Urbanize LA: Modular affordable housing moves forward at 1228 S Normandie Avenue

By Steven Sharp

The following is excerpted from Urbanize LA.

In Pico-Union, a local real estate and construction firm's plans for a new affordable and permanent supportive housing complex continues to inch forward.

1228 Normandie, LP, an entity affiliated with Shangri-LA Construction, submitted plans to the City of Los Angeles in 2020 seeking approvals for the construction of a five-story building featuring 75 studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments above a four-car garage.

Now, according to a notice of exemption just issued by the City, which indicates that the project will not be subject to further review under the California Environmental Quality Act. Per the notice, the roughly 39,000-square-foot building will offer 55 units of general low-income housing, as well as 19 units of very low-income supportive housing. The remaining apartment would be a market-rate manager's unit.

LPA, Inc. is attached to design the building which would be composed of prefabricated modular units, arranged in U-shaped footprint around central courtyard. Other proposed open spaces include an outdoor deck overlooking Normandie Avenue and a side yard.

"This 75-unit permanent supportive housing development has aspirational goals to transform the delivery model for developing affordable housing in addressing the housing crisis in our communities," reads a description from the Shangri-LA website, which names the building "Step Up on Normandie." "This unique approach provides ‘Housing First’ faster as permanent supportive housing is the foundation of recovery for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, mental health conditions, and addictions..."

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