A groundbreaking recently took place for a long-anticipated, years-in-the-making affordable housing development to replace the World War II-era Rancho San Pedro complex on Harbor Boulevard.
Rancho San Pedro’s new overall name is One San Pedro.
An initial section, known as 327 Harbor, will create 47 new climate-friendly affordable apartments at 327 N. Harbor Blvd., near O’Farrell Street, in San Pedro, and will be the first off-site phase of a multi-year redevelopment and revitalization initiative for the aging public housing site.
When it is complete, 327 Harbor — a temporary working designation only for the project, which will be a few blocks from the overall Rancho San Pedro complex — will include 12 one-bedroom, 23 two-bedroom and 12 three-bedroom apartments, and will be home to low-income working families and individuals.
It’s a part of the overall ambitious plan to replace the primary 478-unit public housing site built for ship workers during World War II with up to 1,600 rental and ownership units across all affordability levels. The project has been in the works for several years, with initial requests for proposals going out in late 2018.
The major portion of the Rancho San Pedro development is now expected to take 10 to 15 years altogether to finish once construction begins. And that will be dependent on funding availability.
Rancho San Pedro is one of the oldest public housing developments owned and managed by Los Angeles’ Housing Authority. It sits on a 21-acre site in San Pedro, roughly bounded by Harbor Boulevard, Santa Cruz Street, Mesa Street and Third Street. It was originally constructed in 1942 by the Defense Department for shipyard workers during World War II, with an extension constructed in 1954.
Eventually, officials said, the full new development will offer mixed-use spaces that will include retail shops, dining and pedestrian-friendly amenities. The initial 47 units comprise the first off-site phase of the larger Rancho San Pedro redevelopment, which will be renamed One San Pedro. Each phase, a spokesperson for the LA’s housing department said, will have a distinct name, which will be chosen near the end of construction and will involve input from the residents who will be living in the units.
The 327 Harbor project, which had its groundbreaking on Monday, Feb. 10, will be all-electric and designed with sustainable, energy-efficient materials and tools, as well as solar panels. Amenities will include a community room, landscaped courtyard with seating, a children’s play area, fitness room and supportive service offices. The project should be ready to accept residents in early 2027.
“This groundbreaking not only puts us on a path of much-needed affordable housing to address our housing crisis,” Councilmember Tim McOsker, whose 15th District includes San Pedro, said in a written statement, “but also sets the foundation for a strong, inclusive development where families can thrive.”