Jordan Downs is a mixed use development in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. Originally built in the 1940s as housing for workers contributing to the war effort, the structures were converted to public housing in the 1950’s and fell into decline over the latter decades of the 20th century. In the mid-2000’s the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) began making plans for a major revitalization of the area; in addition to new housing, this multi-phased redevelopment added a much needed retail component to the area, created through a partnership between HACLA and Primestor. This heart of this project, designed by Nadel Architects and Ridge Landscape Architects, is Freedom Plaza, where one will encounter a fountain and Public Art installation called Instill.
Public Art and community involvement were both important parts of Primestor’s vision for the space. When OTL was brought into the project team to design and build the plaza’s water feature, Chris Roy, at that time OTL’s Director of Creative Design, began communicating and coordinating with Primestor, the City of LA, and the community outreach team to craft a concept for a piece of Public Art which would be an integrated component of the plaza’s design. Taking a variety of words, phrases, and images that were important to community members, Chris crafted Instill, which takes these uplifting messages and literally etches them in stone to instill hope and positive values with future generations that will grow up in the revitalized neighborhood.
