10-year revitalization of Jordan Downs public housing complex in Watts nears final phase

WATTS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Jordan Downs public housing complex in Watts is undergoing a major revitalization, plus more dramatic changes are on the way.

Shelia Walton grew up in Jordan Downs, a public housing complex just west of South Gate and south of Firestone Park.

"It was a really scary place for me because it was different from where my parents brought us from," Walton said.

"Watts was the area with a lot of gang and gun violence but during my time is we went 18 months without a homicide for the first time since the 1950s, so it's no longer what it used to be," said Antonio Villaraigosa, the 41st mayor of Los Angeles.

The community of Jordan Downs was originally built to house World War II workers and eventually became housing for those dependent on welfare. Stepping into Jordan Downs now is almost unrecognizable.

"Many communities, particularly in underserved neighborhoods like the Watts area, have felt that we have neglected them. What this investment of almost $700 million to date says is that we see you, we care about you, and we will invest in your present and in your future," said Lourdes Castro Ramirez, president of the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles.

After 10 years of development, city and state workers, along with the Housing Authority and developers, recently toured the site of 787 new affordable housing units, 120,000 square feet of new retail and four new parks with a fifth on the way.

"We got stores here that never came to, thought of coming to Watts...I couldn't be prouder," Villaraigosa said.

Many were worried the revitalization would rid the community of generations of families, but the L.A. Housing Authority says that hasn't been the case.

"We've had about an 80% retention rate, which is really incredible and so again that's a testament to not only our commitment but being able to stay involved and engaged," Castro Ramirez said.

The previous Jordan Downs Projects housed 700 units. With just four more phases of the project to go, the new community is expected to provide housing with a total of 1,500 units.

"It's really a nice thing what they're doing to the community. For us, it's a really big change," Walton said.

There are only a few buildings left that were part of the old Jordan Downs Projects. The housing authority says these will be part of the final phase of demolition.