Meet Craig Taubman of Pico Union Project

Today we’d like to introduce you to Craig Taubman.

In 2013 Craig Taubman and his wife Louise purchased the Welch Presbyterian on the corner of 12th and Valencia in Downtown Los Angeles. The building, a historic landmark was originally built as the first home of Sinai Temple in 1909.

Craig’s original plan was to create a fun destination location for great music, food and drink in downtown LA. After learning more about the community, he decided to pivot and create the non-profit Pico Union Project, dedicated to principle to love your neighbor as you wish to be loved.

The Pico Union Project is a multi-faith cultural arts center that strives to invigorate the community of Los Angeles by bringing diverse cultures together through song, story, art and activism. Whether through the distribution of free fresh produce or planting trees that sow seeds of hope – the Project is deeply committed to be a source of light for all.

Has it been a smooth road?
Every road has its bumps. The challenge is seldom the bumps – but how you choose to navigate them.

Please tell us about Pico Union Project.
Our mission and our vision is not to see the world as it is but strive to imagine and create what it ought to be. Here are some highlights:

– We are home to 5 faith communities under one roof

– The PUP is a go to venue for world-class concerts by performers including Bruce Hornsby, Jackson Browne, Rhiannon Giddens, Courtney Barnett, La Santa Cecilia and dozens of other artists.

– A community gathering space for social justice initiatives.

– Community beautification through planting of 100’s of trees, clean up, murals and placement of trash receptacles.

– Distribution of free produce to up to 1500 families weekly.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
With increased disparity between our community “have” and “have nots” we see social justice NGO’s taking on increased roles supporting at-risk individuals with access to education, mentorship and jobs.

Our desire is to grow our team and employ more people who live locally in the neighborhood. These individuals would not only receive a working wage but also work on projects that increase pride and safety in the community in which they live.

Contact Info:

• Address: 1153 Valencia Los Angeles CA. 90015
• Website: www.picounionproject.org
• Phone: 213-915-0084
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/picounionproject/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PicoUNIONProject
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/picounionproj

Image Credit:
David Oderberg

Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.