Rebuilding the Heart of Watts

Jordan Downs

Los Angeles, CA

Neighborhood Transformation

The 700-unit Jordan Downs is one of the most distressed, isolated and violent public housing sites in the country. A community-driven master plan envisioned transforming this distressed place into a safe, welcoming and connected neighborhood that integrates public housing with other market rate and affordable housing, new neighborhood retail, employment opportunities and new streets and parks.

Community at the Center

With a new Central Park and Community Building at its heart, the new plan’s pattern of streets and small blocks reconnects Jordan Downs with the surrounding neighborhood and creates defensible private spaces and active public ones.

Roadmap for Success

Each phase of the 1,400-unit master plan includes four components: social services, new public open space, employment and new homes. The phasing plan permits on-site relocation of all existing public housing residents without displacement.