The Los Angeles County General Hospital, an art deco building in the heart of Los Angeles, is on track to become a massive community hub.
While the hospital was previously set to turn into affordable housing, the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity recently announced a plan to revitalize the 30.8-acre campus into a “Healthy Village.”
At 1.2 million square feet and 19-stories, the plan would turn the vacant Boyle Heights landmark into a hub focused on “wellness, housing, economic opportunity, and community services.“
“This Master Plan is rooted in years of collaboration and reflects the voices of residents, community partners, and stakeholders who helped shape a ‘Healthy Village’ vision for the future of this historic campus,” said Giovanna Araujo, project director for Centennial Partners, according to NBC Los Angeles.
“We have an opportunity to breathe new life into this landmark by creating a community-centered campus that expands access to housing, wellness, economic opportunity, and open space while honoring the legacy of a place that has cared for generations of Angelenos.”
The building originally opened in 1934 but was severely damaged in the 1994 Northridge earthquake. It was left vacant in 2008 when a new hospital (the LA General Medical Center) opened next door, and has since been lightly used as storage and for ancillary support. A $120 million campus stabilization project has been in progress for years, focused on seismic upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and preservation work.
Organizers seem hopeful about a revitalization in the next ten years.
“As this project is implemented over the coming decade, we know community needs and the realities of our world will change. Our responsibility is to remain present with those changes—continuing to listen, adapt, and create a campus that serves both those who rely on it today and the generations,” added Araujo.