National City Opens Union Tower for Veterans, Families

The 94-unit complex in National City is designed for veterans who have experienced homelessness and for low-income families.

Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Apartments

Isometric editorial illustration of two plain residential blocks of unequal height standing side by side on an open lot under a clear sky, in oxblood, teal, mustard, and cream. — National City opened Union Tower, a 94-unit complex for veterans who have experienced homelessness and low-income families, which was fully leased by October. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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National City held the grand opening of Union Tower, a 94-unit apartment complex for veterans and low-income families. Residents began moving in around May, and the complex was 100% leased by October.

Why it matters

The project adds affordable housing paired with on-site services such as case management, mental health care, and workforce training for residents in National City. It was developed with input from residents and connects them to existing community resources.

Union Tower's 94 units range from 515 to 990 square feet in one- to three-bedroom layouts, with 24 fully furnished apartments reserved for veterans. Eligible families earn 30% to 60% of the area median income, or about $53,000 to $105,000 for a family of four.

The players

Wakeland Housing

Wakeland Housing is a nonprofit affordable housing developer that built Union Tower and is also developing the Rady Center homeless services complex in downtown San Diego.

The details

Union Tower is an addition to the National City Park Apartments complex, which is about five decades old, and consists of a four-story and a seven-story building. Water, sewer, and trash fees are paid by the building owner, and residents receive services including workforce opportunities, computer training, financial counseling, and tutoring.

June 2025: Wakeland Housing was awarded $8 million from the city.
May 2026: Residents began moving into Union Tower.
October 2026: Union Tower was 100% leased.
Tuesday, November 10, 2026: Union Tower held its grand opening.
Monday, November 9, 2026: The Rady Center broke ground in downtown San Diego.

Elections
Nov. 4
Rodriguez Leads Bush in National City Mayor Race

Market Context

Union Tower's 24 veteran units are supported by Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing vouchers, a federal program that pairs rental assistance with VA case management for veterans experiencing homelessness. The project applies that model within a mixed-income building serving families earning 30% to 60% of area median income.

Eligible families earning 30% to 60% of area median income can apply for the 94 units, and veterans who have experienced homelessness can access the 24 furnished apartments. Residents receive free case management, mental health care, and financial counseling without paying separate fees for those services.

The takeaway

Affordable housing paired with on-site services can help residents stabilize their lives, and the Union Tower model shows how veteran-specific units can sit inside a broader family housing project.