By 2UrbanGirls
Contributing Writer
INGLEWOOD — Fairview Heights is a new 101-unit affordable housing project located at 923 S. Redondo Blvd. that is slated to open this fall. The project will be home to an augmented reality mural, which is a highlight of the development.
Fairview Heights is a joint development between Linc Housing, National CORE, the County of Los Angeles, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the city of Inglewood. The project will helps expand access to public transit, since the property sits directly across from the Fairview Heights stop of the Crenshaw/LAX rail line.
“Art is self-discovery and every good painter paints what he is and I think you will see that when you see this mural — their innovation and creativity,” said Suny Lay Chang, president and chief operating officer of Linc Housing. “As Inglewood opens up its [rail line] and as we open up for the 2028 Olympics, we will have an international audience here, and Inglewood has become a destination and we want this area and artwork to add to that.”
With the project nearly complete, local artists have installed an interactive mural that tells the story of Inglewood, through the eyes of residents that are woven into a three-dimensional animation that speaks to the spirit of the community.
“Community involvement was important and it was great involving them in the process,” said Carmen Zella, director of Now Art. “We did a community survey to understand the value of Inglewood and how residents view the city. You will hear from them directly as you interact with the mural.”
“Rise Above is the name of the mural, and brought together by the core values that Linc and National CORE brought to us, and the artists selected are local residents,” Zella said. “This mural incorporates augmented reality, and uses acrylic paneling where at night the mural transforms into a new project that shows indigenous symbols that represent home and security that are brought together by indigenous communities represented in Inglewood.”
“The [augmented reality] component is a technology forward component, to complete a larger narrative, which incorporates the communities voice,” Zella added. “We are recognizing that Inglewood is progressing into a future that embraces technology, community and togetherness.”
Artists Ryan “Yanoe” Sarfati and Eric “Zoueh” Skotnes — who have created murals in New Zealand, Los Angeles, Switzerland and elsewhere — were selected to bring Rise Above to fruition. They have recently completed the largest augmented reality mural in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
“Rise Above is about symbology — the hands coming together and lifting towards something greater,” Zella said. “The mural can be seen as you exit the Fairview Heights rail station and will be visible on your cellphones.
“I am excited we were able to bring on Black Nile, a local Inglewood jazz band, which you will hear in the background as you watch the documentary,” Zella said.
Helen Lessick also worked on the art installation, and serves as the consultant to the city’s Arts Commission, which meets the third Wednesday of each month.
“This project is a huge success, and three years in the making,” Lessick said. “Working with the developer, architect, art consultants and the artists, we have achieved something amazing for the community.”
Units range in size from 800 to 1,000 square feet, complete with quartz countertops, ample storage space and balconies. The units are also prewired for mounting televisions and are all electric, which saves on energy costs.
“We made sure we followed the California Building Code when constructing this development,” said Ian Rudisill, construction manager.
The new housing development will also incorporate more than 7,000 square feet of commercial retail space on the ground level, along with a police substation.
Applicants can start applying Aug. 30, and a lottery process will be conducted to determine the selection process. Applications will be received online, in person and via mail.
To be eligible, applicants musr have an annual income between $14,616 and $24,840 for a one-person household, $28,380 and $75,680 for a two-person household, and $31,920 and $124,880 for three-person household and up.
Applicants will pay between 30 to 80% of applicable area median income. Fifty of the units have been reserved for individuals and families who are homeless.
To learn more, visit nationalcore.org/communities/Fairview-heights/ or linchousing.org/signature-properties/Fairview-heights
2 Urban Girls is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers who covers the Compton and Inglewood areas. She can be reached at 2urbangirls@gmail.com.
