New Residential Community Taking Shape In La Verne

LA VERNE, CA — The City of Laverne is making progress on the complementary Old Town La Verne Specific Plan with two housing projects along First Street set to start in the coming months.

According to city officials, this means that La Verne residents will soon see various site preparation and construction activities taking place, marking the first tangible steps in turning a mainly industrial area into a new, vibrant residential area for the community.

“The city is pleased to continue furthering the community-driven vision outlined in the Old Town La Verne Specific Plan,” Principal Planner Candice Bowcock said in a news release. “Through the tools and guidelines in the plan, we look forward to creating opportunities for additional public improvement projects, encouraging appropriate development, evaluating development proposals and supporting historic preservation.”

City officials said one of these housing developments is located at 2109 and 2467 First Street on the corner of White Avenue. Preparation of this site actually began in March 2021 when a century-old craftsman home on the property was moved to a new location down the road.

The now partially empty lot, remaining abandoned garage and adjacent contractor’s office will be removed and replaced with a 17-unit, three-story housing development spanning nine buildings and accommodating 36 residential parking spaces. The units will vary in size ranging from 1,351 to 1,911 square feet and include two, three and four-bedroom unit options. Three of the units will be designated for La Verne’s low-income residents and families.

The second housing project is just down the street headed west from the first site, located at 2366 and 2336 First Street. The two existing warehouse structures on the site were constructed in 1985 and have been used for various industrial purposes throughout the years, according to city officials.

With the approval of the adaptive re-use of the structures for new development, however, this area will be completely transformed and feature a three-story structure with 36 housing units called the “Lordsburg Lofts.” Residents will enjoy public art installations and 52 parking spots, eight of which will be designated guest parking. Similar to the other First Street development, per the Specific Plan 15% of the units are required to be designated as affordable which means six of these units will be dedicated to those with varied incomes.

These new housing options along First Street will be within a five-minute walk to the future Foothill Gold Line station, University of La Verne campus, the Los Angeles County Fairplex and beloved Old Town La Verne shops, restaurants and other businesses. Along with other projects identified in the Specific Plan, the First Street projects will help strengthen the Old Town La Verne area as a distinctive center for the citizens of La Verne with attractive streets, enjoyable public spaces, historic neighborhoods, lively mixed-use commercial areas and a variety of housing options.