Building Housing and a Cultural Connection in Sacramento

Once home to one of the most extensive railroad repair facilities in the western United States, the historically significant Railyards district in Sacramento, California, served as a major hub for the Central Pacific Railroad. Immigrants, particularly Chinese laborers, were essential to the construction and operation of the railroads, yet they faced severe discrimination, exclusionary policies, and barriers to economic stability. Over time, as rail operations declined in the late 20th century, the district fell into neglect, leaving behind vast, underutilized land and deep socioeconomic disparities.

Community Challenge

One of the most pressing challenges for the Railyards is the growing housing crisis, particularly among its senior population. The 2022 Point-in-Time Count survey revealed a sharp rise in unhoused people:

"We saw numbers that indicate that three people were losing their housing for every one person we housed."
— former Sacramento Councilperson Katie Valenzuela.

Many longtime residents of Sacramento, including seniors within the Asian American community, have struggled to find stable, affordable housing as costs continue to rise. Language barriers, limited access to culturally competent services, and economic insecurity have further exacerbated the risk of displacement among Asian-American seniors.

The urgency to address these inequities became the driving force behind the Wong Center. Named to honor Dr. Wah and Loretta Wong, prominent figures in Sacramento's Chinese-American community, the project aims to create a space where seniors can live with dignity, remain connected to their cultural heritage, and have access to the support they need to age in place. By situating the Wong Center in the heart of the Railyards, the project provides critically needed affordable housing. It ensures that Sacramento's Asian American seniors remain an integral part of the city's future.

Planning Solution

The Wong Center results from a collaborative effort between Mutual Housing California, the Wong Center Board of Directors, city officials, and community stakeholders. Its strategic location in Sacramento's Railyards district puts residents close to public transportation, downtown amenities, and healthcare services.

Construction on the Wong Center began in July 2022, following a groundbreaking ceremony attended by city officials, community leaders, and representatives from the Wong Family.

Public and private contributions funded the development, with the City of Sacramento providing $3.5 million in loans and the State of California contributing $52 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and tax-exempt bonds. The Wong Center Board of Directors also contributed $12.8 million and a $4 million land donation, with Downtown Railyard Ventures adding $2.2 million. This multifaceted funding approach allowed the project to be completed on schedule and under budget, and it opened its doors to residents in October 2024.

Councilmember Valenzuela played a key role in championing the Wong Center's development. "We are in desperate need of affordable housing of all types, but particularly startling has been the rise in unhoused seniors we see on our street," Valenzuela says. Recognizing its importance in addressing the city's escalating homelessness crisis, Valenzuela was an early advocate for the project, supporting its funding and ensuring that it remained a priority.

The Wong Center provides 150 affordable housing units, including 135 one-bedroom and 15 two-bedroom apartments, for seniors earning between 40 percent and 60 percent of Sacramento County's area median income.

The development offers a range of amenities designed to enhance residents' quality of life. These amenities include a large community space, a bocce ball court, garden beds, EV charging stations, a pet area, and bike storage. Programming such as coffee gatherings, bingo, and fitness activities like Zumba gives residents many opportunities to enrich their lives and build community.

Including culturally significant programs and practices, such as tai chi classes and mindfulness workshops, further connects residents to traditions promoting well-being and mental health. Many of these services and programming are delivered by bilingual and culturally competent staff, ensuring that seniors who face language barriers can fully benefit from the resources.

Outcome

Demand for housing at the Wong Center was immediate, and the facility is at 100 percent occupancy, underscoring the urgent need for more affordable senior housing in Sacramento. The facility has become a cultural hub and a model for preserving community heritage while serving as a safe, inclusive space where seniors can thrive.

The Wong Center's location in the Railyards district also helps bridge the gap between Sacramento's past and future. By building the Center in a historically significant area, the project honors the contributions of the Asian American community to the city's development while providing a forward-looking solution to modern housing challenges.

"The City of Sacramento is excited to have one of our first residential projects in the Downtown Railyards be one that is affordable to very low-income seniors," says Planning Director Greg Sandlund. "It is an ideal infill project we hope to see more of in the future."

The Wong Center's impact extends beyond its immediate residents. By addressing systemic barriers to affordable housing, it demonstrates how urban planning can respond to a community's diverse needs. It is also a tangible example of how collaborative efforts can lead to innovative solutions that prioritize equity and inclusivity.

Considerations for Your Community

The success of the Wong Center offers valuable lessons for urban planners seeking to address housing inequities while preserving cultural heritage. From the early planning stages, the development involved stakeholders who understood the unique challenges and needs of Sacramento's Asian American seniors. This collaboration ensured that the final project reflected the community's values and priorities.

Combining local, state, and private contributions allowed the Wong Center to remain financially viable while delivering high-quality housing and services. By tailoring those services to meet the linguistic and cultural needs of its residents, the development creates a strong sense of belonging. Finally, integrating elements that celebrate the Asian-American community's heritage strengthens residents' connections to their history and identity,

For communities facing similar challenges, the Wong Center offers a roadmap for addressing housing inequities while promoting inclusion and honoring cultural heritage.

Top image: Exterior of the Wong Center in Sacramento. Photo courtesy of the City of Sacramento.