In a significant step towards addressing homelessness among Skid Row residents, a 19-story tower for the Weingart Center Association tops out construction. The structure, built by Emmerson Construction with Swinerton as the prime subcontractor, is one of two towers planned for the development by the Los Angeles-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency, which provides supportive services to individuals experiencing homelessness, and Chelsea Investment Corporation, one of the nation’s leading affordable housing developers.

The occasion was commemorated with a special visit from the City of Los Angeles’ Chief of Housing and Homelessness Solutions, Mercedes Marquez, other dignitaries, and teams from Swinerton, Emmerson Construction, Axis/GFA Architecture + Design, Weingart Center Association, and Chelsea Investment Corporation gathered with trade partners for a lunch event on the jobsite located at Sixth Street and Pedro Street. The $160 million project is anticipated to complete construction in the first quarter of 2024.

“Swinerton recently completed its first housing project with Weingart Center Association and is excited to continue working with them on this first-of-its-kind high-rise project to service the area’s permanent supportive housing needs,” says Swinerton Senior Project Manager Daniel Kim. “Swinerton has a long tradition of serving the community, and this project aligns heavily with our core values.”

The mission-driven development spans 228,000 square feet, making it the largest permanent supportive housing project in the city’s history and one of the largest on the West Coast. It will provide 228 studio apartments, 47 one-bedroom apartments, and three one-bedroom apartments for full-time onsite managers. Beyond housing, the Weingart Tower will offer comprehensive services to help unsheltered individuals recover, such as job training, counseling, and dedicated spaces for classrooms and administrative offices. Residential amenities include a dining facility, commercial kitchen, community center, music room, art room, computer room, and outdoor decks. The building will also feature one level of below-grade parking with 15 stalls.

The building’s design emphasizes sustainability and eco-friendliness by prioritizing energy efficiency, improved indoor air quality, water conservation, and resource conservation. The tower aims to meet Green Point Gold standards, demonstrating a commitment to creating a healthy living environment and fostering community among residents.

“Chelsea Investment Corporation and Emmerson Construction are honored to partner with Weingart and Swinerton, who have demonstrated a commitment to making a meaningful impact in this neighborhood,” said Charles Schmid, CEO of Chelsea Investment Corporation, a San Diego-based developer credited with investing over $3 billion to develop over 15,000 units of affordable housing for populations including low-income seniors and families, farmworkers, veteran, individuals at risk for homelessness. “With support from city, state, and federal agencies, this dynamic, supportive community will offer dignified housing and life-saving services to thousands of people for many years to come.”

As a project entirely funded by public sources, the development adheres to numerous federal and local labor compliance requirements, including the provision that over 30% of the workforce resides near the project site. The team continues to actively collaborate with trade partners and local unions to foster growth and work opportunities for the local community.

Kim concludes, “Building in the heart of Skid Row presents unique challenges, but this team is constantly reminded that the vision behind this project serves as a positive response to the homelessness crisis. We hope this project and future endeavors will positively change the entire community.”