Building Inclusive Spaces for Vibrant Communities
Celebrated at event hosted by the Los Angeles Business Council
Agoura Hills, Calif. (October 23, 2024) –AMCAL was honored at the Los Angeles Business Council’s (LABC) 54th Annual Architectural Awards, winning the Housing: Multi-Family – Affordable Award in recognition of La Prensa Libre. The award ceremony recognized more than four dozen leading architectural and design projects, including La Prensa Libre located in Historic South Central Los Angeles, that advance Los Angeles as a global creative hub while promoting dynamic, inclusive communities.
Percy Vaz, AMCAL CEO,accepted a commemorative certificate on behalf of the project at the Beverly Hilton where the ceremony took place. Scores of architects, designers, business leaders, city and state officials also attended.
Winners from a pool of hundreds were chosen by a jury panel consisting of industry experts, architects, construction firms, owners and developers.
La Prensa Libre, which was completed in 2024, was selected for the Housing Projects: Multi-Family – Affordable Award,a prestigious honor which recognizes outstanding architectural design in affordable housing development and construction.
“The completion of La Prensa Libre is a triumph of design and construction, and will be of service to Los Angeles for years to come,” said Percy Vaz, CEO. “In additional to our talented team, we thank our gifted architect Van Tilburg, Banvard & Soderbergh (VTBS Architects), and our banking partners at Banc of California for helping us bring this beautiful project to fruition.”
La Prensa Libre Apartments is a 4-story 105-unit 100% affordable development (up to 60% AMI) that AMCAL developed in partnership with the Coalition for Responsible Community Development, a local community-based nonprofit that specializes in youth development programs, workforce and economic development, affordable housing development, and housing and supportive services. The community includes 25 apartments set aside for transitional age youth (ages of 18-24 earning up to 30% AMI, with vouchers and intensive case management). Residents receive on-site support and access to a work source development center and a café on the ground floor that is open to the public and local community.
La Prensa Libre faced challenges during construction as the project was initially approved with standard, off-site infrastructure. However, in order to accommodate the DWP conduit to connect new electrical service from the north side of Washington Blvd. to the La Prensa Libre community, the team had to excavate a 40’ deep, 200’+ long tunnel under the adjacent Metro Rail tracks. The team worked closely with multiple city agencies and trade partners to tackle this challenge which was ultimately completed successfully.
“This year the LABC is honoring projects whose inspired designs build on L.A.’s heritage and move the city toward a dynamic future,” said Mary Leslie, president of the Los Angeles Business Council. “From renewing entertainment venues and creative workspaces to reimagining parks, schools and housing, our honorees exemplify the power of architecture to serve the public good, foster progress, and build community.”
For a full list of winners and photos, visit the LABC website at labusinesscouncil.org.