Two County Projects Receive NAHRO Awards

Awards of Merit for Innovation and Project Design

October 10, 2023 – The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) was presented with two Awards of Merit from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). Each year, the awards honor original innovative and effective government programs that strengthen the community.

Project Design Award of Merit – Overseen by the LACDA’s Construction Management Unit, the work completed at the Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park Phase 1A renovations earned the team the Award of Merit for Project Design. The renovations included the construction of a new 20,000 square-foot community event center, the installation of walking paths, picnic areas, exercise court, enhancements to the lake, parking, restrooms, lighting, and signage. To minimize potable water use, the Park was re-engineered through a collaboration with the LACDA, Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, and Los Angeles County Department of Public Works to provide a sustainable new water source using a unique stormwater management system to recycle the runoff from the 375-acre watershed. The first phase of the park’s renovations was completed with $70 million in Capital Project Funds from the office of Holly J. Mitchell, Los Angeles County Supervisor, Second District.

Innovation Award of Merit – The Orchard Arms Solar Project received the Award of Merit for its innovative construction and installation of solar photovoltaic energy systems. The Project at the Orchard Arms Public Housing site was overseen by the Housing Operations Division and Construction Management Unit, and involved the development, financing, and administration of the solar project at Orchard Arms completed using the Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) grant. Typically, solar panels are installed on a building’s roof, however the team chose to construct steel carports to support the solar panels, thus creating covered carports and panel supports. Orchard Arms has a total of 183 units for seniors with limited means; the installation of the solar panels will allow residents to automatically receive credits on their energy bills, lowering their monthly electricity cost by 30-40%. Additionally, the solar panels provide clean and renewable energy and offset 31% of the common area electricity bill and 82% of residential unit electricity usage.

“We are excited to be recognized by NAHRO for our work on the Earvin Magic Johnson Park Phase 1A and Orchard Arms Solar Project,” said Emilio Salas, LACDA Executive Director. “These projects serve different purposes, but ultimately help make the community a greener place to enjoy. I am proud of these teams and the hard work they did. We are working diligently in Los Angeles County to Build Better Lives and Better Neighborhoods and that includes building efficient and greener energy communities.”