Michaels, BRIDGE Housing Selected to Revitalize Los Angeles' Jordan Downs Public Housing

The Housing Authority of Los Angeles has selected the team of Michaels Development Company and its non-profit partner, BRIDGE Housing, to undertake the ambitious redevelopment of its South LA public housing community known as Jordan Downs. 

The revitalization of Jordan Downs is a cornerstone of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's five year, $5 billion housing plan called "Housing that Works," launched in 2008. The Housing Authority, in conjunction with residents and a broad spectrum of community stakeholders, initiated a plan to rebuild the community into a mixed-use, mixed-income development with new homes, jobs, parks, and community facilities. The resulting master plan, completed in 2010, calls for the replacement of the existing 700 public housing units and the addition of affordable and market-rate housing. The plan also includes a comprehensive Human Capital Plan to provide family support, job training, and community programs for residents to move toward self-sufficiency.

After the completion of the master plan, HACLA began the search for a master developer. In early 2012, the housing authority selected a development team led by The Michaels Organization and BRIDGE Housing to implement the plan and create a vibrant urban village and model for public housing redevelopments throughout the country. Current plans include the new construction of approximately 1,400 units of mixed-income rental and for-sale housing, nearly 10 acres of open space, a new community center and gym, and a significant retail component.

Whitney Weller, senior vice president of Michaels Development, who has spearheaded the redevelopment of two massive public housing communities in Chicago, will lead the Jordan Downs revitalization effort for Michaels.