Slauson Connect

The Slauson Connect Recreation Center begins with a simple premise: that access to space, light, and care should not be a luxury. In South Los Angeles, where these resources have long been limited, the project is conceived as both infrastructure and invitation, a place that supports daily life while quietly setting a higher standard for what public investment can look like.

Located within Council District 9, the building is envisioned as a net zero energy civic anchor along the Slauson Corridor. It is not a landmark in the conventional sense, but one that earns its presence through performance, clarity, and long term value. It demonstrates that sustainability and dignity can be inseparable, and that environmental responsibility can coexist with warmth, accessibility, and use.

The center is organized around three primary components: a childcare facility, an afterschool program, and recreation and classroom spaces. These are supported by shared amenities including a welcoming entry, clear internal circulation, and spaces that extend outward into the site. The roof garden becomes an essential part of the project, offering open space where it is most scarce, while also contributing to the building’s environmental performance.

Equally important is the project’s connection to the broader city. Positioned along the Rail to River corridor and Metro’s bicycle network, the center participates in a larger system of movement and access, linking neighborhood life to regional infrastructure.

At its core, the project is about creating a place that feels steady, open, and generous. A place that supports growth, fosters community, and reflects the value of the people it serves.