Construction of the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s revolutionary new Anita May Rosenstein Campus, spanning more than a city block, has begun.
Before the heavy machinery began its work, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Councilmember David Ryu joined lead donor Anita May Rosenstein and other donors, civic, political and community leaders at an inspiring groundbreaking ceremony–complete with rainbow-colored shovels.
The first-of-its-kind complex in Hollywood will offer comprehensive multi-generational services and housing, including 135 units of affordable housing for seniors and youth, 100 beds for homeless youth, new youth and senior centers, and much more.
At the groundbreaking, Center CEO Lorri L. Jean spoke of the journey to get to the landmark day that officially launched the two-year construction project.
“Nearly a decade ago, we began to dream of a project unlike any other: a beautiful multi-generational campus with new and expanded social services, together with affordable housing for seniors and youth,” Jean said.
“More than that, we dreamed of uniting it with The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, our arts, cultural and educational facility. Combined, the two locations will offer more integrated services for LGBT people than any other place in the world.”
Now the Center is announcing that a record $40 million has been pledged toward a $47.5 million goal that, when paid, would eliminate any long-term debt on the project. It’s already more money than has ever been pledge for an LGBT facility and includes the largest gift by a living person to an LGBT organization in the amount of $7.25 million from philanthropist Anita May Rosenstein through the Anita May Rosenstein Foundation, Wilbur D. May Foundation, and the Anita and Arnold Rosenstein Family Foundation.
Additionally, in June the Center secured federal New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) financing that will result in $9.5 million of subsidy for the Campus. The Center thanks its NMTC partners: TELACU, Los Angeles Development Fund, Genesis LA, Low Income Investment Fund, and Wells Fargo.
The campus, designed by Leong Leong—recently honored by the Architectural League of New York as one of this year’s “emerging voices” architectural firms—and brought to fruition by executive architects Killefer Flammang (2016 California Council AIA Firm Award winner), is scheduled to be completed in early 2019 as the Center marks its 50th anniversary.
The groundbreaking was held in March 2017.
