Civic Arts Spotlight: The Hub City Heights Project — Compton, CA
We’re thrilled to share our latest civic arts partnership with HOPICS — the Homeless Outreach Project Integrated Care System — to enhance Hub City Heights, a brand-new HomeKey permanent housing development at 1116 S. Long Beach Blvd in Compton.
About the Project
Hub City Heights is more than just a building. This transformative HOMEKEY initiative will provide:
40 fully furnished apartments for individuals transitioning out of homelessness
On-site support services to help residents thrive
Outdoor community spaces that encourage connection and wellbeing
The name Hub City Heights came to life through a youth-led naming competition involving 13 Compton schools. The winning entry, chosen from hundreds of submissions, came from Juan, a student at Dominguez High School. His vision captured both the community’s proud identity (Hub City) and the sense of hope and elevation (Heights).
Transformation Arts’ Role
We’re honored to lead a community-centered public art initiative at Hub City Heights that includes:
A Gateway Mural — A vibrant, site-specific artwork at the building’s entrance that celebrates Compton’s rich cultural history and welcomes residents with pride.
Resident-Created Interior Mural — A collaborative courtyard project, co-designed and co-painted by the residents themselves, fostering a sense of ownership and belonging.
How We’re Making It Happen
Our process is rooted in deep community engagement:
Community Mapping — Researching Compton’s layered history and cultural dynamics to inform design choices.
Community Partnerships — Working with Compton’s rich tapestry of community-based organizations.
Local Engagement — Hosting surveys, pop-up events, and conversations with residents and neighbors to select mural themes and artists.
Public Commissioning — Using ranked-choice voting so community members have a real say in the final design.
Fall 2025 Installation — A four-to-six week mural creation process, bringing the vision to life.
Why Hub City Heights Matters
A welcoming, co-created public art project can do more than beautify a space — it can build pride, belonging, and resilience. Especially in places that have faced displacement or stigma, art can be a bridge to connection.
At Hub City Heights, this project means:
Neighbors engaged in the creative process
A public face that reflects the community’s vibrancy, not stereotypes
Residents empowered to shape the identity of their own home
It’s a living example of our mission:
“To create culturally authentic narratives with art that empower, encourage self-reflection and accountability — ultimately building a coalition advocating for equitable distribution of wealth and resources.”
What’s Next — Stay Connected
Mural Opening & Community Celebration — Coming Winter 2025
Behind-the-Scenes Stories — Meet the artists and see the creative process unfold on Instagram and our blog
Community Support — Local arts groups and neighbors will be invited to join in supporting the project
Follow along and be part of this creative transformation in Compton:
We’re honored to build beauty that builds power — together.
With pride and purpose,
The Transformation Arts Team