New Complex Sought for Northridge Meadows Site

An apartment complex may rise on the site of the Northridge Meadows building that collapsed in the Northridge quake, killing 16 residents in the largest concentration of deaths in the temblor.

A Los Angeles City Council subcommittee has approved a request for $5.7 million in financial support from a developer who wants to build housing on the site once occupied by the building, which was demolished.

The full council must still consider the financing agreement, approved by the Housing and Community Redevelopment Committee last week. Whether the complex is ultimately built will be up to officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, who would have to agree to provide the city with funds to back the developer.

If approved, the developer, JCB Properties LLC, would use the funds to build a complex of apartments to be called “Ridgecroft Manor” with 158 units, including 63 for low-income tenants.

“This is just another step in our two-year effort to rebuild the earthquake-devastated Valley,” said Councilman Hal Bernson, whose district includes the Northridge Meadows site.

The collapse of Northridge Meadows symbolized for many the pain, suffering and loss of life in the 6.7 temblor that devastated Los Angeles in January 1994.

The apartment complex was built in 1972 in accordance with building codes then in effect. If Ridgecroft Manor is erected, however, it will be built under stricter building codes.

According to city documents, the developer purchased the site for $2.3 million through a foreclosure sale. The proposed project is expected to cost $12.8 million.

Proposed financing sources for the project include a loan from the federal Housing and Urban Development Department, a $600,000 investment by the developer and $5.7 million from the Los Angeles Housing Department--a $4.4-million reconstruction loan and a $1.3-million grant.