Dozens Now Call a Former YMCA Building Home

The 28th Street Apartments opened Monday in South Los Angeles to dozens of low-income youths and adults. The $24 million sustainable community, developed by Clifford Beers Housing (CBH) and Coalition for Responsible Community Development (CRCD), transformed the landmark YMCA building into a 49-unit residential complex.

"With this milestone, we are witnessing the culmination of our shared dream to celebrate our rich history, develop quality housing for our young people and create a space in which they can grow and thrive," Councilwoman Jan Perry (9th District) said. "By reinventing this iconic Paul Williams building in the Vernon-Central community, we are moving our community forward, and I thank both CRCD and Clifford Beers Housing for investing in our youth and our future."

The original YMCA building has been turned into 24 units, with each unit including a kitchenette and private bathrooms. An additional wing containing 25 studio apartments have been added to the building; eight units have already been reserved for 18-24 year olds. The apartment complex also offers a renovated gym and rooftop garden to its residents. The VCN City of Los Angeles YouthSource Center, which assists young adults with job training, will operate on the first floor.

"Our plans for the renovation of the existing building and the new wing were guided by two imperatives: to honor the history of the building and revive its service to the community in the 21st century," James Bonar, executive director of CBH, said.

Despite the drastic improvements that have been made, some of the original architect's, Paul Williams, still remains. The goal was to enhance Williams' work from the 1920s while constructing a complimentary wing to round out the overall development. The 28th Street Apartments has been built to LEED Gold Criteria, which concerns efficient water, electricity and material use.

The CRCD also operates several other residential communities in South Los Angeles' Vernon-Central neighborhood,including those on Figueroa St., 36th St., and Broadway.