California Construction News staff writer
As a 74-unit permanent supportive housing complex opened in Los Angeles, construction has begun on the Banning Apartments development, a 64-unit development.
“The developments are a clear marker of how far we’ve come in our mission to welcome Angelenos into high-quality, permanent supportive units that can end the vicious cycle of homelessness and make real movement toward ending this crisis,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti.
Both developments were supported by Proposition HHH, a $1.2 billion bond championed by Mayor Garcetti that has increased Los Angeles’ production of supportive housing by nearly 600%, from nearly 300 to 2,000 per year.
Banning Apartments developer Century Affordable Development, Inc. (CADI) thanked financial partners including the City of Los Angeles which contributed Measure HHH funding. “Through Proposition HHH, Angelenos funded opportunities for people to start anew. The Banning will provide more than just a place to stay, it will offer hope and stability,” Garcetti said.
Officials say the plan is currently producing more units than promised, at a lower cost than expected, resulting in the completion of more than 26 projects with 1,675 total units.
The Banning Apartments development, which is expected to open late next year, will consist of 63 units for homeless households. As with all HHH-funded developments, the projects contain on-site supportive services, including individual case management, community building activities, and career development programs.
The project team includes architect GGA+ and contractor Walton Construction Services. The team took care to design a community that prioritizes resident needs, fits the scale of the neighborhood and provides plentiful onsite parking. All residents will have access to on-site supportive services provided by Century.
“This site has been vacant for decades. Community members in Wilmington have expressed that this has led to blight, illegal dumping, and other issues,” said Gilbert Gonzales, development manager at Century Housing and project lead on The Banning. “The Banning will replace a large vacant lot with a modern beautiful building and extensive landscaping.”
In the 2022-20223 nearly $1.2 billion was approved for “homelessness solutions” including $255 million for a new round of Project Homekey, to add 928 units.
