EL MONTE, Calif. — Hoping to turn a "dark stain" into a point of pride, the county Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved plans to convert the former MacLaren Children's Center in El Monte into a community park and affordable housing facility.

What You Need To Know

  • The LA County Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved plans to convert the former MacLaren Children's Center in El Monte into a community park and affordable housing facility

  • MacLaren was a county-operated residential hall for foster children that closed 20 years ago. It has been the target of multiple lawsuits alleging sexual abuse of residents by staff

  • Under the plans. the site at 2024 Durfee Ave. will undergo a transformation that will include the demolition of eight structures on the campus

  • The transformation will include a 5.6-acre park featuring a soccer field, basketball courts, tennis courts, picnic areas, gardens and other amenities and plans for the creation of a 202-unit affordable housing facility at the site

MacLaren, which was a county-operated residential hall for foster children but was closed 20 years ago, has been the target of multiple lawsuits alleging sexual abuse of residents by staff. The legal claims from former MacLaren residents increased following a change in state law temporarily lifting the statute of limitations for alleged victims to pursue lawsuits and recover damages.

Under plans approved by the Board of Supervisors Tuesday through a motion by Supervisor Hilda Solis, the site at 2024 Durfee Ave. will undergo a transformation that will include the demolition of eight structures on the campus.

In its place will be a 5.6-acre park featuring a soccer field, basketball courts, tennis courts, picnic areas, gardens and other amenities. The board also advanced plans for the creation of a 202-unit affordable housing facility at the site.

"Today marks a pivotal moment as we embark on a transformative journey with the conversion of MacLaren Hall into a beacon of hope and opportunity," Solis said in a statement after the vote. "This historic site, once a dark stain, will now become a vibrant new park and a source of affordable housing, embodying our commitment to equity, community, and sustainability.

"By turning this land into a green oasis and a vital living space, we are not only addressing the critical need for affordable housing but also enhancing the quality of life for our residents. Our goal is to create a space where families can thrive, children can play, and every individual can feel a sense of belonging and pride. This project represents more than just bricks and mortar; it is a testament to our dedication to building a more inclusive and resilient San Gabriel Valley. Together, we will ensure that this development serves as a model of how we can turn challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality."

The park project, including the building demolitions, has an overall budget of more than $45 million.

The planned affordable housing complex, known as Esperanza Village, will providing housing for low-income people and families, seniors, transition- aged youth, and people with special needs, according to the board motion.

"The conversion of MacLaren Hall into a vibrant new park and affordable housing community marks a pivotal moment for El Monte," El Monte City Manager Alma Martinez said in a statement. "By transforming a facility that once served a different purpose into a beacon of community renewal, we are not only addressing critical housing needs but also fostering a healthier, more connected, and thriving city."

According to Solis' office, the county also envisions the development of a medical building at the site that could be operated at a health clinic, senior care center or vocational training center. Plans for that development are still pending.