Pisgah Village, feeding the spirit in Highland Park

Pisgah Village in the Highland Park neighborhood of northeast L.A. has won Governor's Historic Preservation and L.A. Conservancy awards since the renovation of the Craftsman-style compound -- more than a century old -- was completed in 2007. But beyond the architecture lies a story about how good food is key to a good home. Times staffer writer Mary MacVean drops in on the weekly produce market, the cooking classes, the on-site fruit and vegetable gardening and the monthly dinner that residents make together and share together. The result is more than a meal. It's a cultural potluck that builds dignity and a sense of community for residents. Keep reading to see more from Pisgah ...

Photo: The village hosts a weekly market where residents can buy fresh-from-the-farm produce.

Photo: Residents also grow flowers and vegetables in raised bed. Fruit trees dot the community.

Photo: Cinthya Guillen runs the gardening programs at Pisgah.

Photo: Margarita Paiewonsky, far left, runs cooking programs and oversees preparation of the monthly community dinner, which uses ingredients from the Pisgah market and gardens. 

Photo: Pieces of tilapia are marinated in Asian spices, wrapped in corn husks and grilled outside.

Photo: Channa Grace, executive director of Women Organizing Resources, Knowledge and Services, the nonprofit organization that is the driving force behind Pisgah.

Photo: Pisgah resident Mike Kim, 78, is among the resident who came to the recent community dinner. About 30 people usually show up, including Korean and Spanish translators who ease language barriers between residents.

Photo: The village was founded by a physician, faith healer and Pentacostal leader more than a century ago.

Read Mary MacVean's FULL ARTICLE.

Top photos: Some of the village's 47 homes; Mariana Negara, manager of the weekly produce market.

Photo credits: Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Karen Snow]

So where is this place located?

[Craig Nakano]

It's off Avenue 60, as mentioned in the story (http://www.latimes.com/features/home/la-hm-pisgah-senior-housing-20100807,0,3081540,full.story). Cross street is Echo. It's not far from the 110. Thanks for reading.