LOS ANGELES—Meta Housing has opened the doors of Pacific Avenue Arts Colony, a 49-unit arts colony affordable multifamily complex for non-seniors. This is the affordable housing developer's first arts colony property for non-senior residents, and is aimed at artists in the community. The property is already 100% occupied.

The property is located outside of the SPACE District, or the San Pedro Arts, Culture and Entertainment district, which is a vibrant arts community with galleries, theaters and market-rate live/work communities. “The Pacific Avenue Arts Colony will serve as a gateway that both complements and strengthens the district's connections with surrounding neighborhoods and the local community,” Chris Maffris, SVP of Meta Housing Corp., tells GlobeSt.com. As a city that is already focused on the arts, and on economic development, San Pedro is an excellent location for this new project.”

The community will give artists an affordable housing option, and contains a mix of live/work spaces and a full-scale art gallery space.  The property was designed by Y&M Architects, and was funded through Bank of America, which provided construction financing. “We were able to transform the site into this affordable family housing community that will drive new artists and patrons to downtown San Pedro, giving them an affordable place to live and enjoy the unique opportunities of this growing and revitalized region,” Maffris says. “The need for affordable housing continues to grow throughout the nation, and is especially prevalent in metro areas such as Los Angeles. By developing arts-focused communities that are also affordable, we are not only working to meet this important housing need, but we are also bringing deeper value to Cities and their residents.” 

Meta Housing also broke ground on a similar arts community in Glendale. The developer has partnered with the YMCA to build the $32-million 70-unit community. “Research has shown that the arts can play a major role in community development, as well as contributing to people's overall well-being and health,” says Maffris. “By creating unique environments that integrate the arts, we are giving residents a chance to collaborate, express creativity and build connections with the broader community. Beyond this, we are placing artists at the center of growth areas in these metro communities, and ensuring that they can afford to enjoy the benefits that their Cities have to offer.”