Hidden Gems: Meet La Raza Webb of Raimo Residence

Today we’d like to introduce you to La Raza Webb.

Hi La Raza, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Raimo Residence’s story began in 2018, when our founder, my mother, Denise set out on a mission to provide housing for veterans and underserved communities in Southeastern San Diego. My mother transformed her portfolio of real estate properties into Raimo Residence, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which evolved into a sanctuary for affordable, independent living for veterans and low-income families. Raimo is my mother’s maiden name and so we are honoring my Great Great Great Grandfather’s legacy with this family business.

In 2021, the strategic acquisition of a mixed-use building in Encanto marked an expansion for us as we shifted to include community improvement solutions in our mission. This was exciting for me especially because after graduating from Clark Atlanta University, I embarked on journeys across continents, immersing myself in the universal rhythms of community, confronting stark inequities, and witnessing the transformative impact of such mission focused solutions. I crossed paths with Phillip along my journey, he is my partner in both love and life. I quickly found out that his expertise in tech and economic development beautifully complemented our mission, thus a new chapter unfolded.

In March of 2025, Raimo Residence launched The Block Club (TBC), a free public co-working space that anchors San Diego’s Black Arts + Culture District. TBC is a donation based creative coworking space that offers cultural programs, workshops, and event space. We curate a rotating gallery space for local artists, host creative exhibitions, and allow the community to reserve the space at a low cost. A host of volunteers and community partners, greatly amplified the impact of The Block Club. With their support we remain committed to the values of empowerment and inclusivity, ensuring that everyone who walks through our doors feels valued and supported.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Since its grand opening on March 29th, 2025, The Block Club has quickly become a vibrant coworking space for creativity and connection. Residents and community members have embraced the diverse programming and events, designed to cater to all age groups and backgrounds, ensuring that everyone finds a place where they feel inspired and included. Our biggest hurdle has been alerting the community of our existence, I guess. With the help of our community partners and supporters we’ve done our best to get the word out.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Raimo Residence created The Block Club to serve as the contemporary successors to the Creole Palace. Located in the core of the community’s historical footprint, the Palace mirrors our deliberate commitment to establishing a prominent presence. We do this by intentionally integrating three powerful principles: the healing power of art and culture, the transformative impact of Black ownership and representation, and a deep commitment to building legacy that includes both financial and knowledge-based wealth.

Using our rotating gallery wall, exhibition space, coworking space, and events we’ve created an outlet for the creator economy to develop their creations. This has lead to micro-enterprises, skill development, and a source of income that is nurtured within the community itself. Raimo Residence uses The Block Club to create safe spaces for building social bonds, reducing isolation and providing a therapeutic outlet for processing collective and individual trauma.

Art is a common language that unites us all.

Historically underserved communities often have valid reasons to distrust external developers. Black ownership helps to rebuild that trust by demonstrating a genuine, vested interest in the long-term health and success of the community, not just short-term profit. We are proud to say Black ownership is the bedrock empowerment in Raimo Residence’s model. When residents see us, people who look like them, thriving from within their community, it sends a powerful message: Representation is a functional necessity. That’s why Raimo Residence is deliberate in our strategy to break cycles of exclusion of Black ownership.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
We’ve learned that each day is a new opportunity to bring the community closer together. Sometimes interactions seem ordinary but they all have the chance to produce extra ordinary results.

Pricing:

• Individual Membership $300/year
• Event Space Rental Starting At $125/hr
• Creative Coworking: Pay what you want

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theblockclub.org
• Instagram: theblockclubsd
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580591966644
• Other: https://raimoresidence.org