Kalmia Rose by KTGY

BRIDGE Housing and nationally recognized architecture firm KTGY have proudly unveiled Kalmia Rose at Jordan Downs, a major milestone in the ongoing revitalization of one of Los Angeles’ largest public housing communities. Situated in Watts, a historically underserved neighborhood in South Los Angeles, the 76-unit development marks the completion of Area H2A (Phase 3A) in the transformative Jordan Downs Specific Plan.

Developed in close partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), Kalmia Rose includes 39 replacement units, ensuring existing residents are not displaced, while introducing modern affordable housing in a vibrant, walkable environment. This strategy is part of a long-term commitment to equitable development and community-centered design that supports the social and physical well-being of residents.

A Decade of Transformation

The redevelopment of Jordan Downs is a cornerstone in Los Angeles’ broader effort to expand access to attainable housing and revitalize aging public infrastructure. Once completed, the master plan will deliver over 1,500 new affordable and market-rate homes, nine acres of public parks, and retail and community spaces to serve the neighborhood’s growing needs.

A key feature of the redevelopment process is the “build first” strategy, which prioritizes the construction of new homes before older units are demolished. This phased approach avoids resident displacement and minimizes community disruption while supporting continuity of local life.

“The opening of Kalmia Rose is a milestone in a decade-long effort to transform Jordan Downs into a thriving, inclusive community,” said Ken Lombard, President and CEO of BRIDGE Housing. “We’re honored to stand with our partners to mark this latest step in delivering on our promise to provide beautiful affordable housing, expanded opportunity for residents, and lasting investment in Watts.”

Design that Connects

The architectural concept for Kalmia Rose, developed by KTGY, blends placemaking principles with community-informed design. From the earliest stages, input from current residents helped shape the project’s priorities—fostering safety, connectivity, and comfort in a dense urban environment.

Kalmia Rose includes podium-style and walk-up buildings, all thoughtfully oriented to enhance natural light, views, and shared outdoor space. The expansive courtyard decks, rooftop patios, and half-acre park-facing terraces provide tranquil settings for daily life while supporting community cohesion.

On the ground level, pedestrian paseos weave through the site, linking residents to parks, the community center, and neighborhood streets. A network of shaded pathways, wooden benches, and planted gardens supports walkability, encourages spontaneous interactions, and creates inviting places to gather. Additional shared amenities include a club room and bike storage room, enhancing the livability and sustainability of the development.

“Our goal for Kalmia Rose was to create a cohesive community that maintains its own unique identity as part of Jordan Downs,” said Keith McCloskey, LEED AP, Principal at KTGY. “The design draws inspiration from Spanish-style architecture, with warm tones and earthy materials that bring character to the buildings while respecting the broader context.”

Architecture Rooted in Context

Architecturally, Kalmia Rose reflects a modernized Spanish Revival style, with beige stucco exteriors accented by rust, green, and blue tones, and enhanced by brick cladding and metal panels that add depth and contrast. The three-story podium buildings are built over parking podiums, while the adjacent walk-up homes feature a more intimate scale and textured, warm color blocks that echo the urban fabric of Watts.

This blend of materiality and form allows Kalmia Rose to establish a distinct identity within the overall redevelopment plan, while remaining cohesive with the future phases and surrounding structures.

Looking Ahead

The adjacent Cypress View project (Area H2B / Phase 3B) is currently under development and will add another 119 units, including 61 replacement units, just west of Kalmia Rose. Scheduled for completion in Summer 2025, it represents another step forward in the reimagining of Jordan Downs.

KTGY continues its role as a design leader in the neighborhood through a forthcoming collaboration with City Ventures and Azure. Together, they will introduce 150 for-sale townhomes—a mix of affordable and market-rate housing options—scheduled to break ground in 2026.

Kalmia Rose at Jordan Downs exemplifies how collaborative, resident-informed design and a strategic planning approach can deliver not only much-needed affordable housing, but also meaningful improvements in quality of life. As Los Angeles continues to grapple with housing challenges, projects like Kalmia Rose offer a model of equitable urban development that prioritizes dignity, beauty, and belonging.

Photography: John Bare Photography