College - Author 1
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 1
City and Regional Planning Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in City and Regional Planning
Date
3-2025
Primary Advisor
Dave Amos, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, City and Regional Planning Department
Abstract/Summary
Tucked away in a quiet pocket of Los Angeles adjacent to Downtown known as Pico Union, a historic synagogue sat mostly empty, its congregation having long since moved on. But in 2013, the building was given a new purpose. The Pico Union Project transformed it into a multifaith and cultural center, turning what was once an underused space into a thriving community hub. Guided by the Jewish principle of ‘love your neighbor as yourself,’ its mission is to uplift and empower diverse communities through arts, social justice, and service. Now, on any given day, families stop by to pick up fresh produce, local artists showcase their work, and people gather for job training, healthcare services, and cultural events. It’s no longer just a place of worship - it’s a space where people from all walks of life come together, building connections and finding support. The Pico Union Project is a powerful example of how repurposing existing spaces can create inclusive, community-driven hubs that meet the needs of diverse religious and ethnic groups (Pico Union Project, n.d.). The issue this paper tackles is the growing trend of vacant and underused suburban strip malls and commercial spaces, especially in areas that lack accessible community hubs. Some strip malls, once bustling with retail activity, now sit largely unused or are repurposed in ways that don’t fully benefit the surrounding community. This paper explores how these spaces can be reimagined to serve as hubs for ethnic, religious, and community activities - spaces that promote social cohesion, inclusivity, and the well-being of residents.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/crpsp/293
