The 385-unit Calixa Apartment Homes in Camarillo, including 40 affordable units, celebrated its grand opening on Sept. 17 after years of construction.
The complex, at 5176 Verdugo Way, broke ground in March 2024 and was completed in April 2026, said Sterling Bales, community manager for the apartments.
During the event, a television screen in the leasing office displayed a time-lapse video documenting the project’s construction.
“It’s awesome to see what it became,” Bales said.
Calixa includes studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, along with amenities including a pool, gym and central park area with barbecues.
Of the 40 affordable rental units, 20 are designated for very low-income households and 20 are for moderate-income households, Bales
said. The remaining units are rented at market rates. She said the apartments are half full.
In Ventura County, the median income for a family of four is $135,600, according to the California Department of Housing and Community Development. A four-person household earning up to $78,500 would qualify as very low income.
Camarillo Mayor David Tennessen highlighted the affordable units during remarks at the event.
“We’re addressing a problem that I saw and that other councilmembers did,” he said.
Fairfield Camino Ruiz, a limited liability company affiliated with San Diego-based Fairfield Residential Co., developed the project.
The complex ranges from three to four stories across the 14.17-acre site, according to a 2021 staff report prepared for the Planning Commission, which approved the project that year.
Parking includes garages, carports and uncovered spaces.
Andy Conli, President and CEO of the West County Business Alliance, said the development will add housing units for workers and residents “in a very beautiful, elegant way.”
Among those attending the event were residents Christopher Sandoval, 52, and his fiancée Annelise O’Doherty, 38, who moved in a one-bedroom apartment on Sept. 5.
“I love it,” Sandoval said while attending festivities that included a DJ and free food and drinks.
“It’s a nice place to be; it has all the amenities you need,” Sandoval added, listing the barbecue pit, pool and jacuzzi as highlights.
O’Doherty said she appreciates the spacious courtyard, surrounding natural areas and the neighborhood’s safety.
Camarillo resident and small-business owner Pete Ibarra, of Pete Ibarra Designs, attended the event to tour the development and network with others in the community.
“This creates a lot of affordability for young professionals and families and also makes use of this open land,” he said. “I love seeing that growth.”
For more information on the complex, visit calixaapartmenthomes.com.
Wes Woods II covers West County for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at wesley.woodsii@vcstar.com, 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: New Camarillo 385-unit apartment complex includes affordable units
