Accessory Dwelling Units (also know as ADUs, backyard homes, in-law units, granny flats, etc.) are prevalent through Los Angeles. However, less than 700 ADUs have been permitted (as of November 2016), while academic analysis suggests that there are nearly 50,000 unpermitted units in a City with nearly half a million single family lots. With a housing crisis heightened by the supply shortage, LA-Más is teaming up with Council District 1 and the Mayor's Innovation Team on a Pilot Program that tests how an ADU can be both affordable and contextual.

After a long outreach process, Trent Wolbe and Grace Lee were selected to participate in the Pilot Program. With a construction loan provided by Genesis LA, LA-Más worked with these Highland Park residents to design a new 1,000 sq. ft, two story, two bedroom home with a garage within a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone. Habitat for Humanity will serve as the General Contractors, and with total construction costs under $200K, this project will serve as a model for affordable construction, contextual design, financial loan innovation, and future ADU policy.

The project received the LABC Architectural Award in the Design Concept category.

A groundbreaking was held on June 26, 2017 and construction will be completed this coming Winter. Stay tuned!