Pastor Torrey Collins stands at the future site of a new affordable housing development during a groundbreaking ceremony hosted by Logos Faith Development.
Los Angeles, CA — Faith leaders, community stakeholders, developers, and supporters gathered Tuesday morning to celebrate the groundbreaking of the St. Rest 85th Street Apartments, a new affordable housing development led by St. Rest Friendship Church and Logos Faith Development.
Held on May 26, the ceremony marked the official beginning of a project church leaders hope will provide long-term housing stability and relief for residents struggling with rising rental costs in South Los Angeles.
Located at 706, 708, and 714 W. 85th Street in Los Angeles, the St. Rest 85th Street Apartments will be a 62-unit, 100% affordable housing community designed to provide much-needed one- and two-bedroom homes for individuals and families in South Los Angeles.
According to the project overview shared during the ceremony, the four-story development will feature approximately 26,694 square feet of residential space and include gated access, parking, an open interior courtyard, laundry facilities, bike parking, and elevator accessibility. Units will also include stainless steel appliances, vinyl plank flooring, and PTAC heating and cooling systems.
The development is being created through a partnership involving Logos Faith Development, St. Rest Friendship Church, HTA Construction, JZA Architecture, Sunflower Bank, and the Butterfield Foundation.
During the ceremony, Rev. Dr. K.W. Tulloss of Weller Street Baptist Church delivered the opening prayer, while remarks were given by Dr. Donald R. Robinson of the Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Los Angeles, Pastor Martin Porter of Logos Faith Development, Executive Vice President James Canepa of Sunflower Bank, Hal Hoxie of the Butterfield Foundation, and Louis Parada of HTA Construction.
Pastor Torrey Collins of St. Rest Friendship Church said the project was born out of both faith and a desire to directly address community needs.
“We wanted to provide affordable homes for the community, for the neighborhood, and for senior citizens around us,” Collins said in an interview with The Carson Compass.
The apartment development is expected to primarily support seniors and residents in need of affordable housing, though Collins emphasized the vision is inclusive.
“It’s affordable home living for all,” he said.
For Collins, the groundbreaking represented more than construction plans and architectural renderings — it symbolized purpose in action.
“Spiritually, it symbolizes us carrying out the Great Commission that our Lord and Savior gave us — to shelter the homeless, feed those in need, clothe people, and serve our community,” Collins said.
A printed message included in the ceremony program described the project as “a home for many and a light in this community,” adding that every step of the journey had been “guided by His hand.”
The project overview further described the development as “the fruit of faith, vision, partnership, and prayer,” noting that what began as a commitment to serve the community is now becoming “a place of shelter, opportunity, and hope for generations to come.”
Collins acknowledged the path to breaking ground was not always easy.
“There were many times,” he said when asked if he questioned whether the vision would become reality. “But it took a lot of prayer, patience, and energy to trust the process.”
The project arrives as affordable housing continues to be one of the region’s most pressing issues, particularly for seniors and longtime residents facing economic pressures and displacement concerns.
Collins hopes the development will help relieve some of those burdens while also inspiring other churches and faith organizations to utilize their resources to serve surrounding neighborhoods in practical ways.
“I think it’s important that churches engage with the community, faith leaders, politicians, and local councils to find ways to bring assistance to our neighborhoods,” he said. “I’m grateful our church had the land to provide this opportunity.”
Looking ahead, Collins said he hopes the property becomes more than just an apartment complex.
“My vision is that we will help people in need, and in return, they’re right here on the church premises where they can engage and come to worship,” he said.
Ultimately, Collins said he wants the project to leave behind a legacy centered on compassion, service, and outreach.
“I want to leave behind a legacy that it’s not just about preaching and teaching, but about reaching,” Collins said. “I hope the next generation understands that it’s about reaching people regardless of background, color, or culture.”
