Plan to renovate public housing with 353 units for seniors and disabled
LOS ANGELES: A plan has been devised whereby a decades old public housing structure will be renovated for both seniors and those with a disability.
Plainfield’s housing authority plans a major renovation of two aging public housing properties that will modernize 353 apartments while ensuring residents can return to their homes at affordable rates.
The project, will transform Richmond Towers, a 225-unit senior and disabled housing community, and Joanne Hollis Gardens, a 128-unit family housing complex.
Earlier this year, the authority selected WinnDevelopment to lead the project, according to a statement.
Under the agreement, residents will maintain the right to return to their renovated apartments and continue paying no more than 30% of their adjusted income toward rent.
The renovation will be implemented through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Rental Assistance Demonstration program, which allows housing authorities to leverage private investment for public housing improvements.
After renovations, residents will benefit from on-site professional management and maintenance teams, plus new supportive services from Connected Communities, described as one of the nation’s largest providers of housing-based supportive services.
Richmond Towers, which is more than 50 years old, consists of two 12-story buildings with 135 studio apartments and 90 one-bedroom units.
Joanne Hollis Gardens, originally built in 1954 as West End Gardens, was renamed in 2015 to honor a longtime resident who served as a Plainfield housing commissioner and city councilwoman.
The garden-style complex includes apartments ranging from one to four bedrooms.
“Every resident of Plainfield deserves to live in a home that is safe, dignified and built for the future. That’s the promise we’re working to fulfill, one building at a time,” Plainfield Mayor Adrian O. Mapp said in a statement.
Housing authority and development team representatives have been meeting monthly with residents since January.
KOW Building Consultants is conducting a comprehensive physical needs assessment of both properties, while Inglese Architecture & Engineering will serve as the project architect.
HousingToHome will coordinate temporary relocations during construction.
