Russell Westbrook Assists in Building Affordable Housing in 1992 LA Riots Zone

Russell Westbrook, a South Los Angeles native and Los Angeles Clippers star, is one of several investors funding an affordable housing project.

NBC Los Angeles reports that the rehabilitation project will take place near the intersection of Vermont and Manchester Avenues. The location in issue was once considered deadly, with cops referring to it as “homicide alley” after more than 60 murders were reported there. The property was destroyed during the 1992 Los Angeles riots, but is currently undergoing renovations.

“From neglect to the symbol or rebirth, ‘Evermont’ is rewriting the story of South Los Angeles,” Westbrook, who is 35 years old, remarked. Construction on the Evermont Project, in which Westbrook invests, began in 2019. Construction is planned to finish later this year.

This mixed-use complex will offer 180 affordable housing units for seniors and low-income families. Evermont’s website states that the development will include commercial and retail spaces, a SEED school, a transportation plaza, and a Metro training facility.

“The property was seized under eminent domain. We ended up paying the property owner more over $40 million to truly create an opportunity for that block,” LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell said, noting that the county launched the initiative.

According to NBC Los Angeles, Westbrook is not the only investor in the development, as the government and retail giant Target also participate. “It is multiple levels of government, plus private enterprise in a real partnership to bring much-needed services to the community and I’m excited about it,” Mitchell told the crowd.

 

 

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