Freedom Plaza

2020

Freedom Plaza stands as a transformative 115,000-square-foot retail destination and the vital community heart of the Jordan Downs redevelopment in Watts. Managed in coordination with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), our design for this project addressed the critical challenge of a long-standing urban food desert. By integrating high-quality retail architecture into the 700-unit public housing complex, Nadel Architects helped bridge the gap between essential services and residential life in South Los Angeles.

The architectural language of the plaza is both authentic and aspirational, utilizing edgy, industrial-inspired forms that reflect the neighborhood’s urban character while introducing contemporary street art and brightly colored murals. At its center lies the "Freedom Tree" plaza, named for the historic site where Watts residents once held community meetings. This gathering space features a signature architectural fountain and the "Instill" public art installation—dark grey basalt columns inscribed with the community values of Unity, Family, and Love. As local architects deeply rooted in Los Angeles, we are proud to have led the retail fruition of this site, bringing essential national brands like Nike, Smart & Final, and Starbucks to a neighborhood that was previously underserved.