The Nunes Co., the Salinas, Calif.-based owner of the Foxy Produce brand, broke ground on a 4-acre parcel in Salinas for its second farmworker housing complex.

When completed, Casa Boronda will be available for seasonal agricultural employees. This new gated community will include six, 2-story apartment buildings with up to eight residents and two full bathrooms per unit on a site that also features two recreation rooms, a manager’s unit, laundry facilities, basketball and volleyball court and a sports and recreation field.

“This is a win-win situation for our employees, our company and our customers,” says Tom Nunes Jr., president. “It is not only the right time for such a large undertaking, it is [also] simply the right thing to do.”

“We are blessed to be in this business, and doubly blessed to be able to provide beautiful housing for our employees,” adds Mark Rodriguez, spokesperson for the Rodriguez family and The Growers Co., Somerton, Ariz. “This project speaks to our three families’ commitment to the well-being of each and every employee who works for our companies.”

“Three very diverse families from very different backgrounds, coming together to accomplish a project like this is indeed rare in the agriculture industry,” adds Henry Hibino, partner in the project, grower and former mayor of Salinas. “While we come from different cultures, we share the same core values of dignity and rewarding hard work.”

The project will be carried out by Avila Construction, Monterey, Calif.

The first phase of the project is scheduled to be completed by April 2018 with the first occupants moving in on or around May 1, 2018.

“This is not only a great project for the employees of The Nunes Co.; it is [also] important work. It is the type of project everyone at Avila Construction can feel good about,” says Mike Avila, principal of Avila Construction.