Norwood Learning Village: Affordable Family Housing that Preserves Historical Precedents

The Norwood Learning Village is a 29-unit affordable family housing community comprised of six distinct buildings designed to blend in a neighborhood of historic single-family homes. In order to meet the objectives of the Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ) in which the project is located, WHA’s Urban Studio researched maps and photos dating back to 1922 and evaluated 64 historic homes in the area to keep the design true to the local traditional styles.

WHA worked with developer Thomas Safran & Associates to create a design that met the goals of the City of Los Angeles and the needs of the owner. The design team also met with HPOZ community groups at various stages of the design process to engage neighbors and garner support for the project. Each of the six buildings has its own identity, designed to mirror the 2-story traditional Dutch, Craftsman, and Victorian style homes of the neighborhood with authentic details, roof lines, and building forms.

The site respects traditional setbacks and is landscaped with a variety of landscape palettes akin to individual single-family homes. The buildings sit atop a subterranean parking garage which spans the entire project, concealing vehicles from public view and providing parking for the residents as well as 40 parking spaces for teachers from the adjacent Norwood Street Elementary School.

The Norwood Learning Village places a strong emphasis on community. With primarily 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units, it provides affordable family-focused housing to assist with homelessness. The Community Center offers a quality social space for the residents as well as community outreach resources, including an office for teachers to use and a tutoring area for local children.

Based in WHA’s LA office, Jay Kocourek, AIA, Principal, managed the project through construction, working with Thomas Safran & Associates and the contractor to deliver housing that provides value and security. The Norwood Learning Village was completed in December 2017, allowing residents to begin enjoying their new homes just before Christmas.