Los Angeles, Calif., – Meta Housing Corporation, a Los Angeles-based developer, in partnership with The Foundation for Affordable Housing, has announced the groundbreaking of Lucena on Court, a five-story, 46-unit affordable housing community for individuals and families in the Historic Filipinotown community of Los Angeles, California.
Once completed, the building will feature an array of amenities including a tot lot, learning center, manager and social service offices, and ground floor community center managed by local non-profit, Search to Involve Pilipino Americans, or SIPA.
“SIPA has a 50-year history serving residents in Historic Filipinotown through our programs and services which include youth programs, mental health outreach and education, affordable housing, and simply providing a place where people from all backgrounds can come together to strengthen community,” says Kimmy Maniquis, Executive Director at SIPA. “It is an honor to work with Meta Housing to provide essential, life-enriching programs to residents of Lucena on Court.”
According to Kasey Burke, President at Meta Housing, the units at Lucena on Court will be priced for households earning 30% to 60% of the area’s median income, which will greatly benefit individuals and families who have experienced the fallout of California’s housing crisis and faced the risk of homelessness.
“Recent data shows that at least half of the state of California’s 49,000 chronically homeless people live in Los Angeles County. This is a staggering statistic that has worsened from the ongoing housing crisis, the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising inflation,” says Burke. “Projects like Lucena on Court will have a significant impact on the community as it offers tangible relief to the lack of affordable housing across Southern California.”
According to Mitch O’Farrell, a member of the Los Angeles City Council for the 13th District, this development will not only provide affordable housing to those who need it most, but it will also be part of enhancing a neighborhood with a rich history and heritage.
“Historic Filipinotown was officially designated by the City of Los Angeles as a historic-cultural neighborhood in 2002 after a 30-year campaign by community activists. Civic and business groups continue to work closely with the city to preserve the neighborhood’s heritage as well as promote economic development and community revitalization,” says O’Farrell. “As we know, the current affordable housing crisis threatens to perpetuate systemic inequalities and deepens the challenges faced by disadvantaged populations. The groundbreaking of Lucena on Court symbolizes a larger effort to improve the quality of life for residents of Historic Filipinotown.”
Burke added that affordable housing projects like Lucena on Court are made possible due to Meta Housing’s ability to foster long-term, trusted partnerships with like-minded organizations like the Foundation for Affordable Housing.
“At The Foundation for Affordable Housing, we are proud to be involved with Lucena on Court and all that this property will bring to its future tenants and the surrounding community,” says Jonathan Russo, Asset Manager for the Foundation for Affordable Housing. “In partnership with Meta Housing, we are able to work together to execute our vision to create safe, comfortable, high-quality, and affordable homes that enrich the lives of residents and foster a collective stability in the local neighborhood.”
In addition to The Foundation for Affordable Housing, Lucena on Court is also a partnered effort with Council District 13, the Los Angeles Housing Department, California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, Capital One, Westport Construction, California Community Reinvestment Corporation, Red Stone Equity Partners, WSH Management, Y&M Architects, and Titan Construction Management Services.
“This development shows the impact that public-private partnerships can have when we come together to support individuals and families in need,” emphasized Burke.
The project is located at 1919 W. Court Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026.
About Meta Housing Corporation
Since 1993, Meta Housing Corporation has established itself as one of Southern California’s most experienced and trusted developers of apartment communities for families and seniors, developing more than 6,400 residential units.
