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A pool was added as part of
the rehabilitation
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Corona del Rey, located in the City of Corona, California,
is an outstanding example of what can be achieved
when the public and private sectors work together
and apply the proper resources to solve community
problems and improve the quality of life for families
and children. The rehabilitation project undertaken
by nonprofit National Community Renaissance and completed in March 1999, completely
transformed a dying neighborhood crippled by drugs
and crime-and a drain on public resources-into an
attractive, crime-free haven for low-income families.
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| This laundry
and storage facility was converted to a new leasing
office and community room. |
The property consisted of 40 neglected and dilapidated
four-plex buildings totaling 160 townhome units. Built
in the 1970's, the property deteriorated over time
into one of the worst housing and crime areas in the
city. Numerous building and health code violations
existed including vermin and pest infestation, broken
and missing garage doors and windows, holes in walls,
missing bathroom appliances, overgrown foliage, and
broken or no fencing. The previous owner ignored attempts
and incentives to initiate improvements to the property
and the property suffered from absentee management.
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Corona del Rey before rehabilitation
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High crime, gangs, and drug activity consumed the
neighborhood. In the midst of this, existed a large
number of families who were helpless to change the
circumstances or take back their community. However
through a unique partnership between National CORE
and the Corona Redevelopment Agency, National CORE
was able to turn around the community and give the
residents an opportunity for a better quality of life.
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Corona del Rey before rehabilitation
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The condition of the area was a source of concern
for the City Council. Consequently, the Corona Redevelopment
Agency and National CORE began working together to
create a plan for buying and renovating the dilapidated
buildings. The city agreed with National CORE that
it was not only necessary to renovate the deteriorated
structures that strong, consistent, on-site management
was key in turning around the property and assuring
it would never slide back into decline. The Redevelopment
agency invested $4.8 million of its 20% set-aside
funds towards the project. Other sources of financing
for a rehabilitation plan were secured including HOME
funds, an AHP grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank
of San Francisco, and a permanent loan from Washington
Mutual Bank. National CORE began negotiations with
the owner and eventually acquired all 160 units
The property was laid out over one major street,
D Street, bisected by two cul-de-sac streets, Grant
and Garfield Avenues. The design did not allow for
open play areas for the children or security gates.
To solve this dilemma the redevelopment agency assisted
National CORE in vacating the cross streets and converting
them to green, open play areas with recreational amenities
and gated driveways.
The 40 four-plex buildings were box-like structures
with little contrast and few architectural features.
To resolve this, four different elevations were designed
using existing treatments on the face of the buildings.
Prior to rehabilitation, the entry into the units
was from a patio through a sliding glass door leading
into the kitchen. These entryways were converted into
private back patios and a front door and covered porch
was added. The new entryways lead into the living
room versus the kitchen.
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| Interior improvements included
new flooring, cabinets, facuets, and sinks. |
In addition to installing all-new plumbing fixtures,
flooring, carpeting, appliances, paint, cabinets and
window coverings, the project included two tot-lot
play areas, a basketball court, new landscaping and
the addition of a swimming pool. Other design elements
included converting and expanding an existing laundry
and storage room into the leasing office and community
room/learning center. This facility is now adjacent
to the newly constructed pool and pool area. Two bus
turnouts were added into the street design reconfiguration
so children could safely board and exit the school
bus.
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| Covered porches were added
to all the units. Previously, the only entry to
the units was through a back patio and sliding
glass door. |
In character with National CORE's inclusive approach
to providing a better quality of life to its residents,
the company sought to transform not just of the apartment
units but of the entire community. The learning center
at Corona del Rey has become a place of gathering
for not only the residents but for the community at
large. National CORE partnered with community organizations
to provide services to the residents at the learning
center. The Corona Adult School sponsors English as
a Second Language (ESL) and General Education Diplomacy
(GED) classes on-site; Corona High School students,
many of them residents, volunteer time as tutors for
the younger children; the Corona Police Department
participates in the Jingle Bell Dream Program that
provides gifts to children during the holidays; and
the local Exchange Club provides family counseling
services. Other programs include parenting classes,
after-school tutoring programs, adult literacy programs,
and other on-site activities.
From
the time the project began to December of last year,
crime reports filed by the Corona Police Department
decreased 48% on the project site and 41% in the surrounding
area. With the opportunities created by the company,
the residents have successfully "taken back" their
community from the gangs and drug dealers. Two months
after its Grand Opening, Corona Del Rey was 100% occupied
and had a waiting list of applicants . The property
is meeting its financial obligations such as operating
costs and debt service and is a strong performing
property. To show their appreciation for the new development,
the residents coordinated a block party "fiesta" to
celebrate and thank the staff for the dramatic transformation
of the community. The "fiesta" has since become an
annual event.
Corona del Rey is a shining example of hope for communities
that have known only crime and fear, and a tribute
to everyone who refused to give up and write this
community off as just another "urban ghost town."
By providing on-site management and ensuring its affordability
in perpetuity, National CORE intends to maintain the
area's livability and security for many years to come.
Corona del Rey was recognized in 1999 by the Affordable
Housing Management Association with the prestigious
Community of Quality award for "Outstanding Turnaround
of a Troubled Property."
Before
After
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Corona del Rey
Corona, California
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160 Units
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1148 "D" Street.
Corona, CA 91720
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