Construction began this month on the 90-unit Villa Harvey Mandel complex on the south side of Imperial Avenue between 16th and 17th streets. Developed by St. Vincent de Paul, the project will involve the conversion of the former Emporium Apartments into low-income apartments, including studios and one-bedroom units.

In a project scheduled for completion in the summer of 2003, construction is under way on the 280-unit Island Village Apartments studio complex at Market and Island streets, 12th and 13th avenues. The project consists of four-story buildings and includes approximately 5,000 sf of retail space.

The Palms, a three-story, 72-unit apartment building with a glass-enclosed veranda at 509 12th Ave. will be renovated after JMI Realty's East Village Development San Diego LLC bought the block in the spring of 2000 for $3.77 million.