What's Happening?
CityLab-UCLA has announced the winners of its Small Lots/Big Impact design competition, aimed at developing new housing on vacant lots in Los Angeles. The competition, in partnership with Genesis LA, seeks to capitalize on recent legislative changes that
allow for increased housing density. The winning projects will receive funding to cover 95% of development costs and include plans for multifamily housing in various neighborhoods. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address housing shortages by utilizing privately-owned vacant parcels and streamlining the development process.
Why It's Important?
The competition reflects a growing trend in Los Angeles and California to address housing shortages through innovative design and policy changes. By leveraging new laws that facilitate higher density housing, the initiative aims to provide affordable housing solutions while maintaining good design standards. This approach could serve as a model for other cities facing similar challenges, demonstrating how public-private partnerships and legislative support can drive effective housing development. The success of these projects could influence future housing policies and encourage further investment in urban development.
What's Next?
The winning teams are tasked with selecting suitable lots and securing necessary entitlements to begin construction. The projects are expected to be completed by 2029, adding approximately 20 new housing units to the city's landscape. CityLab-UCLA plans to share the process and outcomes to encourage other developers to take advantage of pro-density laws. This transparency could help accelerate the development of additional housing units and reduce the number of vacant lots in Los Angeles.
