A new development of subsidized senior affordable housing could soon rise across the street from Pasadena City Hall.
On October 19, the Pasadena City Council voted unanimously to initiate negotiations with non-profit developer National CORE for the development of the empty lot at the southwest corner of Garfield Avenue and Ramona Street. The prposed project would consist of a five-story edifice featuring 112 apartments - reserved for seniors making 50 percent or less than the area median income - above basement parking for 50 vehicles. Additionally, 10 percent of the apartments would be set aside as permanent supportive housing targeted formerly homeless seniors.
Onyx Architects is designing the project, which is portrayed as a contemporary U-shaped building wrapping around a landscaped central courtyard. Plans also call for a play yard, a community center, on-site social services, and a laundry facility on each floor.
Other members of the project team include design and planning firm City Fabrick and Union Station Homeless Services.
The vote taken by the City Council initiates a negotiation period between the CIty of Pasadena and National CORE on a disposition and development agreement. In a news release, National CORE indicated that the agreement is expected to be approved in early 2021, after which point the developer will pursue financing and other approvals.
Cosntruction of the apartment complex is expected to occur over 18-to-24 months, commencing in 2022 and finishing in 2024.
National CORE was selected as the developer for the property over two other firms - Abode Communities and BRIDGE Housing - both of which proposed smaller senior affordable housing complexes. The City of Pasadena has also solicited developers for a proposed hotel at the site of a historic YWCA Building one block south.
The developer's other Los Angeles area aprojects include affordable housing developments planned or under construction in East Los Angeles, San Pedro, and Inglewood.
Looking for affordable housing? Visit lahousing.lacity.org/aahr
