Jordan Downs Celebrates a Decade of Revitalization, Marking $664 Million Investment in Watts Community

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Jordan Downs Celebrates a Decade of Revitalization, Marking $664 Million Investment in Watts Community

HACLA, Development Partners, and Residents Commemorate 10 Years of Progress with Community Block Party

Watts, Los Angeles, CA - Nearly 500 Watts residents recently joined the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), along with local leaders and development partners BRIDGE Housing, The Michaels Organization and Primestor to celebrate "10 Years of Revitalization" at Jordan Downs, culminating in a vibrant community block party.

"Jordan Downs is a powerful example of what's possible when we meet a housing crisis with hope, vision, and partnership," said former HUD Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Community Partners Shaun Donvan. "Jordan Downs is transformational, creating affordable homes, opportunity, and a model for what neighborhood resurgence can look like across the country. What LA has accomplished through Jordan Downs reminds us that investing in our communities is how we build lasting progress and a strong foundation for the future."

The celebration marks a decade of transformative development that has delivered $664 million in new investment to the Watts neighborhood, resulting in the construction of 787 new affordable homes, 120,000 square feet of new retail space, and four new parks.

"The revitalization of Jordan Downs from an outdated public housing site into a thriving and well-connected housing community with affordable homes, retail shops, and parks where children can play is far more than a construction project; it is a decade-long promise kept to the residents of Watts," said Lourdes Castro Ramirez, HACLA President & CEO. "In a high-cost city where land is scarce, inclusive redevelopment that expands housing and promotes family stability and economic opportunity is the way to go. We celebrate Watts and renew our commitment to working in partnership to deliver on this historic vision."

The block party concluded a series of events showcasing the revitalization's impact. Last month, HACLA and its development partners-The Michaels Organization, BRIDGE Housing, and Primestor-hosted a walking tour of the new housing, parks, and retail that are creating stability, job opportunities, and strengthening the local economy.

"We were delighted to celebrate 10 years of progress with our residents and look forward to more celebrations with them and our partners in the coming years," said John Mimms, Vice President of Development at The Michaels Organization. "We are confident that the unprecedented collaborative efforts of HACLA, residents and community stakeholders with strong leadership of political officials at the local, state, and federal level will continue to drive the success of this historic neighborhood revitalization."

The tour was followed by a high-level roundtable discussion attended by residents, along with federal, state, civic, business, and philanthropic leaders, to strategize the final phase of development.

"The transformation of Jordan Downs shows what's possible when residents, community leaders, and partners like HACLA and BRIDGE Housing work together toward a shared vision for a brighter future," said BRIDGE Housing President and CEO Ken Lombard. "We're proud to have delivered four new communities at the reimagined Jordan Downs -- with more on the way -- as part of our mission to empower all people, regardless of background, to live in a place they're proud to call home."

The input gathered from residents and leaders at the recent strategy session will be compiled into a report that will help guide the final crucial steps, ensuring the Watts community remains a place of opportunity for generations to come.

"I enjoyed the event with everyone coming to celebrate Jordan Downs 10-year celebration," said Darlene Allen, Jordan Downs Resident and Community Coach. "[This redevelopment] is a long time coming. I look back in time and remember all the doubts residents had and now I am in my new house living so blessed."

Other notable attendees at the celebration included Councilmember Tim McOsker (CD-15); Hollie Frey, Associate Director of Community Engagement at BRIDGE Housing; John Mimms, Vice President at The Michaels Organization; and Shajira Hope, Marketing Director at Primestor Development Inc.

"As a company deeply rooted in community, we're proud to celebrate this milestone alongside the residents, partners, and leaders who have helped bring this vision to life," said Shajira Hope, Director of Marketing, Primestor. "Freedom Plaza was built with and for the community, and over the past decade, it's become more than just a retail center. It's a gathering place, a source of jobs, and a space that reflects the strength and spirit of Watts."

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About HACLA

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), established in 1938, provides affordable housing, rental assistance, and supportive services to more than 200,000 Angelenos. Its administrative portfolio includes 164 properties - 13 of which are public housing developments - totaling over 12,000 units, along with more than 60,000 Housing Vouchers and Certificates through the Section 8 program. For more information, visit https://www.hacla.org.

About The Michaels Organization

Michaels is a national leader in residential real estate, offering full-service capabilities in development, property and asset management, construction, and investment. Serving more than 200,000 residents in more than 600 communities across 39 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Michaels is committed to crafting housing solutions that jumpstart education, civic engagement and neighborhood prosperity, and to creating Communities That Lift Lives. https://tmo.com/

About BRIDGE Housing

BRIDGE Housing Corporation is a leading nonprofit owner, developer, and manager of high-quality affordable housing on the West Coast, with a mission to strengthen communities and improve lives. Founded in 1983, BRIDGE Housing has participated in the creation of more than 22,000 affordable homes in California, Oregon and Washington, with a total development cost of $6 billion. Its current $4 billion portfolio totals more than 14,500 apartments that are home to more than 30,000 residents, with more than 10,000 additional units in the development and acquisition pipelines. For more information, visit https://bridgehousing.com/.

About Primestor

Primestor is a leading real estate investment, development, and management company focused on creating community-centric retail and mixed-use projects across California, Nevada, Arizona, and Texas. With a portfolio valued at over $1 billion and more than 3.5 million square feet of leasable area, Primestor transforms underinvested neighborhoods into vibrant hubs that blend commerce, culture, and community. The company also manages a development pipeline exceeding $1.5 billion and oversees a discretionary SEC-registered Social Impact Equity Fund of over $215 million dedicated to investing in underserved, undersupplied, and underrepresented communities. In partnership with community stakeholders, non-profits, local residents, municipalities, and institutional investors, Primestor delivers projects that become regional and local gathering spaces, driving long-term economic growth and social impact. For more information, visit https://primestor.com/.