In Inglewood, construction continues for the new home of Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA).
The Judith and Thomas L Beckmen YOLA Center @ Inglewood, which broke ground in April 2019, will inhabit former Security Pacific Bank branch at 101 S. La Brea Avenue. The Los Angeles Philharmonic, which is behind project, will use the space for rehearsals, classes, and performances.
Architect Frank Gehry is designing the $14.5-million YOLA Center, which will divide the building into to multi-purpose rehearsal spaces. Retractable seating and a balcony level will provide capacity for audiences of up to 260 people. Plans also call for a choir room, a practice studio, offices, and a lounge for parents and family members.
Existing exterior finishes - including glass, metal, brick, and tile - are being restored as part of the project. Additionally, a glass-walled roof pop-up is being installed to provide a lantern affect on the building's exterior and to allow light infiltration into the performance space.
At the time of the project's groundbreaking event, completion was expected sometime during 2020.
The new YOLA Center, which is expected to serve 500 students from Inglewood and neighboring communities, furthers the organization's mission to provide musical training and academic support to young Angelenos. Founded in 2007, YOLA now serves students in South Los Angeles, Westlake, and the Eastside.
The development site is located a short distance south of Florence Avenue, where construction is also underway for the Market Gateway development and a station on Metro's Crenshaw/LAX Line.
