David Malcolm on How Cal West Apartments Is Building San Diego’s Affordable Housing Future

In the heart of San Diego’s growing housing crisis, one entrepreneur is quietly reshaping how affordable living is defined—David Malcolm, President of Cal West Apartments. A San Diego native and seasoned property developer, Malcolm has spent over a decade pioneering mixed-income residential communities that blend sustainability, smart design, and community accessibility. His vision: to deliver dignified, stable housing without compromising quality or location.

Through candid insights from an exclusive interview, Malcolm reveals how Cal West is not only meeting demand but reimagining what modern apartment living can be for working families, first responders, and young professionals alike.

Cal West Apartments, under Malcolm’s leadership, stands at the forefront of San Diego’s effort to counter acute housing shortages. The company focuses on creating thoughtfully planned developments in high-opportunity neighborhoods, prioritizing proximity to transit, work hubs, and essential services.

By avoiding sprawling, low-density projects, Malcolm’s team maximizes land use efficiency—each project typically integrates 150 to 300 units within walkable urban cores rather than distant suburbs. This strategy not only reduces residents’ commute times but also strengthens community integration.

Designing for Dignity: More Than Just Brick and Mortar

Malcolm emphasizes that affordability extends beyond rent. “Affordable housing isn’t just about low prices—it’s about livability,” he explains.

“We design spaces that foster connection: shared rooftop gardens, wellness rooms, and ground-floor community lounges that encourage neighbors to gather.” Cal West developments feature energy-efficient systems such as solar-ready rooftops, low-flow plumbing, and smart lighting, lowering long-term utility costs for tenants. “We partner with green builders and local architects to ensure sustainability doesn’t come at the expense of comfort,” Malcolm adds. This holistic approach has earned Cal West recognition from city planners and resident advocacy groups alike.

Strategic Growth in a Tight Market: Balancing Profit and Purpose

Operating in one of America’s most competitive and expensive housing markets presents unique challenges. Yet Malcolm views Cal West’s model as economically viable and socially imperative. The company leverages public-private partnerships, tax increment financing, and incentive programs to fund developments without shifts in ownership structure.

“We see affordable units not as a loss leader but as an investment in neighborhood resilience,” Malcolm notes. “Tenants become small business patrons, neighbors, and future advocates for the community.” By pricing units across a tiered income spectrum—rates beginning around $1,150 per month—Cal West ensures access for enterpring first responders, educators, and mid-career professionals alike.

Community Impact Beyond the Bottom Line

Cal West’s commitment runs deeper than construction.

Under Malcolm’s direction, the company actively engages residents through annual “Community Voice Forums,” where future renters shape floor plans, fitness amenity designs, and green space layouts. “We listen more than we speak,” Malcolm says. “When people help design their neighborhoods, they feel ownership—and loyalty.” Additionally, Cal West prioritizes local hiring, allocating 75% of construction labor to San Diego residents, and partners with nonprofit education centers to offer on-site financial literacy and job readiness workshops.

These programs reinforce stability, empowering communities long after keys are handed over.

The Road Ahead: Scaling Impact Without Sacrificing Quality

Looking to the future, David Malcolm sees continued opportunity at the intersection of policy reform and private-sector innovation. “San Diego’s housing crisis demands boldness—more permitting flexibility, expanded subsidies, and stricter anti-displacement rules,” he advocates.

Cal West plans to expand its footprint beyond current projects in downtown and coastal districts, targeting emerging corridors with high public transit access. The company’s next ventures will test modular construction techniques and adaptive reuse of underused warehouses, reducing build times by up to 40%. “We’re not just building apartments—we’re building models that other developers across California can replicate,” Malcolm concludes.

With Cal West Apartments leading the charge, San Diego’s affordable housing landscape is evolving. David Malcolm’s decades-long commitment to strategic, community-centered development proves that responsible growth and meaningful progress can coexist—one thoughtful unit at a time.