In a significant step toward addressing housing affordability and availability, the Rancho Mirage City Council recently approved several large-scale apartment developments aimed at low- and moderate-income residents, aligning with the city’s housing goals and state requirements.
The Catana Project, proposed by McKeller McGowan Holdings LLC, received council approval and will occupy 36 acres at the northwest corner of Ramon Road and Rattler Road, near Rancho Mirage High School. This three-phase development features 210 single-family market-rate rental homes designed to provide a transitional option between apartment living and homeownership. “This will be a perfect opportunity to bridge the gap,” said Tim McGowan, president of the development company, highlighting the potential appeal to young professionals, families saving to buy homes, and retirees seeking simpler living.
Additionally, the Catana Project will include a 94-unit affordable housing component, designated for individuals earning between 30% and 60% of Riverside County’s median income. Amenities planned for this area include community gathering spaces, a computer room, laundry facilities, and a “tot lot” for children. Rancho Mirage city officials praised the project’s diversity, with Mayor Pro Tem Ted Weill describing it as “filling a gap” and City Manager Isaiah Hagerman underscoring its importance as “workforce housing” critical for local employers.
Site of the approved Via Vail apartment development
Complementing the Catana initiative, the Via Vail Apartments, developed by Pacific West Communities Inc., is set for construction on 10 acres of vacant land near Gerald Ford Drive and Monterey Avenue. This project includes 234 affordable apartments targeting residents making between 30% and 80% of the county’s median income. Designed with amenities such as a community room, fitness facility, and pool, this development responds directly to demands voiced by local business leaders and institutions like Eisenhower Health. David Kowalczyk, Eisenhower’s vice president of human resources, stressed that proximity to affordable housing is vital for recruiting and retaining essential healthcare workers.
The council also approved a 150-unit affordable housing project to be developed by National Community Renaissance and USA Properties Fund. Located just south of the retail center anchored by Home Depot and Regal Rancho Mirage theater, this site will feature a mix of two- and three-story buildings with extensive community amenities, including a swimming pool, butterfly garden, playground, and shared community spaces. It targets families and individuals earning less than 80% of the median income.
Councilmember Steve Downs emphasized the broader impact of these developments, noting Rancho Mirage has now planned 78% of the 1,076 affordable units required by its current housing cycle. These approvals mark a notable shift for Rancho Mirage, traditionally known for upscale residential developments, towards a more balanced community offering increased housing accessibility for diverse income levels and essential workforce members.
All three projects were unanimously approved by the city council, underscoring a strong local commitment to addressing regional housing needs and meeting state-mandated housing objectives.
