The Pilipino Worker’s Center and LTSC (Little Tokyo Service Center) Community Development Corporation on Dec. 13 celebrated the grand opening of the Larry Itliong Village, Pilipino Worker’s Center (PWC) Family Housing project.
Larry Itliong Village will provide 45 total units of affordable family housing, including nine units set aside for transition-aged youth and 22 units for homeless individuals.
All units are affordable and range from 30 to 50 percent average median income.
In addition, the GreenPoint Rated development provides community and social service space for access to recreational activities; assistance in accessing affordable health care; case management services regarding immigration; employment or health care-related issues or needs; and job skills workshops such as financial literary, computer skills training, and resume building; a community technology center; and retail space.
The project is near one of the entrances into Historic Filipinotown and the exterior design integrates the unique and various Pilipino architectural styles in order to distinctly mark the gateway into Historic Filipinotown.
Larry Itliong Village would not be possible without funding from Bank of America, which provided over $9 million in a construction loan, a $2.25 million permanent loan, and $9 million in tax credit equity investment.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s $200,000 Brownfield Cleanup grant helped to cap historic underground petroleum tanks and remove 1,000 yards of contaminated soil.
The California Department of Toxic Substances Control assisted with an $88,000 grant from the EPAfunded Brownfield Revolving Loan program to remove hazardous waste from demolished buildings at the site.
“EPA is pleased to be part of this outstanding nonprofit and public agency partnership showcasing how we can work together to revitalize neighborhoods and create affordable housing,” said Noemi Emeric Ford, EPA’s Brownfield coordinator.
Thomas Cota, acting assistant deputy director of DTSC’s Brownfield and Environmental Restoration Program, added, “We are pleased to have provided funding for this affordable family housing project, which provides critical service to the community.”
Other funders include California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, Corporation for Supportive Housing, Enterprise Community Partners, California Department of Housing and Community Development, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, California Housing Finance Agency, Mental Health Services Act Housing Program, CALReUSE, City of Los Angeles Housing Department, County of Los Angeles Department of Mental Health, Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Home
Loan Bank of San Francisco, Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Housing Authority, and Low Income Investment Fund.