Built in 1942 Gonzaque Village initially called Hacienda Village was a lifeline for low-income defense workers during World War II. Its construction was exempt from wartime building restrictions. Materials were scarce due to wartime rationing. The resulting homes lacked many features common in other housing. Metal was particularly hard to come by. Paul Revere Williams a renowned Los Angeles architect designed the village. E P Dentzel who later became mayor of Beverly Hills acted as the general contractor. The project cost a modest $503206. It was completed in May 1942. Gonzaque Village stands as a testament to a time of national need. It showcases ingenuity in the face of wartime challenges.
Gonzaque Village however has a more complex history than its origins suggest. Over time it gained an unfortunate reputation for high crime. The Los Angeles Times even labeled it one of the most dangerous housing projects in the nation. Rival gangs the Village Boys and the Hacienda Village Bloods divided the territory along 106th Street. Their violent rivalry resulted in numerous incidents some tragically fatal. One such incident involved Alonzo Melson a Hacienda Village Bloods member who murdered Samuel Navarette a Village Boys affiliate. Melson received a sentence of 150 years to life.
Yet Gonzaque Village is not simply defined by its darker moments. In December 2000 it was renamed in honor of Ozie B Gonzaque. She was a beloved South Central Los Angeles resident known for her tireless community service. The renaming marked a turning point a renewed hope for the future. It stands as a tribute to the resilience and spirit of its people. Gonzaque Village also faced challenges unrelated to gang violence. In 1988 the city added mobile homes to address homelessness. A fire at one of these homes sparked controversy. The media highlighted supposed hostility from existing residents. Residents however largely refuted these claims citing their shared struggles with poverty.
Despite its past Gonzaque Village has experienced a significant drop in crime. In 2021 its crime rate fell 263 percent from the previous year. This reduction signals progress a step towards a safer more peaceful community. The nearby Southeast Community Police Station provides local law enforcement services. Compton Avenue Elementary School Markham Middle School and Jordan High School are nearby schools serving the community. Gonzaque Village despite its troubled history remains a vital part of the Watts neighborhood a symbol of both resilience and ongoing community transformation. The village stands today a place where hope for a better future continues to take root and flourish.