Mark Ridley-Thomas Behavioral Health Center - Facade

Project Description

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Behavioral Health Center renovation project was a collaborative effort among the Departments of Mental Health, Public Health, Health Services, Probation, and Workforce Development, Aging, and Community Services. Addressing the issues of mental illness, substance use disorders, homelessness, and clinical needs, this project provides a mix of residential, outpatient, and support services to fill major gaps in the continuum of care within South Los Angeles. Artist Cliff Garten was selected to create an artwork for the exterior façade of the Center. The final artwork includes three metal façade inserts with variable colored lighting ability visible upon entry. The designs of the metal inserts depict the historic river and landscape of Willowbrook, which contain a poem in the English, Tongva, and Spanish languages. The poem was informed by a series of community engagement activities led by author Cynthia Gonzalez and local poet Bruce Lemon Jr.