Councilwoman Perry Celebrate Opening of The Crossings on 29th Street
Councilwoman jan Perry joins Urban housing Communities to celebrate realization of community vision for Affordable housing in South Los Angeles:
Beautiful, New Homes Replace Industrial Block in Midst of Residential Neighborhood
Los Angeles—A South Los Angeles community celebrated today at the opening of a beautiful new residential development at what was once an industrial block wedged between an elementary school and family housing. Councilwoman Jan Perry joined Urban Housing Communities (UHC), City & County officials, and community members to open the doors and welcome new residents to UHC’s newest affordable residential community, The Crossings on 29th Street—a project that promises to unify and enhance this South Los Angeles neighborhood.
The Crossings on 29th Street is the result of collaboration among UHC, the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) and Councilwoman Jan Perry to transform an industrial island adjacent to a residential neighborhood into a safe, healthy, attractive and supportive family-friendly residential community. Upon completion this multi-phase development will provide over 550 affordable rentals and for-sale residences, retail to support the neighborhood (e.g. a grocery store), and community and recreation facilities consistent with the City’s plan for the area. In addition, as part of their dedication to building a quality project, UHC has made a commitment to integrating open space into the project, which is rarely seen in urban developments of this kind.
“The Crossings is a truly transformative project that is already positively changing the look and feel of the block. These beautiful craftsman style homes are just the beginning; when the project is fully realized, the project will bring quality affordable housing, community-serving retail, and beautiful new recreation space. What was once an industrial block sandwiched between an elementary school and family housing will now be a source of pride for our entire community,” said Councilwoman Jan Perry.
“The journey to get to the opening of the Crossings on 29th Street has been wonderful and life-changing. We are grateful to Councilwoman Jan Perry, the community organizations, and our governmental and financial partners for their dedication and allowing us to provide safe, eco-friendly affordable living to the families of this deserving community. We look forward to continuing these partnerships as we create additional developments that will serve this generation and those to come,” added Douglas R. Bigley, President of Urban Housing Communities LLC.
The Crossings on 29th Street has been designed in a Craftsmen style that reflects the historic architectural tradition of the neighborhood. Families living at The Crossings on 29th Street will have access to a 2,000‐square‐foot onsite recreation center, which features a supportive resident services program, a computer lab, a lounge, a kitchen, laundry facilities and an office for the onsite manager. Outdoor amenities include BBQs, picnic tables, a playground and informal seating areas. Indoor and outdoor spaces were designed to promote interaction and activity among residents. Resident and visitor covered parking with integrated solar panels have been included in the site plan.
“For years hardworking Los Angeles families have had to live in substandard housing because it’s all they can afford. I am excited about the opening of The Crossings because it’s an opportunity for the taxi drivers, janitors, housecleaners and other workers who keep LA going, and who live in our South LA neighborhood, to have a more stable and decent life. This is responsible redevelopment. Let’s hope our state does the right thing and keeps funding developments like these,” said Martha Sanchez, community advocate and member of Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE).
UHC is also collaborated with the CRA/LA and a local artist to lead neighborhood children through educational art workshops with the goal of creating a permanent mosaic tile mural to be installed in the community’s playground.
Located adjacent to the 28th Street Elementary School, the first phase of The Crossings on 29th Street features 24 two-bedroom and 10 three-bedroom apartment homes. Each home offers a covered patio/balcony, central heat and air conditioning, walk-in closets, Energy Star lighting, windows and appliances (e.g. refrigerator, dishwasher, and garbage disposal), water-saving kitchen and bathroom fixtures, dual flush toilets, a gas range, washer/dryer hookups, tankless water heaters, high-speed internet access, and wiring for cable television.
“The Crossings on 29th Street is a great example of the type of development that Bank of America is committed to as one of the nation’s largest, most active affordable housing lenders,” said Garrett Gin, Senior Vice President in Global Marketing & Corporate Affairs – Greater Los Angeles Market, Bank of America, who helped finance the project. “As part of Bank of America’s 10-year, $1.5 trillion dollar community development lending and investing goal, we have provided more than $24 billion for affordable housing in Los Angeles. Through projects such as the Crossings on 29th Street, we’re proud of our role in helping revitalize communities.”
The Crossings also features a spacious 2,000-square-foot community center with a computer lab, a lounge, a fully equipped kitchen and a manager’s office, plus laundry facilities. The community center serves as the location of a resident services program provided by Western Community Housing that provides specific resources designed to meet residents’ physical, educational, professional and social needs. The services include health and nutrition programs, computers with Internet access, educational programs, financial education seminars, parenting classes and a Neighborhood Watch program.