May 13, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — As HACLA works with our project partners to redevelop the Jordan Downs public housing in the Watts neighborhood of South Los Angeles, we continue to seek out expert advice and contribution from the brightest minds in the area of real estate development. One of the key questions – how can we redevelop the area in order to make public transportation convenient and accessible for our residents.
The HACLA partnered with the Urban Land Institute to conduct an intensive one-day study of the 103rd Street Blue Line Station and its connections to the Jordan Downs Community and surrounding neighborhoods as well as the issue of extending Century Boulevard. A panel of land use professional experts conducted an on-site visit to the housing development on April, 23. The day culminated with the experts who made recommendations for enhancing the transit oriented district.
The ULI-LA Technical Assistance Panels are a one-day session in which local government, non-profit and private sector professionals volunteer to lend their expertise on a particular real estate development/land use issue. The panel also conducts a series of interviews with a diverse group who live in the study area to obtain information.
As part of the Master Plan concept, the Jordan Downs redevelopment will be the catalytic project in Watts that will transform the entire community. Part of this transformation includes connecting residents to transit via the bus line to the 103rd Street Metro Rail station while increasing economic development opportunities. The project also includes mixed-use residential and neighborhood serving retail along Century Blvd. and increased viability with the existing businesses along 103rd Street.
Technical Assistance Panels provided HACLA with the following:
- Evaluation of specific development and land use proposals to consider along Century Blvd.
- Assessed and validated the transit oriented development strategy the HACLA envisioned in its current Master Plan
- Evaluated the potential growth issues for the Century Blvd. extension including current economic issues
- Analyzed potential retail options along Century Blvd.
As a result, the Jordan Downs Redevelopment project will be showcased at the ULI Transit Oriented Development Marketplace on June 4, 2010.
