649 Lofts

This 7‐story project provides both housing as well as quality healthcare services for the city’s Skid Row homeless community, an economically disadvantaged area in the heart of Los Angeles.

Impact/Equality

• Project includes 55 units of Permanent Supportive Housing.
• Joshua House Health Center (JHHC) provides quality health services for the Skid Row community, serving up to 7,000 patients per year.
• Services are targeted to homeless and underserved adults in the 90014 zip code and are available through walk‐in. 75% of the patients will be insured through MediCal and/or Medicare, with 25% being completely uninsured. Services are at no/low cost on a sliding scale; no one is turned away based on inability to pay.
• Site is an infill location near public transit nodes, services, and existing infrastructure.

Design

• Maximizes use of a narrow urban infill lot.
• Minimum parking spaces are included using a 2‐level stacked parking design. Reducing the area for vehicle driveways and ramps enabled the Project to increase essential residential and clinic space.
• Despite its compact, high‐density design, the synergy between indoor and outdoor spaces is provided throughout the building at the 3rd, 5th, and 7th floors. Outdoor terraces provide residents, staff, and patients connection to outdoors, places for socializing, respite, and healing.
• Ground floor entrance spaces provide abundant natural light to attract and encourage members of the Skid Row community to access the clinic.

Sustainability

• Water Use Reduction a. Irrigation system uses low‐flow drip irrigation, smart controller, and rain sensor b. Vegetated green roof planted with drought‐tolerant material also reduces the urban heat island effect c. 85% of stormwater runoff is intercepted and stored in a holding tank, for reuse irrigating terrace green spaces d. High‐efficiency low‐flow indoor water use fixtures.
• Energy a. Building exceeds CA‐Title 24 energy code by 10% b. Insulated, low‐e, and low‐SHGC glass minimizes heat gain c. High‐efficiency MERV‐8 and MERV‐13 filters exceed code requirements for improved indoor air quality for both units and clinic spaces d. High‐efficiency Energy Star bathroom fans e. LED lighting fixtures and Energy Star appliances f. Solar thermal hot water system preheats the domestic water.
• Materials: a. Precut framed walls, open web‐floor trusses reduce construction waste and time b. FSC wood and recycled content finish products c. Low emission products include flooring, paint, Insulation, adhesive, and sealants d. Over 80% of construction waste was diverted from landfills.

Health and Wellness

• JHHC will be a hub for health care in the heart of Skid Row providing primary care, dental, optometry, mental health, and social services, with an emphasis on prevention, education, and care integration/coordination.
• Outdoor terraces provide space for all occupants to walk, sit, or socialize.
• Raised planter gardening encourages connection to healthy food, nature, community, self‐nurturing, and is a moderate‐intensity physical activity.
• Clinic includes a chapel open to patients and staff for meditation and spiritual care.
• Community kitchen and lounge spaces allow gathering for communal meetings and events.