A series of empty buildings located just east of Compton's Wilson Park could make way for a mixed-use development containing multifamily housing and street-fronting commercial space.

Aerial view looking southeastGGLO Design

The project, which is the first West Coast development for Pittsburgh-based real estate firm KBK Enterprises, would rise from two sites located at 501 and 601 E. Compton Boulevard.  Plans call for the construction of a seven-story buildings containing up to 300 residential units and 7,734 square feet of ground-floor commercial uses.  Other components of the plan include a new pedestrian plaza, parking for 407 vehicles, and a 44,000-square-foot co-working and artist production space.

The proposed apartments would come in a mix of studio, one-, and two-bedroom floor plans, according to an initial study published by the City of Compton.  Under proposed conditions of approval, KBK would be required to set aside 60 of those units as affordable housing at the low-income level - or 80 percent of the area median income.

Renderings of the project provided by architecture firm GGLO Design depict the proposed development as a contemporary mid-rise structure featuring multiple outdoor terrace decks and rooftop amenities.  The building would span two sides of Willow Avenue, with a middle section that would bridge over the street between the third and sixth floors.

Aerial view looking northeastGGLO Design

At street level, plans call for vacating a segment of Willow Avenue to create a colorful pedestrian plaza with space for landscaping and outdoor seating.

A key feature of the project, called the Compton Innovation Hub, would occupy 40,000 square feet of space on the first three floors of the building between Willow and Santa Fe Avenue.  Plans call for learning labs, co-working space, studios, and other facilities catering to creative and technology professionals.

Construction of the complex is expected to occur over approximately 26 months, according to the initial study.  Work would begin in November 2022 and conclude by January 2025, based on that timeline.

View of pedestrian plaza on Willow StreetGGLO Design

The proposed development would rise three blocks from the A Line's Compton Station, which has spawned a handful of smaller affordable housing projects on nearby sites.