Mixed-use community will bring 75 apartments along with commercial spaces to historic neighborhood in Los Angeles
CAMDEN, N.J., Dec. 04 —The Michaels Organization, a national leader in residential real estate, is set to break ground on its latest phase of new housing at Jordan Downs after successfully achieving a financial closing on November 14, 2024. This is Michaels’ fifth phase in the comprehensive revitalization of Los Angeles’ largest public housing community, located in the historic neighborhood of Watts, in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles.
Previous phases include New Harvest, Oak Terrace, and Sky at Jordan Downs. A fourth phase is currently under construction. This next phase introduces a 75-unit mixed-use building that combines affordable and market-rate apartments with vibrant ground-floor commercial spaces.
Designed to meet the diverse needs of the community, the residential units range from one to five bedrooms and cater to households with incomes spanning 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI) to unrestricted market-rate levels. The building will feature a community room and is set to house a future Head Start early childhood education center on its ground floor, enhancing access to critical services for residents.
“We are thrilled to reach this latest milestone in the redevelopment of Jordan Downs and to continue to provide high-quality affordable housing, economic opportunities, and supportive services to this vibrant community,” said Michaels Vice President John Mimms, who is serving as lead developer. “This phase represents the best of public-private collaboration and innovative design. We are proud to deliver another example of a Michaels community lifting lives.”
When the redevelopment is fully complete, Jordan Downs will include more than 1,400 new homes for new and existing residents, as well as new commercial and retail spaces, a new community center, and open green space.
A Collaborative Effort with Broad Support
Jordan Downs Phase S5 is the third Michaels community to be supported by the Jordan Downs Choice Neighborhoods Initiative grant. The development has received substantial financial backing from key partners, including:
- The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA)
- California’s Housing and Community Development Infill Infrastructure Grant Program
- Federal and California State Low Income Housing Tax Credits
- Private financing and investment from US Bank, The Community Development Trust (CDT), and Berkadia Commercial Mortgage
Construction and Management
Construction of Phase S5 will span approximately two years, with general contractor Walton Construction leading the efforts, building on a successful partnership from prior phases.
Pre-leasing for the development is anticipated to begin in mid-2026. Once completed, the property will be managed and operated long-term by Michaels Management Affordable, with supportive services coordinated by Better Tomorrows to ensure residents’ long-term success and well-being.
