Mayor Karen Bass visited the World Trade Center in downtown Los Angeles Tuesday, marking the conversion of the building into a 512-unit affordable housing complex. The project is a result of a program designed to streamline the process of transforming existing buildings into housing.
Adaptive Reuse Ordinance Expanded
The city’s adaptive reuse ordinance, initially adopted in 1999, previously applied to buildings constructed within or near downtown Los Angeles. It allowed for the conversion of existing structures into housing. Earlier this year, Mayor Bass expanded the ordinance to apply citywide, with the goal of increasing the number of buildings eligible for conversion.
The updated ordinance establishes a faster, “by-right” approval process for buildings at least 15 years old seeking conversion to housing. It also expands the area designated as an adaptive reuse incentive zone throughout the city.
In a separate announcement, Mayor Bass also unveiled a new affordable housing project for veterans in West Los Angeles, consisting of 53 units located near the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.
Potential for Increased Housing Stock
The mayor’s office estimates the expanded ordinance could lead to the creation of more than 43,000 additional housing units. According to a statement from Mayor Bass, “These projects represent the kind of innovation we are applying to break away from the status quo that has stunted L.A.’s housing production and driven up rents for decades.”
Bass also stated that shifts in operate patterns, such as the rise of remote work, have created a surplus of office space suitable for housing. She added, “We’re now unlocking tens of thousands of housing units to conversion, which can be much faster and cost- effective than new construction.”
Mayor Bass was joined by Garrett Lee, President of Jamison Properties; Nella McOsker, President/CEO of the Central City Association; and Tim Gilmore, Managing Partner of Gilmore Associates, along with other leaders in the housing and business sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the adaptive reuse ordinance?
The adaptive reuse ordinance, adopted in 1999, allows existing buildings to be transformed into housing sites. It was expanded earlier this year to apply citywide.
How many housing units could the new ordinance create?
The mayor’s office estimates the new ordinance could result in the creation of more than 43,000 additional units of housing.
What was the purpose of Mayor Bass’s visit to the World Trade Center?
Mayor Bass visited the World Trade Center to highlight the conversion of the building into a 512-unit affordable housing complex, made possible by the expanded adaptive reuse ordinance.
As Los Angeles continues to grapple with housing affordability, will prioritizing the conversion of existing buildings prove to be a sustainable solution?
