Nickerson Gardens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nickerson Gardens |
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Nickerson Gardens in 2019
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| Location | 1590 East 114th Street, Watts, Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Status | 1,066 units |
| Constructed | 1954 |
| Construction | |
| Architect | Paul R. Williams |
| Governing Body |
Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles |
Nickerson Gardens is a large apartment complex located at 1590 East 114th Street in Watts, Los Angeles, California. It has 1,066 apartment units. This makes it the biggest public housing development in Los Angeles. Many well-known people lived here when they were younger.
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Where is Nickerson Gardens Located?
This big complex is found in a part of Los Angeles called Watts. It sits near the corners of Imperial Highway and Central Avenue. It's also close to 111th Street and Compton Avenue. Nickerson Gardens is right on the edge of Watts and a nearby area called Willowbrook.
The History of Nickerson Gardens
When Did Nickerson Gardens Open?
Nickerson Gardens first opened its doors in March 1954. Even though people started moving in, construction was still happening. The first person to design the buildings was an architect named Paul R. Williams.
Who Was Nickerson Gardens Named After?
The complex was named after William Nickerson Jr.. He was the person who started and led a company called Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Company.
Community Changes Over Time
In the mid-1970s, most of the people living in Nickerson Gardens were African American. By 2004, the number of African American residents had changed, and it continued to shift. This shows how communities can change over many years.
New Playground for the Community
In 2023, Nickerson Gardens got an exciting new playground! This playground has many fun features. It includes a gym, a carousel, and even misting poles to help keep cool. There are also climbing nets, slides, and swings for everyone to enjoy.
The famous bassist from the band Red Hot Chili Peppers, Flea, helped get money for this park. Two design companies, NBBJ and ESI Design, worked on the park's design for free. This is called working pro bono. When the park was opened, community groups spoke about how it helps make the area safer and stronger.
How Nickerson Gardens is Managed
The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles owns and manages Nickerson Gardens. The complex has 156 buildings. These buildings have units designed like townhouses, mostly with one bedroom.
Education for Residents
Students living in Nickerson Gardens attend schools within the Los Angeles Unified School District.
- 112th Street Elementary School
- Lovelia P. Flournoy Elementary School
- Markham Middle School
- Jordan High School
