Affordable Green Housing Rises On LA Industrial Lot

Los Angeles city officials are celebrating the opening of a new eco-friendly, affordable housing development in South Los Angeles. The Crossings on 29th Street was developed by Urban Housing Communities and designed by KTGY Group Architecture+Planning, with the help of Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles.

The site, located at 818 E. 29th Street, has been transformed from an industrial lot into an energy-efficient, 34-unit residential building for low-income families. The building is full of green features like Energy Star appliances, water-saving fixtures like dual-flush toilets and tankless water heaters. The building is 30 percent more energy-efficient than Title 24 efficiency standards call for, which will not only lowers energy consumption, but provide cost savings to residents.

image via Urban Housing Communities

Solar panels have been installed on outdoor carports to provide much of the electricity. And the flooring, railings and furniture, along with trash and recycling receptacles, are all made from recycled content. Inside, air quality is improved with the use of zero-VOC interior paints and low-VOC interior finishes and adhesives. The building materials that contain recycled content do not emit harmful chemicals.

Once the multiphase project is completed, it will provide affordable housing units, both for rent and for sale, for more than 400 families. The Crossings on 29th was built specifically for families earning between 30 percent and 60 percent of the area median income. Rent ranges from $521 to $1,265 per month, based on family size and income level.

“The Crossings on 29th Street effectively blends eco-friendly housing with free supportive resident onsite services to help residents move toward a life of stability and opportunity while becoming self-sustaining members of their community,” KTGY Group’s Studio Director Alan Scales said in a statement.

Residents in the building will be able to take advantage of health and wellness services, educational classes and job assistance and training provided by Western Community Housing. Two local artists will also be creating two mosaic tile murals inside the children’s area and in the building’s community room.

The multifamily building has a 2,000-square-foot onsite recreation center, a computer lab, a media center, a kitchen, laundry facilities and an office for the manager. Outside, residents can make use of community grills, picnic tables and a children’s area. Indoor and outdoor spaces were designed to promote interaction and activity among residents.

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