Board Votes to Enter into Negotiation with Master Developer for Jordan Downs Redevelopment 

LOS ANGELES – The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) today announced the Board of Commissioners voted to enter into a 90-day negotiation with The Michaels Organization and BRIDGE Housing Corporation in order to negotiate a Master Developer agreement.

“The effort to redevelop Jordan Downs began in 2008 with the formation of the Jordan Downs Community Advisory Committee (JDCAC); the group made up of stakeholders and residents that have worked to help draft the plan for the new community,” said Interim President and CEO, Doug Guthrie. “The next step is for a development team with a proven track record of successful public housing redevelopment to implement the plan.” 

"This is an exciting moment for Watts and the residents of Jordan Downs," said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. "The selection of two nationally recognized industry leaders to move forward on the master plan development is a key step in modernizing and expanding the affordable housing options to residents who have waited a long time for needed quality of life improvements."

“The Michaels Organization and BRIDGE Housing are industry leaders in developing affordable housing,” said Board Chair Mitchell Kamin. “This vital initiative will lead to increased quality of life for our residents and help bring new economic opportunities to the area. We are pleased to be able to continue making progress in this historic effort to significantly improve public housing in Los Angeles.”

“The Jordan Downs Community Advisory Committee has spoken and we hear them loud and clear. This will be a new and exciting chapter for Watts.” said Councilmember Joe Buscaino.

“We are proud to be selected and look forward to working with the Housing Authority, our partner BRIDGE Housing, the City of Los Angeles, and all the stakeholders in the neighborhood to transform Jordan Downs into a modern, vibrant community that serves families with a variety of incomes and that offers the supportive services that enhance people’s lives,” said Robert Greer, President of The Michaels Development Company.

 “We are eager to move forward on realizing the vision for Jordan Downs,” noted Cynthia A. Parker, President and CEO of BRIDGE Housing.

 Photos: Jordan Downs rendered drawing, Board of Commissioners and Interim President and CEO Doug Guthrie at the Feb. 23 meeting during a public comment period.