The L.A. LGBT Center today positioned the final steel beam on its Anita May Rosenstein Campus, a first-of-its-kind complex in Hollywood that will offer comprehensive multi-generational services and housing, including 99 units of affordable housing for seniors, 100 beds for homeless youth and new youth and senior centers. When it opens in early 2019, the two-acre campus will span more than a city block and connect with the Center’s arts, cultural and educational facility—The Village at Ed Gould Plaza—located directly across the street.
Hoisted by a crane, the last beam was placed on the northwest corner of the campus as more than 200 guests—including Swinerton Builder’s crews and Center donors—witnessed the milestone.
“This new Anita May Rosenstein Campus is not only going to be a vibrant and dynamic community hub, iconic around the world, but it will be a haven of health and happiness for some of the most vulnerable people in our community – low-income seniors and homeless youth,” said Los Angeles LGBT Center CEO Lorri L. Jean during a speech at the event. “This isn’t just some office complex you’re creating. Instead, you have some very precious lives in your hands. What you are building will become a safe and loving home for hundreds of people who desperately need such homes. Thousands more will visit every day to get services that will make an enormous difference in their lives, enabling them to live up to their full potential.”
The campus is expected to serve an estimated 6,000 young people experiencing homelessness—of which 40% in Los Angeles County identify as LGBTQ—as well as an estimated 65,000 LGBT individuals in the county. The intergenerational building will also house the Center’s new administrative headquarters, freeing space for its McDonald/Wright Building to become entirely a health and medical center.
Engaged in a campaign to raise $50 million or more for the new campus by its 50th anniversary, the Center has raised gifts and commitments of more than $46 million, including a lead gift of $7.27 million from the Anita May Rosenstein Foundation, Wilbur D. May Foundation and the Anita and Arnold Rosenstein Family Foundation.
The Center also secured federal New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) financing that resulted in over $9 million of subsidy for the campus. The Center’s NMTC partners are TELACU, Los Angeles Development Fund, Genesis LA, Low Income Investment Fund and Wells Fargo.
To witness the campus’ construction progress, visit the live webcam feed at techcam.net/lgbt/#home.
