News
LONG BEACH, CA (Jan. 5, 2012) – The Long Beach Housing Development Company (LBHDC), Jamboree Housing Corporation (Jamboree) and Councilmember Dee Andrews, 6th District, celebrated the rehabilitation of Pinecrest Apartments with a “wall-breaking” ceremony held January 5. Designed by Studio One Eleven, these three severely blighted buildings located at 1893–1911 Pine Avenue will be rehabilitated to provide affordable housing for local families.
The Pinecrest Apartments rehabilitation project will transform properties that were comprised of a multitude of illegal conversions unsafe for occupancy into quality affordable housing, a much needed asset for the community.
“I am committed to making this neighborhood a better place to live for all its residents,” remarked Councilmember Dee Andrews during the ceremony. “Work such as this is the best way to restore viability and make a difference in our community.
The apartments will include 14 two- and three- bedroom units, with rents affordable for very low- to low-income tenants. Each unit will be fully renovated and modernized, and will include new windows, drywall, fixtures, kitchens, bathrooms and appliances. Four existing units will be combined to create larger floor plans for families. Site amenities will include a tot-lot, community garden, laundry facilities and a multipurpose activity center where free social services programs focusing on academic achievement for young people, community-building activities and family health and fitness will be provided to residents.
In addition to designing the housing development, Studio One Eleven analyzed the existing urban conditions to identify opportunities, challenges and objectives for enhancing the public realm. Proposed improvements included adding diagonal parking and traffic calming roundabouts, creating bioswales and planting new street trees. When implemented, the housing development and proposed off-site improvements will combine to dramatically enhance the physical environment and improve the quality of life in this neighborhood.
“Everyone involved in this project has proven that you really do want to do something for our community,” said Andrews. “When I saw these renderings I knew that things were changing.”
“Jamboree is excited to team up again with The Long Beach Housing Development Company on this project," said Laura Archuleta, President of Jamboree Housing Corporation. "We see the acquisition and rehabilitation of the Pinecrest Apartments as an opportunity to continue our participation in the community development of Long Beach.”
The three properties had been some of the highest problem properties in the West Division for the Long Beach Police Department, with 76 Calls for Service in 2011. Their acquisition and rehabilitation is part of the community revitalization efforts in the Central Housing Action Plan focus area.
