DOWNEY – The View, a 50-unit affordable housing complex in Downtown Downey, had its grand opening Monday, and residents are expected to begin moving in next month. The development provides 49 two- and three-bedroom units for “extremely low- and very low-income families,” and one unit for the on-site manager.

The six-story building occupies a 22,700 sq. ft. parcel of land on 2nd Street, just east of Downey Avenue.

“A recent study found that Los Angeles residents spend the largest percentage of their income on rent in the country,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe. “The county’s partnership in the Downey View Apartments illustrates our commitment to helping our 10 million residents find affordable and attractive living options.  This project is a terrific example of increasing our housing options, while boosting the local economy.”

The apartment complex features a community room, outdoor courtyard, tot lot, rooftop edible garden, and a rooftop terrace.

The community room will host enrichment classes and workshops open to the public.

In addition to the building’s energy efficient features, sustainable landscape elements include drought-tolerant plants, large box trees for shading, a planted green wall (instead of bare walls) around the sides and rear of the building, and a graywater irrigation system that re-uses water from the washing machines to maintain the landscaping.

Downey View Apartments exceeds the standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council under its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, and is seeking LEED Silver certification.

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Published: Dec. 4, 2014 - Volume 13 - Issue 34