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.

Affordable Housing Development Coming to Parcel Near USC

1077 W 38th Street

A mixed-use development consisting almost entirely of affordable housing is planned for a parcel located down the street from Exposition Park.  Details read as follows:

Rolland Curtis Partners, LLC is the owner of a site located at 1077 West 38th Street in the South Los Angeles Community Plan area in Council District 8.  The Owner is proposing a mixed use project containing 140 residential units, including 138 deed restricted affordable units and approximately 8,000 square feet of commercial space ("project").  The project is proposing a commercial space programmed with philanthropic uses providing medical services to the local community and office space.  The site's proximity, located within 500 feet of the Expo Light Rail stop at Vermont Avenue provides a great transit opportunity.

This new development would take the place of an existing 48-unit affordable housing complex known as the Rolland Curtis Gardens.  T.R.U.S.T. South LA and the non-profit developer Abode Communities purchased the housing complex last year for $9 million.

It's not exciting, but affordable housing is important.  Abode has done good work in the past, and I hope they can churn out a quality product on the Rolland Curtis site.  This location provides ample transit access, with the well patronized Vermont bus lines one block east and the busy Expo/Vermont Metro station right across the street.

The existing Rolland Curtis Gardens, viewed from across the Expo Line tracks.

• TRUST South LA (Official Website)
• Abode Communities (Official Website)
• Land Trust and Developer Save Affordable Housing Complex (California Health Report)