Jordan Downs is the focal point of a redevelopment initiative to revitalize Watts into an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable neighborhood that will be a catalyst and prototype for community redevelopment and revitalization. The conceptual plan proposes a neighborhood pattern of streets and urban blocks that reconnect Jordan Downs with the surrounding neighborhood. New streets lead into and through the redeveloped site, allowing for the community to be connected with Watts. MLA prepared the open space and streetscape design guidelines for civic, cultural, recreational and social spaces with improved access to schools, parks, playgrounds, bike trails, libraries and schools.
The baseline goal for Jordan Downs is to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) neighborhood development standards. Environmental sustainability strategies include remediating environmental problems of the past; setting high standards for conservation of natural resources; using renewable energy; and developing a mixed-use, mixed-income, smart growth–based, transit-oriented, job-rich, carbon-neutral community. The goal is to transform the Jordan Downs Housing Project into a vibrant urban village that will be the catalyst to transform the Watts community.
