Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, Michaels Open 75-Unit Mariposa at Jordan Downs in Watts

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) and The Michaels Organization on Oct. 8 held the grand opening of Mariposa at Jordan Downs, a 75-unit affordable and market-rate apartment building in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. The building is the fifth phase of new housing delivered through the HACLA-Michaels partnership at Jordan Downs, which the announcement describes as one of the most significant public housing revitalizations in the nation.

Rep. Maxine Waters and Assemblymember Mike Gipson joined HACLA, Michaels and community leaders for the event, which also included a groundbreaking for The Children's Park and the unveiling of three resident-inspired murals.

Mariposa at Jordan Downs: Property Details

Mariposa offers one- to five-bedroom affordable and market-rate apartments, work spaces, a community room and a Head Start early childhood education center. The name, chosen by residents, references the Monarch butterfly and is intended to symbolize renewal and transformation, according to the announcement.

California-based architecture studio Practice served as architect, and Walton Construction was the general contractor. Michaels will provide asset and property management for the building.

Financing: Public Programs and Private Lenders

Funding for the phase came from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Choice Neighborhoods program, the California Housing and Community Development Infill Infrastructure Grant Program, and federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. Private financing was provided by U.S. Bank, The Community Development Trust and Berkadia Commercial Mortgage. The use of multiple government programs, tax credits and private lenders reflects the layered capital structure typical of affordable housing delivery in Los Angeles, where elevated interest rates, high construction costs and project-specific funding gaps have stalled some approved developments.

Jordan Downs Redevelopment Progress

Over the past decade, more than $1 billion in federal, state, city and private investment has gone into Jordan Downs, including more than $156 million in state investment, according to the announcement. To date, nine new communities totaling 863 apartments have been completed, five by Michaels and four by BRIDGE Housing. The redevelopment has also delivered new parks, community amenities and more than 120,000 square feet of retail space.

HACLA and Michaels' sixth housing phase is set to break ground later this year, with infrastructure work currently underway.

The Children's Park

Officials broke ground on The Children's Park, located behind Mariposa and the third park within Jordan Downs. The park will include five play areas, sensory elements, a splash pad, a junior basketball court and gathering spaces. It is funded through the Caltrans Clean California Local Grants Program, with support from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and HACLA. Construction is expected to begin in fall 2026 and finish by the end of summer 2027, and the project will include Section 3 local hiring requirements and opportunities for local businesses.

Officials and Developers Comment

"Mariposa is exactly the type of solution we need to address our affordable housing and homelessness crisis," said Congresswoman Waters. "This new phase means more families will have a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home, children will have spaces to learn and play, and the Watts community will continue to thrive."

Mayor Karen Bass said, "This is what transformation looks like when residents and government work together to lead the way."

HACLA President and CEO Lourdes Castro Ramirez called Jordan Downs "one of the most impactful community-centered revitalization efforts across the country," and thanked residents and federal, state, regional and local partners.

Michaels EVP of Development Raoul Amescua said, "We are so proud of the progress that has been made and are grateful to all of the partners and community members who have come together to deliver on the promises made to the Watts community, keeping our promise of delivering beautiful, high-quality, sustainable housing."

Assemblymember Gipson (D-Carson), who said he was born and raised in Watts, said, "The best is yet to come for this neighborhood, and Mariposa is a sign of tremendous progress." Councilmember Tim McOsker said the new housing, education center, park and murals "reflect the continued investment in the families who call this community home."

The three murals, "Return to Home," "Mariposa Diversity" and "We Are Taught to Soar," were created in partnership with East Side of the River.

Market Context

The opening comes as Los Angeles expands public funding for affordable housing. In September 2026, the City Council approved a record $466.6 million affordable-housing funding pool, including $123 million for multifamily projects with at least 40 units and $115 million for projects seeking Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. The city's first 2026 Homes for LA funding round committed approximately $360.97 million to 80 projects, supporting 5,241 affordable units, including 1,528 newly constructed units and 3,713 preserved or stabilized units.

Michaels says it serves more than 200,000 residents in more than 600 communities across 39 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. HACLA, established in 1938, provides affordable housing, rental assistance and supportive services to more than 200,000 Angelenos and administers a portfolio of 164 properties, 13 of them public housing developments, totaling more than 12,000 units, along with more than 60,000 Housing Vouchers and Certificates through the Section 8 program.

Sources

• The Michaels Organization: State and Local Leaders Join HACLA, The Michaels Organization and Partners to Celebrate Major Milestones in Transformation of Jordan Downs