The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) a non-profit law firm which represents underserved communities, has commenced work on a project which will rebuild its neighborhood office in East Los Angeles.

The existing office, which opened at 5228 Whittier Boulevard in 1972, is distinguished by a historic mural by Chicano artist Willie Herrón III. The two-story structure sits just east of Atlantic Avenue.

5228 Whittier BoulevardGoogle Street View

The new facility, which broke ground on April 17 in a ceremony with  Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis, calls for the construction of a three-story building featuring private interview rooms, a children's play area, a dedicated event space with room for legal clinics, employee parking, and new landscaping.

“For over 50 years, LAFLA has served as a cornerstone of equal justice in the East LA community," said LAFLA executive director Silvia Argueta in a news release. "We are excited to transform and elevate this space to offer our clients the dignity and respect they deserve as they seek life-changing assistance."

Urban Design Center is serving as project manager for the new building, which is being designed by architecture firm House & Robertson and built by Curtom Dunsmuir. The facility will retain the existing Willie Herrón mural, which is now being restored in anticipation of the office's opening in 2025.

Funding for the project comes from The Ahmanson Foundation, The S. Mark Taper Foundation, and The W.M. Keck Foundation, and individual donors.

5228 Whittier BoulevardGoogle Maps

Those seeking services from LAFLA's East L.A. office during construction can visit 5301 Whittier Boulevard across the street.

LAFLA previously rebuilt its main offices at 8th and Union Streets in Pico-Union. That four-story structure was completed in 2017.

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