Abode Communities’ Selected Projects

History of Abode Communities

Founded in 1968 amidst the civil-rights-era movement for social justice, Abode Communities began as a grassroots, all-volunteer initiative focused on urban inequity, civic engagement, and community design in Los Angeles.

In the mid-1980s—faced with rising housing costs and increasing homelessness in L.A.—the organization shifted its focus to the production and preservation of affordable housing for underserved populations.

By the turn of the millennium, Abode expanded its mission further by taking on property management of its owned housing portfolio and launching its signature resident-services program, Beyond Homes, to help ensure long-term housing stability for families and seniors.

Today, over five decades later, Abode Communities is recognized as the longest-established nonprofit affordable housing provider in Southern California, having developed dozens of residential and mixed-use communities, invested hundreds of millions in revitalizing neighborhoods, and carried forward a mission that housing is a human right.

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Company Culture at Abode Communities

At the heart of Abode Communities lies a deep commitment to social equity, collaboration, and long-term community impact. The firm operates as a mission-driven, nonprofit architecture and development organization, blending design excellence with social responsibility. Every project—whether new construction, adaptive reuse, or preservation—is rooted in the belief that architecture can be a catalyst for social change.

At Abode Communities, we believe…
housing is a human right and housing stability is the foundation from which people can build healthy, rewarding lives.

Abode’s team culture reflects this ethos. Designers, developers, and property managers work side by side to create housing that is sustainable, affordable, and dignified. Collaboration extends beyond the office, engaging residents, community partners, and civic leaders to ensure that every development supports resident well-being, neighborhood resilience, and environmental stewardship.

With initiatives like Beyond Homes, Abode Communities goes further than bricks and mortar—providing educational, financial, and health resources that help residents thrive. This holistic approach defines Abode’s workplace culture: one where inclusion, empathy, and innovation guide not only how spaces are designed, but how the people behind them work together.

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Architect-US is proud to collaborate closely with Abode Communities, a firm that consistently seeks out talented, forward-thinking designers to strengthen its team. Through our Job+J1 Visa Program, we’ve been able to connect the firm with exceptional young professionals from around the world, such as Silvia Ruiz-Póveda Lomba!

Abode Communities’ Selected Projects

Adams Terrace

Adams Terrace revitalizes two long-vacant infill sites in Los Angeles’ historic West Adams neighborhood, transforming them into welcoming, affordable housing communities for seniors, including those experiencing homelessness. Just a few blocks from the intersection of Adams and Crenshaw Boulevard, the development offers residents a thoughtfully designed, supportive environment with easy access to public transit and nearby shops, services, and amenities.

Grisham Community Housing

Once a collection of abandoned fourplexes, this site was transformed through the acquisition and full rehabilitation of 26 individually owned buildings. Today, it thrives as a master-planned community with 96 affordable apartment homes, offering residents not just housing but a true sense of place. The development includes a childcare center, a resident center, and lush landscaped open spaces that foster connection and community life.

Heritage Court

Heritage Court emerged from a five-year redevelopment initiative by the City of Downey Community Development Commission to meet the growing need for affordable housing for low-income seniors. The community offers a safe, supportive environment where residents can age independently, complemented by Abode Communities’ signature Beyond Homes resident services program. Conveniently located near restaurants, shops, theaters, and public transit, Heritage Court encourages an active, connected lifestyle for its senior residents.

We will be posting more projects by Abode Communities in the upcoming weeks and months, so keep an eye out for more of their incredible work! Every Friday we will be posting a new Featured Company, so join us again next week!