Nonprofit Replaces Dilapidated Apartments with Vibrant, Mixed-Use Project

Nonprofit Abode Communities has responded to a community need in the rapidly gentrifying neighborhood adjacent to the University of Southern California in South Los Angeles with its Rolland Curtis Gardens development.

When the affordable covenants at the 48-unit garden-style community expired in 2011, the owner at the time sent residents 60-day notices to vacate to convert to market-rate student housing. T.R.U.S.T. South LA, now the land owner, helped residents organize to prevent their displacement and enlisted Abode as its development partner.

It was purchased in July 2012 for nearly $9 million with the understanding that it would be redeveloped for additional housing density and community-serving uses. While the existing development was in major disrepair, the team collaborated with the residents to create a vibrant, mixed-use community. In addition, Abode worked to relocate households during the construction process, with more than half electing to return.

Rolland Curtis Gardens now includes 140 affordable homes for households earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income, a federally qualified health center, and a community market with a café, fresh produce, and convenience foods.

“Not only are we delivering quality affordable housing, but we are delivering important services for residents to thrive,” says Abode president and CEO Robin Hughes. “The opportunity to see such a transformative and equitable transit-oriented development and the people who are benefiting is gratifying.”

The complexity of the $71.9 million development required over 20 different funding sources, including a hybrid 9% and 4% housing tax credit structure and New Markets Tax Credits.