South Los Angeles has long faced a pressing need for safe, stable, attainable housing. Sunflower Bank is proud to play a meaningful role in addressing that need through a $15 million construction loan commitment for St. Rest Phase One, a 62-unit affordable housing development being built in partnership with Logos Faith Development. Construction financing for Phase One is expected to support completion of the project in the fourth quarter of 2027.
Bringing Quality Homes to South Los Angeles
Located at 706 W. 85th Street, St. Rest Phase One will bring 62 new apartment homes to South Los Angeles, serving low- and moderate-income households. The four-story development was thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of the surrounding community. In addition to the 53 one-bedroom units and nine two-bedroom units, the building will also feature a second-floor courtyard, 27 covered parking spaces, and deeper affordability replacement units as well.
St. Rest Phase One is part of a broader vision to transform underused church-owned property into housing and community-serving space. Upon full buildout, the St. Rest development will include 138 one- and two-bedroom units, with approximately 90% designated for low-income households under Section 8 standards.
“Addressing our housing crisis is something everyone in Los Angeles should be invested in, and I look forward to the success of this project.”
A Partnership Rooted in Purpose
The St. Rest development reflects the power of public-private and faith-based collaboration in creating lasting community impact. Financing for Phase One was facilitated by Sunflower Bank’s local Commercial Banking team in partnership with its national Commercial Real Estate Lending team — bringing together the relationship-driven approach Sunflower Bank is known for with the specialized expertise needed to support complex affordable housing projects.
On May 26, 2026, local officials and community leaders gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of St. Rest Phase One. Representatives from the City of Los Angeles Council District 8 (CD8) joined Logos Faith Development, Sunflower Bank, and St. Rest Friendship Baptist Church for the ceremony.
James Canepa, EVP and Regional President at Sunflower Bank, also spoke at the ceremony, reflecting on what this project represents for the communities Sunflower Bank serves.
“At Sunflower Bank, we believe banking should be about relationships and impact, not just transactions. That is why we are proud to provide the construction financing for this important first phase of the St. Rest development. This project demonstrates what can happen when mission-driven organizations, faith leaders, developers, and financial institutions come together with a shared purpose. Together, we are not just financing construction, we are helping create stability for working families, strengthen neighborhoods, and build a future where communities can flourish.”
Through partnerships like this one, Sunflower Bank continues to strengthen the communities it serves, expanding access to affordable housing and helping create opportunities for those who need them most.
.jpg?language=en-US "St Rest Photo_ (002)")
About Logos Faith Development
Founded in 2017, Logos Faith Development is a leading Los Angeles-based developer that partners with churches to build much-needed affordable housing throughout Southern California. The full-service real estate firm works with churches, landowners, and mission-aligned organizations to repurpose underutilized land into affordable communities — addressing the affordable housing crisis and making a meaningful impact in underserved neighborhoods. Logos Faith Development has a development pipeline valued at $700 million, spanning more than 2,000 units and more than 30 faith-based organizations.