Atlas West CEO Daniel Shkolnik recently addressed over 400 industry professionals at the inaugural Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) Forum in Dana Point, highlighting the success of San Diego’s ADU Density Bonus Program. During the event, Shkolnik praised the program as a forward-thinking solution to housing shortages that cities and states across the U.S. are beginning to replicate.
Speaking on a panel titled “Multifamily ADUs: Strategies to Increase Value via Recapturing Non-Residential Space and Excess Land,” Shkolnik emphasized the significant impact of ADUs in boosting housing density and affordability. He acknowledged former San Diego Mayor Kevin Falconer for launching the initiative and current Mayor Todd Gloria for continuing its momentum.
“It was a great event that provided insight into this emerging territory. ADUs are still at the starting line, so it’s crucial to share what’s working, what isn’t, and to connect with other professionals in this space,” Shkolnik said. Atlas West was the first to take advantage of the City of San Diego’s ADU Bonus Program, which was approved in 2020.
Shkolnik also discussed the challenges of navigating the ADU building process, particularly the high costs of infrastructure like gas and electricity. He stressed the importance of addressing these issues early in the development process.
During the panel, Shkolnik shared Atlas West’s strategy of maximizing value by converting underutilized spaces and developing on excess land. He explained that small properties with surplus land often present mispriced opportunities, which allows for efficient ADU construction.
“We’re comfortable with ground-up construction and maximizing conversion to fully utilize floor area ratio (FAR). This approach leads to sustainable workforce housing that strikes the right balance between project size and unit count,” Shkolnik said. “We avoid micro-units, instead focusing on sustainable housing solutions that are both affordable and practical for end-use tenants.”
The event, hosted by Information Management Network (IMN) at the Waldorf Astoria in Dana Point, showcased the growing importance of ADUs as a tool for addressing housing shortages, with San Diego’s program being recognized as a national model.
