Residential Properties
In response to the need for more affordable housing, Esperanza initially purchased vacant lots to build affordable housing for local families. Where vacant lots had previously been a disadvantage to the neighborhood, these homes now provide safe, attractive, and affordable housing options. Currently, whenever homes become vacant in Hunting Park, Esperanza continues to purchase and rehab them, offering them for rent or for sale to low-income community members. As of today, we own 12 rental properties.
Commercial Properties
Second Street Laundromat
In the mid 1990's, we opened a business on a blighted lot on North 2nd Street. We decided to open a laundromat after surveying community residents to determine the greatest need, and receiving many responses from single working mothers who had neither laundry facilities in their own homes nor a safe place in the community to take their laundry. After several successful years of operation, we sold the business to a neighborhood entrepreneur.
Rite Aid
In 2007, Esperanza purchased land and built a facility to house a Rite Aid pharmacy on North 5th St. The Rite Aid has leased this property from Esperanza for the past four years, and has not only eliminated the blight of the formerly vacant lot, but also brought jobs to the community and provides a parking lot that is now shared by patrons of other local businesses. The Rite Aid store also represented the first national employer in the area.
AMLA Offices and Performance Space
In 2010, we purchased property at 199 Hunting Park Ave, which had been previously owned by a local church. We are currently renovating the facility to provide new office, classroom, and performance space for our arts and culture subsidiary, Artistas y Musicos Latino Americanos (AMLA). We also lease space in the building to another local Hispanic church congregation.
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