More than 200 new affordable homes are coming to El Monte with the development of Esperanza Village, a Mission-style community that will provide housing for families and seniors alongside resident services, recreation and access to a comprehensive new healthcare center.
Developed by National CORE and Prima Development, the community will provide 202 homes for low-income households earning between 30% and 70% of the area median income (AMI). One three-story building will offer 102 family apartments while the second will provide 100 apartments for seniors ages 62 and better.
National CORE and Prima Development joined Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, the City of El Monte and community partners to break ground on the development Sept. 2.
“We’re very proud to be partnering with Prima Development, Los Angeles County and the City of El Monte on such an impactful new community,” said Alexa Washburn, National CORE’s chief development officer. “Affordable housing is more than just rent – it’s access to healthcare, childcare and services. And that is exactly what Esperanza Village will bring to the city.”
The groundbreaking was part of a larger celebration for the City of El Monte – the grand opening of Hilda L. Solis Community Park, a new public park that features a soccer pitch, basketball and tennis courts, a children’s play area, walking paths and more. Once Esperanza Village is completed, it will sit side-by-side with the new park on Gilman Road and Durfee Avenue.
“Prima Development is proud to once again partner with National CORE on a transformative development that will contribute to the continued growth and vitality of the City of El Monte,” said Fernando Vasquez, president of Prima Development. “By bringing together much-needed housing, public park space, new jobs and greater access to healthcare, this community represents the kind of thoughtful investment that strengthens neighborhoods, improves quality of life and creates lasting opportunities for El Monte families.”
“Affordable housing provides El Monte families with the stability, dignity and opportunity they need to thrive, while the development’s community services and health facility will connect residents to essential resources that support their long-term well-being,” said Alma Martinez, city manager for the City of El Monte. “The transformation of the historic MacLaren Hall site also preserves space for community, acknowledges the complex history of this property, and creates a more hopeful future – and we are deeply grateful to Supervisor Hilda L. Solis for her vision and leadership in turning this site into a positive, healing and inclusive community space.”
Esperanza Village will offer a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments in each building. Each will have its own courtyard, community room, bicycle storage, lounge areas and more. Fifty-five apartments in the family building and 99 in the senior building are designated as supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness, those at risk of homelessness and survivors of domestic violence. The family supportive housing will also serve transitional-age youth.
“We’re proud to provide the construction debt and permanent financing for Esperanza Village, helping deliver 202 affordable apartments that will serve seniors and families in El Monte for generations to come,” said William Ho, executive director, J.P. Morgan Community Development Banking. “This development responds to the urgent need for supportive housing across Los Angeles County, with most units reserved as permanent supportive housing for residents exiting homelessness, offering real pathways to stability and opportunity.”
Prima Development, co-developer of the community, also will construct a state-of-the-art health center serving residents and neighbors. The building will include space for the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, a community clinic, a senior care center and pharmacy.
“The groundbreaking celebration of Esperanza Village represents a meaningful milestone in the LACDA’s commitment to Build Better Lives and Better Neighborhoods. We are proud to have awarded over $35 million and provided 154 Section 8 Project-Based Vouchers to this project, building a pathway of hope and dignity for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.” said Emilio Salas, LACDA executive director. “We are incredibly honored to partner with National CORE, Prima Development and other partners, to demonstrate this powerful example of what shared commitment can accomplish to provide safe, stable, and affordable housing in Los Angeles County.”
Esperanza Village is also a short ride from the celebrated Whittier Narrows Recreation Area, a regional park with bicycle and walking paths, fishing areas, sports facilities, a nature center and more.
“Seeing this site become a park where children can play and families can gather, alongside new affordable homes and a health center, is a powerful reflection of what is possible when a community comes together,” Solis said. “This is about more than transforming a property. It is about investing in El Monte and making sure families, seniors and young people have the opportunity to build a future here.”
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