The purpose of South Tower Community Land Trust is to build community control of land, housing, and civic resources centered in the South Tower District. We envision a barrier free South Tower creatively building shared prosperity and health.
In 2025, as the South Tower CLT team grew, we needed dedicated space to collaborate and gather community. Our organization is focused on community ownership, so rather than renting, we decided to focus on acquiring a building to suit our needs. Typical commercial build size in South Tower is larger than our team needed alone. This led to us identifying allied organizations that wanted to collocate with us.
Ultimately, we acquired a 2,300 square foot brick building constructed in 1954. Our anchor retail tenant is Judging by the Cover Bookstore. Central Valley Free Clinic and Needle Exchange is another tenant and we’re working to identify one more tenant to join us.
What is one interesting fact about your space?
The first use of our building in 1954 was a wedding dress boutique called the Bride’s House.
South Tower CLT’s executive director worked in architecture for many years and managed the design of 541 @ South Tower the art deco inspired affordable housing development next door completed in 2016.
South Tower CLT also work on public art. Before we acquired our building, we completed a mural in partnership with Fresno Housing Authority on the 541 @ South Tower wall that faces our newly acquired building.
What are your favorite resources that you would recommend to others?
One of our favorite resources is the Fresno County Public Library and librarian with the Heritage Center that has helped us find historical photos and articles about our community building and other housing we have acquired. Look to your own library network and librarians. The knowledge and resources they curate can surprise you.
Center Name: South Tower Community Office
Center Member Type: Center in Development
Location: Fresno, CA
Center Website: https://www.southtowerclt.org
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