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Michael Maltzan Architecture has designed a 14-storey mass timber tower that would add 150 studio apartments to Los Angeles' infamous Skid Row neighbourhood. Named The Alvidrez, the supportive housing project is being spearheaded by the local nonprofit Skid Row Housing Trust, which has completed more than two dozen buildings throughout Los Angeles County, accommodating nearly 2,000 people.
The development takes its name from the Trust's former CEO Mike Alvidrez. The 77,000-square-foot building will exclusively house members of Skid Row's homeless community, and 30 percent of units will be devoted to people with mental or physical disabilities. Appliances and furnishings will come with the units. Support spaces, including counselling and group services, will be located on the ground floor.
Multiple modular blocks of cross-laminated timber will form a series of vertical volumes topped by verdant terraces for community use. The Alvidrez will replace a five-storey apartment structure at 609-623 East 5th Street.
Construction of the project could begin as early as next year, with completion forecast in 2023.
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