Design Center Development Corporation (DCDC) is the non-profit, community housing development organization (CHDO) affiliate of the Los Angeles Community Design Center (LA/CDC). Incorporated in May 1996, DCDC was established to help further LA/CDC’s mission to develop affordable housing for low-income residents in the greater Los Angeles area and to carry out other socially beneficial projects that support community and economic development in disadvantaged communities. DCDC currently has ownership interest in the following affordable housing developments totaling serving very-low- and low-income families.
Sunshine Terrace Townhomes Fifty two-story town homes for low-income families in the unincorporated community of South Whittier. The 2.5-acre project site had previously been used for oil exploration. Amenities include secured entry, on-site laundry facilities, a playground, and grassy recreational areas.
New Harbor Vista Apartments Service-enriched housing for low-income families in Wilmington. Existing buildings with one- and two-bedroom units were turned into 132 two- three- and four-bedroom units to accommodate families. Overall building, site planning and circulation was reconfigured to create a strong sense of community. The development provides additional communal facilities such as a childcare center, tot lot, basketball court and office and community space for social services.
Evergreen Apartments I, II, and III Three affordable multi-family buildings acquired from the City of Long Beach in 1999. The Evergreens are home to 81 families in two- and three-bedroom units. Since coming under DCDC’s ownership, occupancy rates have improved and after-school tutoring services for children have begun.
Enterprise Home Ownership Program properties DCDC purchased three- and four-plex HUD foreclosed properties in the neighborhood of South Los Angeles from the Enterprise Home Ownership Program. These buildings added a total of 102 new units to the DCDC portfolio. Financing was provided through conventional debt.
Orange Grove Gardens Orange Grove Gardens provides 38 units of affordable housing for low-income families in a garden courtyard setting. Designed to enhance honor Pasadena’s garden heritage and to enhance the pedestrian character of the neighborhood, the development will feature two landscaped courtyards, underground parking, and a 1,800 square foot Community Room. The Pasadena Boys and Girls Club have opened a satellite site at Orange Grove Gardens where they provide an after-school program.
In addition, DCDC has developed the Lohart Avenue Homes, seven newly constructed homes for purchase by first-time homebuyers. Each of the energy efficient homes offers 1,650 square feet of living space and offers 3 bedrooms, 2½ baths, a two-car garage, and private outdoor space. The Lohart Avenue Homes are the culmination of the Lohart Neighborhood Revitalization effort, which included sidewalk and landscape improvements, the addition of a new playground, the construction of a Community Center in Reggie Rodriguez Park, and the formation of a strong neighborhood advocacy group. DCDC worked with the City of Montebello and the residents of the Lohart Neighborhood to devise and implement the comprehensive Lohart Neighborhood Revitalization Plan.
A volunteer board of directors consisting of five members governs DCDC. At least one-third of the individuals serving as directors either reside in low-income neighborhoods, are low-income residents, or are elected representatives from a low-income neighborhood organization.
Members of the Board of Directors:
Glenn Sanada Mr. Sanada is a Senior Program Manager with the California Community Economic Development Association. Mr. Sanada has over twenty-five years of experience in the Housing and Economic Development field in Los Angeles. His Community activities include membership in the Los Angeles Community Development Department, Industrial and Commercial Development Division’s Loan Committee, acting as the Mayor’s representative on the City of Los Angeles Linked Banking Oversight Committee, and previous participation of the Local Initiative Support Corporation’s Los Angeles Advisory Board. Mr. Sanada also served on the Southern California Association for Non Profit Housing Board of Directors for six years and as Chair of the organization’s annual conference for four years.
Pat Wong Ms. Wong is the Executive Director of the Long Beach Day Nursery. The bulk of her background is in the private sector with over fifteen years management experience in the retail and advertising industries, including and appointment as a Vice President of Saatchi and Saatchi which at that time was the largest advertising agency in the world. Ms. Wong redirected her career into community development in the early 1990’s. Her community activities have included membership on the Board of Directors of WRAP Agency, California Resource and Training, and the Asian Pacific Revolving Loan Fund of Los Angeles, and participation in the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council.
Ann Marie Hickambottom Ann Marie Hickambottom’s civic activities include serving as a member of the Boards of Directors of Century for Community and Family Services and The City of Pasadena Rose Bowl Operating Company. She has also been a member of the Lincoln Avenue Project Area Committee, the City of Pasadena Affirmative Action Committee, City of Pasadena Re-districting Task Force, and the Junior League of Pasadena.
