State and Local Leaders Join HACLA, The Michaels Organization and Partners to Celebrate Major Milestones in Transformation of Jordan Downs

Grand Opening of New Affordable Housing and Groundbreaking for Children's Park Highlight Ongoing Revitalization in Watts

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WATTS, LOS ANGELES, CA - Rep. Maxine Waters and Assemblymember Mike Gipson joined the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), The Michaels Organization, and community leaders to celebrate the latest milestones in the historic transformation of Jordan Downs in Watts. Jordan Downs is one of the most significant public housing revitalizations in the nation.

The celebration featured the grand opening of Mariposa at Jordan Downs; the fifth phase of new housing delivered through HACLA's partnership with Michaels. The 75-unit building offers one-to-five bedroom affordable and market-rate apartments, work spaces, a community room and a Head Start early childhood education center.

"Mariposa," chosen by residents, symbolizes renewal and transformation and reflects both the Monarch butterfly and the community-driven evolution taking place across Watts.

Officials also broke ground on The Children's Park, located behind Mariposa and the third park within Jordan Downs. The park will feature five play areas, sensory elements, a splash pad, a junior basketball court, and gathering spaces. Funded through the Caltrans Clean California Local Grants Program, with support from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and HACLA, construction is expected to begin in fall 2026 and be completed by the end of summer 2027. The project will include Section 3 local hiring requirements and opportunities for local businesses.

Over the past decade, more than $1 billion in federal, state, city, and private investment has helped reshape Jordan Downs into a vibrant place of opportunity. Thanks to the State's leadership and more than $156 million in catalytic State investments, Jordan Downs is transforming into a vibrant, opportunity-rich neighborhood for families across Watts. To date, nine new communities totaling 863 new apartments have been completed, five by Michaels and four by BRIDGE Housing. HACLA and Michaels' sixth housing phase is set to break ground later this year, with infrastructure work currently underway. The redevelopment has also delivered new parks, community amenities, and more than 120,000 square feet of retail space, anchoring long-term economic opportunity for residents.

"Mariposa is exactly the type of solution we need to address our affordable housing and homelessness crisis. There is nothing more powerful than federal, state, and local governments coming together with residents and the community to deliver for the families most in need. This new phase means more families will have a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home, children will have spaces to learn and play, and the Watts community will continue to thrive. I am proud to have helped bring federal resources to Jordan Downs, and I will keep fighting to make sure we build on this progress and create more affordable housing here in Los Angeles and across the country," said Congresswoman Waters.

Funding for this phase came from the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Department's Choice Neighborhoods program, the California Housing and Community Development's (HCD) Infill Infrastructure Grant Program, Federal and state Low income Housing Tax Credits, as well as private financing from US Bank, The Community Development Trust, and Berkadia Commercial Mortgage.

"Watts has always been a community of resilience, creativity, and deep pride, and Jordan Downs is proof of what happens when we uplift the spirit of the communities we serve. Mariposa is bringing deeply affordable homes, a Head Start center for our youngest Angelenos, and soon a park where children can play and families can gather. On behalf of the City of Los Angeles, I want to thank Congresswoman Maxine Waters for always standing up for Watts and fighting for the families who call Jordan Downs home. This is what transformation looks like when residents and government work together to lead the way," said Mayor Karen Bass.

"Jordan Downs represents one of the most impactful community-centered revitalization efforts across the country," said HACLA President and CEO Lourdes Castro Ramirez. "We are deeply grateful to the residents who have helped shape this vision, and to the Governor, our Congresswoman and our many federal, state, regional and local partners whose investments are reducing poverty, increasing stability, and helping to transform Watts into a vibrant urban village."

The event also unveiled three resident inspired murals, created in partnership with East Side of the River. "Return to Home," "Mariposa Diversity," and "We Are Taught to Soar" celebrate growth, community pride, and the shared journey of Jordan Downs families.

"We are so proud of the progress that has been made and are grateful to all of the partners and community members who have come together to deliver on the promises made to the Watts community, keeping our promise of delivering beautiful, high-quality, sustainable housing," said Michaels EVP of Development Raoul Amescua. "We look forward to continuing the progress and ensuring that Jordan Downs is a wonderful place to live and thrive for generations to come."

"On an exciting Grand Opening day such as this one, I am proud that I was born and raised in Watts and even prouder to have fought for it during twelve years in the State Assembly," said Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson). "Because of HACLA and the vision of Watts residents themselves, our community has set the standard for the entire nation when it comes to revitalizing public housing. The best is yet to come for this neighborhood, and Mariposa is a sign of tremendous progress."

"Everyone deserves a clean, safe neighborhood they're proud to call home," said Councilmember Tim McOsker. "At Jordan Downs, we're continuing to invest in new housing and in the spaces that make a community feel welcoming, beautiful, and cared for. The additional mixed-use housing and activity spaces, education center, new park, and resident-inspired murals are great additions to Jordan Downs and reflect the continued investment in the families who call this community home. I'm proud to see this transformation continue here in Watts."

California based architecture studio Practice served as the Architect and Walton Construction served as the General Contractor while Michaels will provide asset and property management for this latest phase of development.

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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 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/