Makeover in progress.

MAKEOVER IN PROGRESS

There are a number of developments that are either at the planning or construction stages along the Crenshaw Corridor, as well as one that has already been completed. Here are snapshots of some of the sites in the area, including new projects and parcels that have yet to be developed.

(1) The Coliseum Center

This shopping center at 3730 Crenshaw Blvd. is the most recent large retail development on the corridor. The $17 million project opened March 30 with anchor tenants Big 5 Sporting Goods and Walgreens. Developed by Abe Shofet's Axiom Real Estate, the 64,000-square-foot project includes a locally owned Denny's franchise and a Magic Johnson-owned Starbucks. It was built on the site of the landmark bowling alley, Holiday Bowl, which closed in 2000. The Starbucks was constructed in the bowling alley's former coffee shop, saving the building's facade. The center also includes a preserved neon sign from a former Pontiac dealership.

(2) Crenshaw between Exposition Boulevard and 29U! Street

This stretch of Crenshaw Boulevard features several properties owned by the 63-year-old West Angeles Church of God. The parcels here make up the church's North Campus, including the church's former main sanctuary at 3045 Crenshaw Blvd. The church still uses that facility for services, though its primary location is now a few blocks away at the West Angeles Cathedral, which opened in 2001. The church would like to raze buildings here. The West Angeles Community Development Corp., the economic development arm of the church, is helping to plan a mixed-use development with residential and recreational components.

(3) 2436 Crenshaw Blvd.

The Ward Economic Development Corp., an affiliate of Ward African Methodist Episcopal Church, is teaming up with Lennar Corp. and the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency on an unnamed mixed-use development south of the Santa Monica (10) Freeway that would act as a gateway to the corridor. A senior housing component, called the Rosa Parks Villas, will be funded by the city's Affordable Housing Trust Fund and state tax credits.

(4) West Angeles Plaza

Just off of Crenshaw Blvd. at 3501 W. Jefferson Blvd., the plaza is a planned project being co-developed by the West Angeles Community Development Corp. and CIM Group Inc. The development corporation bought the site from Union Bank of California in April, and a branch is still there. Construction is slated to begin in late summer 2007 on the office and retail project. It will feature 21,000 square feet of office space and 15,000 square feet of retail with Union Bank of California serving as the plaza's anchor.

(5) Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza 

Chicago-based Capri Capital Advisors LLC purchased the 860,000-square-foot mall at 3800 Crenshaw Blvd. in January for $136 million. Capri plans a $50 million to $100 million redesign and expansion of the mall, which opened in 1947 and is still one of the largest enclosed malls in the Los Angeles area. A three-story Wal-Mart that opened in 2003 is the current anchor of the mall, which is the largest single-owner site on the Crenshaw Corridor.

(6) Marlton Square

Marlton Square is a planned 22-acre mixed-use development at 3700-3900 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. at the site of the Santa Barbara Plaza and across the street from the Magic Johnson Theaters. The project by Christopher Hammond and Lee Homes will feature 119,000 square feet of retail space and apartments. The project has received $7.2 million in funding from the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency.

(7) Bedford Parr/Promenade at Baldwin Hills

Bedford Group Developers, an urban development firm, is building this mixed-use development targeted at young professionals and empty nesters at 3736-3738 Santa Rosalia Drive. The project, which will feature ground-floor office space and 172 condo units in two mid-rise buildings, is located across the street from the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. The project is scheduled for completion in fall 2007 and is currently about 30 percent complete.

(8) West Angeles City Place

This is a planned development on a 1.6-acre parcel, including two vacant lots, at the southeast corner of Crenshaw Blvd. and West 54th Street. The West Angeles Community Development Corp. currently owns about a third of the site, and is closing escrow on land it purchased there from the Los Angeles Urban League. The community development corp. and CIM Group want to build a mixed-use development.