LOS ANGELES, CA – Weingart Center and Chelsea Investment Group, The Richman Group, a leading developer and syndicator of affordable housing, announced the grand opening of Weingart Tower 1, the largest homeless housing project in Los Angeles history. The grand opening held on June 19, 2024 featured the 278-unit, 19-story affordable apartment community in the heart of the Skid Row District which stands as a beacon of hope and a significant step forward in the city’s commitment to addressing homelessness.
Weingart Tower 1 is designed to provide secure and dignified housing for unsheltered individuals. The community offers 228 studio-apartments and 50 one-bedroom apartments, three of which are designated for onsite managers and 40 specifically reserved for veterans.
“We are incredibly proud to open the doors to Weingart Tower 1. It is more than just a housing project; it’s a community built on the foundation of compassion, dignity, and respect,” said David Salzman, President of The Richman Group Affordable Housing Corporation. “This critical project represents a monumental effort to provide high-quality housing and support services to some of our most vulnerable residents. By offering a stable living environment and access to essential services, Weingart Tower 1 aims to empower its residents, fostering a sense of community and belonging.”
Each Weingart Tower 1 apartment is fully furnished and complete with a full kitchen, private bathroom, television, and air conditioning. Community amenities include a fitness room, computer lab, career center, library, bike storage, laundry facilities, gardens and terraces and offers easy access to the LA metro. Residents of Weingart Tower 1 will also have access to a suite of supportive services such as life skill enhancement opportunities, counseling and advocacy service, substance use referrals, education and employment assistance, financial and budgeting assistance, pet and service animal support, and various health and wellness classes. The thoughtful design combined with the supportive services ensures that residents have everything they need to live comfortably and independently. The community aims to provide not just a place to live, but a place to call home.
“This grand opening marks a significant milestone in Los Angeles’ ongoing efforts towards ending the cycle of homelessness not just locally but beyond,” said Terry Gentry, EVP for The Richman Group Affordable Housing Corp. “Weingart Tower 1 is poised to serve as a model for future projects, demonstrating that with commitment and collaboration, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.”
Weingart Tower 1 is a collaboration between Weingart Center Association, a Los Angeles-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency that provides supportive services to individuals experiencing homelessness; and Chelsea Investment Corporation, one of the nation’s leading developers of affordable housing. The Richman Group is a co-developer and syndicated the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Equity used to finance the project.