Since its completion in 1925, the Bob Hope Patriotic Hall has served as a hub for Los Angeles County's veterans.  The 10-story structure, located near the intersection of Figueroa Street and Washington Boulevard, houses offices for the County's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and organizations such as U.S. Vets.  Now, a parking lot behind the landmark mid-rise structure could be redeveloped to further that cause.

The 63-car parking lot, located on a 30,000-square-foot site at 1801-1827 S. Flower Street, is inadequate for the current needs of the Bob Hope Patriotic Hall, according to a motion introduced by County Supervisor Hilda Solis.  The facility "annually sees over 30,000 visitors," writes Solis and "on a daily basis, those seeking services at the Hall are relegated to trying to find off-site parking."

Solis' motion, which was approved today by the Board of Supervisors, instructs the County's Chief Executive Officer to assess parking needs of the Bob Hope Patriotic Hall, and also the possibility of building a larger parking structure on the property, coupled with an affordable housing development serving veterans and their families.

“As homelessness continues to grow, LA County is leading the way in identifying innovative solutions to this multifaceted crisis,” said Supervisor Solis in a statement. “Today’s action represents another step forward in my effort to utilize and maximize County resources to their fullest. Bob Hope Patriotic Hall is a jewel of LA County’s service offerings, and tens of thousands rely upon the resources housed within this historic building. By building towards the future of Veteran services in LA County, we hope to address Veteran homelessness and parking issues at Patriotic Hall so that we can improve outcomes and opportunities for Veterans and their families.”

A report back to the Board of Supervisors is expected within 120 days.

Interested in finding affordable housing? Visit housing.lacity.org.