Orchid 
The Helm is a 7-story Green Point Rated affordable housing project in the Cortez Hill area of downtown San Diego at 191 W. Beech Street. The project itself activates the surrounding neighborhood by its proximity to employment, shopping, and pedestrian friendly transit options. The Helm also incorporates roughly 5,000 sq-ft. of community space and on-site amenities to foster resident interaction and engagement. Floors one through three feature a shared laundry room, a multipurpose room, a community lounge, a community clubhouse, bicycle storage and a courtyard.
“The Helm helps San Diego fulfill its goals and deliver on commitments that prioritize its core values – fostering the health, economic prosperity and well-being of all citizens,” said Affirmed Housing President Jimmy Silverwood. “This development not only delivers much needed workforce housing, but it promotes inclusive living and supports a healthy economic ecosystem – and it also happens to be affordable. I’m proud of what Affirmed Housing and our partners have accomplished with The Helm.”
The U-shaped configuration was purposefully orientated west to maximize views to the bay. Interior and exterior interplay come alive at the ground plane with communal uses, and at the third-level 1,200 sf landscaped courtyard with contiguous amenity uses. Bold architectural moves celebrate the corner of Front and Beech, at the street and the distinct corner expressions of the building. Material choices accentuate massing relationships and add to the overall design intent, further layering with projected balconies and oriel windows.
The Helm is GreenPoint Rated, a science-backed standard for building sustainable, efficient, durable and healthy homes. Supporting the building’s emphasis on green living is the first-floor bicycle shop that opens to Beech Street, taking advantage of the protected cycle tracks that run along the street providing seamless access to several off-site amenities in the area. Situated just steps from Little Italy, The Helm is pedestrian friendly and walking distance to retail, restaurants, grocery stores and access to public transportation.
This affordable housing project is designed to foster community and convenience for residents. It features a multipurpose room and a community lounge, providing versatile spaces for gatherings, events, and relaxation. A dedicated community clubhouse offers additional opportunities for social interaction and engagement. For daily needs, residents have access to a common area laundry room, while a landscaped courtyard with barbecue facilities provides an inviting outdoor space to unwind and connect. Bicycle storage is also available, ensuring practical support for residents with active lifestyles.
“Having an affordable place to call home isn’t just a roof over your head, it’s the foundation of a thriving community. The Helm is proof that we can build exceptional apartment communities that are affordable and integrate seamlessly in our neighborhoods. Partners like Affirmed Housing understand what it takes to get projects like this done, and I look forward to even more in the future as we work together to address our housing crisis.”
Todd Gloria, City of San Diego Mayor
The developer never restored the class IV cycletrack to its original condition. The city has failed to hold them accountable to it. Not a great impression from a new neighbor.