City officials marked the grand opening of a 64-unit affordable housing complex in Boyle Heights on Friday.
The Los Lirios housing community is right next to the LA Metro E Line Soto Station, providing residents with convenient access to public transit and facilitating a car-free lifestyle in a city famous for its heavy traffic.
A five-story apartment complex has been established at the intersection of 1st and Soto streets, created through a collaboration between LA Metro, the landowner, and BRIDGE Housing, a developer focused on affordable housing.
Out of the 64 units, 43 are classified as affordable, set aside for families with incomes ranging from 30-50% of the area median income, while 20 units are allocated for supportive housing aimed at individuals who were previously unhoused.
Los Lirios includes a versatile area with 2,400 square feet dedicated to commercial use on the ground level.
This marks the inaugural structure built through the collaboration of BRIDGE, LA Metro, and the East Los Angeles Community Corporation. BRIDGE Housing representatives report that the organization is rapidly growing its affordable housing offerings, anticipating nearly 14,800 units by year-end and over 10,000 more units planned for the future.
The company plans to finish its 10th affordable housing community and start building seven more in 2024.
“We are committed to creating transformative change for people and families by providing access to safe, accessible, and affordable housing,” said BRIDGE Housing President and CEO Ken Lombard. “We are delighted to celebrate our first partnership with LA Metro and ELACC and proud to deliver this beautiful, transit-friendly affordable housing community for Boyle Heights.”
Los Lirios is included in Metro’s initiative to enhance public transportation and minimize car usage by connecting the Metro system with retail, commercial, and residential spaces.
Metro’s leader, Stephanie Wiggins, emphasized that the strategy hinges on the belief that communities thrive when individuals have access to a variety of housing choices, employment opportunities, and services close to efficient transit routes.
A new community is set to rise in Boyle Heights, part of a series of development initiatives Metro is undertaking on land that was previously unused from earlier construction efforts.
Los Lirios offers a variety of apartments, including studios and three-bedroom units. The property features an outdoor courtyard with playground equipment, a multipurpose room, an exercise room, and storage space for up to 52 bicycles. There are 51 parking spaces available for both residential and commercial use.
Despite the amenities, the new community residents appreciate having a home that offers them opportunities and strong ties within their neighborhood.