Case Study

Project: AIDS Project LA “Our House” Renovation/Restoration

Year Built:: Approximately 1915

Year Restored: 1986

Project Type: 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

Location: Los Angeles/Pico-Union neighborhood, California

Impact on City: To develop an “AIDS hospice in Downtown Los Angeles, California

Project Size: Two story mansion

Founding Goal: To create a model for replication across the United States.

Archival Website:: www.apla.org

In the 1980s, it became very apparent that there was a major epidemic occurring with people that were contracting HIV or had the aids virus. It was a nightmarish epidemic that needed to be addressed quickly. I was approached by Shelter Partnership in Los Angeles to help with what would be the first aids hospice in Los Angeles County. AIDS Project LA was in its infancy, and I worked with their staff to renovate a beautiful historic home on Lake Street in the Pico-Union area of Los Angeles. The integrity in the architecture was highly respected by the organization and this residence opened with major announcements because not only was the facility able to be renovated, but it also established the advocacy portion of the urgency of the need to respond to the AIDS crisis.

The agency provides HIV/AIDS services, housing services and volunteer opportunities for people of all ages who live in Los Angeles County. Individuals must be HIV positive or have AIDS for some services. Services are provided at multiple locations.