Welcome to La Prensa Libre: The Affordable Housing Adventure
One year into construction in Historic South-Central, a remarkable feat is unfolding: an A Line-adjacent development that promises affordable housing and commercial space is on the verge of completion. Who knew saving money could be this thrilling?
View looking southwestVTBS Architects
A Developer’s Playground
The creative geniuses at AMCAL Multi-Housing Company have taken their shovels and decided that a 1.35-acre plot at the southeast corner of Washington Boulevard and Los Angeles Street is just the place for 105 shiny new residential units. Because, you know, why not stick some affordable housing in between the coffee shops and hipster markets?
When the dust finally settles, the building will rise five stories high, complete with 7,300 square feet of retail space and a garage holding 75 cars. Not that anyone will need a car in the dreamy, community-oriented metropolis of 2023—right?
Homes for Everyone: The Almost-Magic Mix
According to AMCAL’s ethereal landing page, these apartments will offer a mélange of one-, two-, and three-bedroom options, most exclusively available for those households earning 60 percent or less of the area median income. Forget about feelings of shame; you’ll be living in a trendy building with all the thrifty flair of a college dorm!
Oh, and don’t forget the 25 apartments reserved for transition-age youth earning a jaw-dropping 30 percent or less of the area median income. Who says you can’t be financially strapped and living large at the same time?
View looking southwest from Washington BoulevardUrbanize LA
Chic Design or A New Trend in Stress Relief?
Designed by the modern-day wizards at VTBS Architects, the building will be dressed in the height of contemporary style—think grey, white, and olive-colored stucco and fiber cement panels, perhaps to reflect the eternal struggle of being “in the black” while always being in the red?
But fear not! Open spaces will abound, as this modern-housing utopia comes with a central courtyard and a street-fronting public plaza. Because nothing screams “community” like a courtyard designed for people who forgot how to talk to each other!
A Nod to Nostalgia
Named La Prensa Libre, this development offers a nostalgic wink at its previous life as a printing facility for the Spanish-language newspaper La Opinion. So, yes, while your living space represents progress and modernity, it still gives a nod to the era of ink-stained fingers. How romantic!
220 E Washington BoulevardGoogle Maps
The Countdown Begins
According to a riveting environmental report, completion of La Prensa Libre is anticipated within two years. So, if you’re marking your calendars, remember: 2023 is just around the corner, as is the chance that you might actually find affordable housing without needing a treasure map.
Feeling inspired? If you’re on the hunt for affordable housing, swing by lahousing.lacity.org/aahr and housing.lacounty.gov—because every hero needs a trusty sidekick in the quest for a wallet-friendly abode.
