Built in 1942, Rose Hill Courts is one of Los Angeles’ oldest public housing complexes. And led by a team that includes the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), the developer Related California, and the general contractor R.D. Olson Construction, the first phase of Rose Hill Courts’ redevelopment and expansion is underway to construct two Type V-A four-story wood-frame buildings with 51 and 38 units, respectively, and ground-level surface parking spaces.
Upon completion, this project will nearly double Rose Hill Courts to 185 affordable housing units for low, very low, and extremely low income families, and replace its existing 100 units set on five acres.
The two new buildings in phase one are designed to achieve LEED certification, and their construction is scheduled for completion at the end of next year. Totalling 103,000 sf, the two buildings will offer 51 one-bedroom, 26 two-bedroom, eight three-bedroom, and four four-bedroom apartments. One building will also have a 3,000-sf underground basement that makes use of an adjacent hill.
A GC COMMITTED TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING
R.D. Olson partnered with Withee Malcolm Architects on this project. Resource Environmental Inc., a hazardous material abatement and demolition contractor, performed abatement and demolition work that was completed prior to the financial closing and construction that started in June.
The Rose Hill Courts redevelopment is R.D. Olson’s fourth affordable housing project within a 10-mile radius of Los Angeles. “We bring the right experience along with well-established relationships in the community, and are successfully navigating the challenges of keeping the remaining 70-year-old residences operational during phase one of construction,” says Bill Wilhelm, R.D. Olson’s president.
Also see: L.A.’s component-based interim housing
According to HACLA’s website, phase two of the redevelopment will include 95 affordable apartment homes that target very low and extremely low income residents. Once both phases are completed, the redevelopment will include a 6,300-sf community building with and on-site property management office and social services, and a “Central Park” green space with shaded seating, barbeque grills, courtyards, and children’s play areas with “tot lots” for resident use.
Both phases will feature surface parking, a secured interior bike room, bike racks, entirely new landscaping, lighting, fencing, signage, security features, storm-drain and utility improvements. The new sustainably designed buildings will utilize solar power and the landscaping will include water-efficient irrigation and storm water reuse.
A HOMELESS PROBLEM THAT’S GETTING WORSE
Phase 1 of the redevelopment is financed with $31.8 million in tax-exempt bonds and $13.9 million in private equity raised through the sale of federal low-income housing tax credits. HACLA will provide up to $8.35 million during construction. This phase of redevelopment will also be supported by $15.5 million in funding from the State of California department of Housing and Community Development through the Affordable Housing & Sustainable Communities and Infill Infrastructure Grant programs.
In addition, $8 million in AHSC grant funds were awarded to the City of Los Angeles to provide pedestrian safety upgrades in the immediate neighborhood and improvements in public transportation including six new bus shelters and eight battery electric buses.
The Rose Hill Courts redevelopment is occurring at a time when homelessness in southern California has been rising. On any given night there are more than 66,000 people homeless in Los Angeles County, and 739 homeless died in the county in the first six months of 2021, 20% more than during the same period in 2020. In July, L.A. County approved $527.1 million in funding to battle homelessness in fiscal 2012-22.
Related Stories
Multifamily Housing | Mar 18, 2015
Prefabricated skycubes proposed with 'elastic' living apartments inside
The interiors for each unit are designed using an elastic living concept, where different spaces are created by sliding on tracks.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 16, 2015
New Jersey Supreme Court puts control of affordable housing agency in the courts
The court said the state’s affordable housing agency had failed to do its job, and effectively transferred the agency's regulatory authority to lower courts.
High-rise Construction | Mar 16, 2015
Mexican Museum tower caught in turmoil to break ground this summer in San Francisco
Millennium Partners said it will break ground on the 53-story residential and museum tower while the lawsuits go through the appeals process.
Mixed-Use | Mar 13, 2015
Dubai announces mega waterfront development Aladdin City
Planned on 4,000 acres in the Dubai Creek area, the towers will be covered in gold lattice and connected via air-conditioned bridges.
High-rise Construction | Mar 12, 2015
Developers confirm Renzo Piano’s contribution in Sydney harbor overhaul
If the entire development is approved, One Sydney Harbour will be Piano’s second project in Australia.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 12, 2015
Multifamily construction has been a boon to L.A.’s economy
A new study finds that nearly one-quarter of Los Angeles’ population lived in rental homes and apartments in 2013, a number that undoubtedly has increased since.
Modular Building | Mar 10, 2015
Must see: 57-story modular skyscraper was completed in 19 days
After erecting the mega prefab tower in Changsha, China, modular builder BSB stated, “three floors in a day is China’s new normal.”
Multifamily Housing | Mar 10, 2015
Developers bullish about multifamily market for third consecutive quarter
After increasing steadily over the past several years, multifamily production has now reached a healthy, sustainable level, according to NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 10, 2015
A loft project in Dallas evolves into a high rise for both affluent and artistic customers
Atelier | Flora Lofts will be built on one of this city’s last choice undeveloped lots.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 10, 2015
KTGY homes in on seniors with new studio
Its director, Doug Ahlstrom, says designs will emphasize socialization and community.