Northridge Skateland Rink Proposed As Homeless Shelter

NORTHRIDGE, CA — Northridge Skateland, the beloved skating rink, arcade, and pizzeria , announced this week that it is closing its doors after 60 years. Dave and Mike Fleming, who have owned the Parthenia Street institution since 1968, said that they hope to work with Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission to create interim housing for the unhoused.

"As we look forward to retirement, our desire is to leave a legacy in honor of our parents, Richard & Loraine, and work with Hope of the Valley to create the finest bridge housing in the San Fernando Valley," the brothers said in a statement.

About 18 months ago, Ken Craft, president and CEO of Hope of the Valley, approached the Flemings about converting Skateland into a shelter. At first they were not interested, but after the uncertainty brought about by COVID, the Flemings issued a proposal to Councilmember John Lee.

"The proposal was brought to the city by the Fleming family, not the other way around," said Lee in a webinar explaining the project. Lee is currently looking for ways to honor the district's requirement to provide 6,000 new beds by April and an additional 700 beds by October 2021. In October, the City Council authorized the Housing Authority to purchase a Travelodge on Parthenia Street in Chatsworth, which will provide 72 rooms of supervised interim housing.

The Skateland site, if approved, would open in fall 2021, and would provide supervised, interim rooms until permanent housing could be obtained. The exterior of the site would remain the same, but the interior would be modified. The facility would accommodate men, women, and pets, and would also provide job training and drug rehabilitation. Like the Travelodge facility, it would provide 24-7 security, a curfew, ban drugs and alcohol, and prioritize those living near the freeway or those over 65. It will be operated by the Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission.

For more information, see frequently asked questions or watch the webinar.