Seth Gellis is president of Community Preservation Partners (CPP), a firm that has acquired, developed, and rehabilitated more than 15,000 affordable multifamily and senior housing units across the nation.
The industry veteran looks back on his career and discusses a development that holds special meaning to him.
Name of development:
Bellflower Friendship Manor
Location:
Bellflower, California
Briefly describe the development:
Bellflower Friendship Manor is a 144-unit affordable housing community dedicated to serving senior citizens. Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles County, this vital residence was acquired and revitalized by Community Preservation Partners in 2016 through a landmark project designed to enhance residents’ quality of life while preserving long-term affordability.
The ambitious effort was made possible through a strategic collaboration among multiple partners, showcasing teamwork and innovation at its finest. CPP joined forces with L+M Development Partners to purchase the aging $32 million property—originally built in 1973—from the nonprofit Bellflower Friendship Church.
A $7 million renovation transformed the community into a vibrant, engaging environment for its residents. Key enhancements included the addition of a movie theater, a dog run, a putting green, an art room, a library, a game room, barbecue grills, a community garden, and a wellness office. To further modernize the property, CPP also implemented enhanced security systems, computer rooms, and Wi-Fi connectivity, ensuring residents stay connected and secure.
Sustainability played a crucial role in the renovation. Energy Partners conducted a comprehensive energy assessment, leading to the installation of high-efficiency lighting, Energy Star appliances, double-pane low-emissivity windows, upgraded HVAC systems, and a cool roof. In partnership with Stem, an advanced energy storage system was introduced to optimize electricity usage, reducing waste and lowering costs. As a result, residents now save an average of $120 per year on energy expenses.
Today, Bellflower Friendship Manor continues to provide safe, comfortable, and affordable housing for seniors 62 and older earning up to 60% of the area median income. All 144 units remain under the Section 8 voucher program, ensuring accessibility for those in need. This project stands as a testament to CPP’s commitment to preserving and enhancing affordable housing for generations to come.
Your role in the project:
My role in the project was overseeing the entire process from start to finish. I secured the acquisition and served as the project manager, ensuring the successful rehabilitation of Bellflower Friendship Manor. This involved coordinating with multiple partners, managing the $7 million renovation, and implementing key upgrades to enhance residents' quality of life while preserving long-term affordability.
Share why the development is meaningful to you:
This development was deeply meaningful to me because of the profound impact it had on the residents and the community. We were able to transform an ageing property into a vibrant, supportive environment where seniors not only have a place to live but also a place to thrive. It was especially rewarding to honor the stewardship of the church we acquired it from, ensuring their mission of service continued. In an area where senior housing is scarce, especially in Los Angeles, creating a visible, high-quality asset with meaningful amenities and a dedicated service coordinator made a real difference. Seeing residents enjoy their home and knowing we truly improved their quality of life is what made this project so special.
Lesson learned from this development:
Bellflower Friendship Manor was CPP’s first high-rise development, and it came with a unique set of challenges and valuable lessons. We gained critical experience in working with window systems, particularly in integrating through-window AC units efficiently. Additionally, we learned the complexities of meeting energy requirements in a tower setting compared to traditional walk-up buildings. Navigating these technical aspects not only strengthened our expertise but also reinforced the importance of adaptability and innovation in preserving and enhancing affordable housing.
How has this development changed your life?
This development was a turning point in my career and for CPP as a whole. As our first high-rise project, it opened the door to future tower developments and expanded our expertise beyond rural and low-income housing tax credit projects. It reinforced our commitment to stewardship and proved that we could take on larger, more complex properties while still making a meaningful impact on the community. This project helped establish CPP as a true industry leader, allowing us to be selected for other significant developments. On a personal level, it was incredibly rewarding to see the tangible change we created, improving lives and strengthening communities in a lasting way.
