Community members appeal plan for homeless tower

The city of Los Angeles gave the green light for an 18-story high-rise on Skid Row, but now community members are pushing back against its approval.

The $138-million project at 554 S. San Pedro Street would offer 382 units of affordable housing with 2,250 square feet for commercial space.

The city approved the project in October. Then last week two organizations located near the site appealed that approval, claiming they weren’t properly consulted about the project or its conditions, The Real Deal has learned. They contend it won’t do enough to help homeless people in the immediate area.

Critics of the project, whose development is being led by the Weingart Center, a homeless services provider, argue that the dense population of homeless people on Skid Row hurts Downtown business, while also creating a dangerous environment for anyone battling addiction or illness.

San Diego-based Joseph Wong Design Associates designed the project, which Weingart is co-developing with Chelsea Investment Corp. Weingart acquired the main parcel from the state of California in 2012 for $850,000, property records show.

Initial plans called for a two multi-family apartment towers with more than 12,300 square feet. The project was revised in 2017. It is expected to be completed in 2021.