Building Los Angeles: Mixed-Use Affordable Housing Headed Towards Expo/Vermont

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Mixed-Use Affordable Housing Headed Towards Expo/Vermont

Image Credti: Abode Communities and T.R.U.S.T. South LA

Although Metro's Expo Line has experienced no lack of proposed office, residential, hotel and retail developments near its Westside stations, investment has noticeably lagged in-between Culver City and Downtown LA. Well get ready South Los Angeles: Expo/Vermont Station is finally getting some much needed TOD action. Non-profit organizations T.R.U.S.T. South LA and Abode Communities are partnering on the redevelopment of Rolland Curtis Gardens, a 48-unit affordable housing complex located one block west of Vermont Avenue. According to an environmental report just released by the city, plans call for the demolition of Rolland Curtis' existing buildings, followed by the two-phased construction of a mixed-use development with 140 affordable residential units and 8,000 square feet of ground floor commercial space.

Residential structures would rise five stories, flanking the southern and western sides of the project site. Apartments are centered around a grassy courtyard which would serve as both gathering space and a children's play area (see after the jump). The project also includes multiple community rooms, on-site laundry facilities and parking for 114 vehicles and 154 bicycles.

Commercial space would consist of a one story building stretching along Exposition Boulevard, with proposed uses including a community serving health clinic, non-profit office space, and perhaps some small business retail. Plans also call for a small amount of surface parking for bikes and cars in the rear of the retail structure. Buildings would be clad with materials including plaster, smooth finish concrete and metal siding.

According to a document created by the developers, the Rolland Curtis redevelopment is scheduled to begin construction in December 2015, with full occupancy expected in November 2017. T.R.U.S.T. South LA and Abode Communities shaped the project with input from the community on a variety of subjects, including potential retail tenants, urban design, and architecture.