PROJECT NEW HOPE APARTMENTS

San Pedro, California

Project New Hope Apartments is a low cost housing project which was designed expressly for people living with HIV/AIDS. It was developed by Project New Hope, a non-profit organization dedicated to building special needs housing for individuals and families afflicted with AIDS.  Primary funding for the project was provided by the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency.

The intent of the design was to offer residents a serene environment where they can feel protected without losing a sense of connection to the world outside.  The architecture attempts to merge the Southern California tradition of courtyard apartments with forms evoking a sense of the ships and port buildings in neighboring San Pedro harbor. 

 In lieu of single rooms typically associated with “hospice” facilities the residential units have been designed as one and two-bedroom apartments.  This was a way to offer a greater sense of “home” as well as a better situation for full and part-time care providers who must often spend long periods looking after the residents.

Photographer: Tom Bonner 

In addition to full handicapped accessibility, each unit has access to a range of public and private amenities including individual balconies, a courtyard, a community room and sundeck.  The community room functions as a casual recreation area as well as a training room where residents will be taught skills in computers and telecommunications.  The sun deck provides a place for people who may not be able to physically leave the building to get some sun and view the activity of the street from a safe environment.