable for families. But, as Hart observed, rentals began trending smaller with an increase in roommate living situations, eventually evolving toward individuals preferring to live alone.
“More and more individuals wanted the freedom to decorate their unit and live independently,” Hart noted. “You’ve gone from family-sized units to one-bedrooms and now, microunits.”
Rising land prices and the escalating demand for affordable rentals further fueled the viability of microunits. For Pasadena Studios, CBG leveraged California tax-exempt bonds and state and federal tax credits to finance the project.
“Typically, you’re laying on multiple sources to ensure viability,” Hart explained. “In this context, we bought right, we financed right, we built right, and it was designed right.”
### Who Lives at Pasadena Studios?
The microunits range from 245 to 270 square feet and are intended for renters earning a maximum annual income of $53,000. Despite their compact size, the units are complemented by a range of amenities such as a rooftop deck, landscaped courtyards, community gathering spaces, a business center, fitness facility, barbecue area, fire pits, and bicycle storage.
Originally envisioned as transitional housing for younger adults—particularly students or those still navigating career paths—the tenant base has shown surprising diversity.
“We’re seeing senior citizens move in,” Hart said. “They’re downsizing, letting go of things they’ve accumulated, and the microunits fit their new lifestyle.”
The property now features an intergenerational mix, bringing together students, young professionals, and older adults. “Sometimes housing crises force people into situations they hadn’t envisioned. But this project has exceeded my expectations in terms of success and community.”
### What’s Next for CBG?
CBG plans to expand the Pasadena Studios model into other communities across California. However, Hart admitted that challenges such as labor shortages, tariff issues, and rising construction costs have created delays.
“Our projects are planned years in advance, but inflation and reserve requirements are already impacting our timelines,” he said.
Still, the success of Pasadena Studios has given CBG a physical proof of concept—a working model to present to other cities, stakeholders, and potential partners.
“I’ve given a lot of tours of the property,” Hart said. “Our team hosts at least one weekly tour.”
Hart strongly believes that affordable microunit developments will be an important—though not singular—part of solving the housing crisis.
“It’s one piece of a broader solution,” he concluded.
