Metro Partners with Developer on Plans for Housing at G Line's Balboa Station

Why It Matters

The development adds much‑needed affordable housing directly adjacent to transit, advancing Metro’s transit‑oriented growth strategy and easing regional housing pressure.

Key Takeaways

• 321 affordable units planned at Balboa Station
• 13,690 sq ft commercial space included
• Target renters earn up to 70% of area median income
• Two‑phase build: 7‑story (164 units) then 6‑story (157 units)
• Supports Metro’s 10,000‑home transit‑oriented housing goal

Pulse Analysis

Los Angeles Metro’s partnership with LA Family Housing marks a strategic use of underutilized transit land to address the city’s chronic affordable‑housing shortage. By repurposing the Lake Balboa park‑and‑ride lot, the agency not only maximizes the value of its real‑estate portfolio but also creates a seamless link between housing and the G Line’s bus rapid transit service. The 321‑unit complex, designed by Egan Simon Architecture, incorporates interior courtyards, terrace decks, and a 13,000‑square‑foot transit plaza, fostering a pedestrian‑friendly environment that encourages transit use and reduces reliance on automobiles.

The Balboa project is one of 17 sites Metro earmarked in 2023 for joint‑development, contributing to an ambitious target of 10,000 new homes across its network. Similar initiatives are underway near the D Line extensions at Crenshaw and La Brea, as well as the E Line’s 17th Street/SMC Station. By concentrating housing near existing rail and bus corridors, Metro aims to create dense, mixed‑use neighborhoods that support sustainable growth, generate local jobs, and increase farebox revenue. The inclusion of 13,690 sq ft of commercial space further stimulates economic activity, offering retail and service opportunities that serve both residents and commuters.

Affordability is central to the project’s design, with all units reserved for renters earning up to 70 percent of the area median income—a threshold that aligns with California’s inclusionary housing guidelines. The two‑phase construction approach allows the developer to phase financing and mitigate risk while delivering immediate housing stock. Once completed, the development is expected to alleviate pressure on the regional housing market, provide stable, transit‑linked homes for low‑ to moderate‑income families, and set a replicable model for future public‑private collaborations across the metropolitan area.