This blog post will review a recent Metropolis Magazine news story by Sam Lubell from December of 2023 discussing how community support and efforts contributed to South LA's combat to rises in gentrification.
South LA, including areas such as Inglewood, Lawndale, and Lomita is described as a site of recurring troubles such as "institutional racism, public neglect, urban renewal, riots, and violence" as listed by Lubell. However, changes to the community in recent years have brought about alterations in the neighborhood scene- including building and renovations of the famous So-Fi Stadium, the Intuit Dome, and the Kia Forum. Additionally, individual projects such as Destination Crenshaw take initiative to open a "unique art and infrastructure undertaking set."
Unfortunately, newfound attraction and the generation of movement in this area would only perpetuate the age-old issue of housing and displacement. Within South LA, far too much housing is "below standard", prompting the city to take action.
A substantial and noteworthy effort by the city to combat gentrification in their area is the renewal of Jordan Downs. The redevelopment of this public housing project led by the HACLA (Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles) is more than halfway to completion. The initial efforts made for the Jordan Downs project in the 1940s fell flat by the 1980s, with few signs of success. However, the new and finished structure will include "over 1500 units of new mixed-income housing, 100,000 square feet of retail", in addition to improved infrastructure and social gathering spaces as well. Upon completion, the Jordan Downs will be considered one of the most "expansive" developments in the area.
The Jordan Downs developments have chosen to include a multitude of units, with both renter and owner options. The development is said to embrace unique "Mediterranean-influenced" design to honor local historic buildings and to assimilate with the rest of the city aesthetics. HACLA officers highlight the importance of this Spanish style in creating a "thread of connection".
The Jordan Downs is just one of many upcoming affordable housing projects that are set to improve the quality of life for many lower income city residents in the near future.
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